Homes throughout our area tell the story of many different eras. Some properties date back well over a century, while others were completed just months ago. Even with decades of advancements in construction methods and materials, roofing remains one of the toughest and most hazardous trades in the industry. Although modern products have evolved, the core installation process has stayed surprisingly consistent over time.
What appears to be a simple layer of shingles on the outside often hides years — and sometimes generations — of previous roofing systems underneath. Many homes in our area contain multiple roofing layers that may include asphalt shingles, cedar shake, plywood, asbestos materials or even original slate roofing.
While asphalt shingles are commonly marketed with warranties ranging from 20 to 50 years, the average roof nationwide lasts closer to 12 years. In many cases, poor workmanship is to blame. Even the highest-quality materials cannot perform properly if they’re installed over failing roof layers or deteriorated decking. We frequently inspect roofs that are less than five years old but already experiencing major issues because they were installed on compromised plywood or aging wood decking.
Although the cost of a roof replacement can feel overwhelming, cutting corners often leads to much more expensive problems later. A properly installed roofing system is one of the best ways to protect your home and long-term investment.
Several factors can influence the overall cost of a roofing project, including:
- The number of existing roofing layers
- The quality of attic ventilation
- Roof pitch, height and overall difficulty
- The condition of the roof decking or plywood
Homeowners can often learn a lot simply by taking a look inside the attic. The type and
condition of the decking are usually easy to identify, though determining the number of roof layers from inside can be more difficult. Homes with cedar shake roofs, for example, typically require entirely new plywood before asphalt shingles can be installed.
If mold is present on the decking or plywood, replacing the wood alone may not solve the
problem. In many situations, improving the attic ventilation system is strongly recommended to prevent future moisture issues. Darkened plywood can also be a warning sign that the decking is old and may not support a new roofing system for its full lifespan. Watch for cracks, splits, loose knots or other signs of deterioration, especially if your home has traditional wood decking beneath the shingles.
Even though attics aren’t the most comfortable places to spend time, becoming familiar with yours can help you spot moisture concerns early and better prepare for future projects like a roof replacement. And if you’re unsure about what you’re seeing, it’s always wise to schedule a professional inspection and estimate.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media LLC (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses, or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party.
