Is Your Home 70+ Years Old? Don’t Forget to Check the Roof Deck Before Replacing Your Roof
If your home was built 60, 70, or even 80+ years ago — first off, that’s pretty amazing.
A lot of these older homes around Edmonton have stood the test of time incredibly well.
Great bones. Solid framing. Tons of character.
But there’s one thing many homeowners don’t think about until it’s too late:
The condition of the roof deck underneath the shingles.
At Weatherproof Roofing Inc., we often discover deck issues only after shingles are removed — and that can lead to unexpected costs or installation problems.
The good news?
A little knowledge (and a quick attic check) can save you from surprises.
How Older Roofs Were Built
Decades ago, roofing systems looked very different.
Most homes had:
Cedar shake roofs
Board-style roof decking (not plywood)
Wider gaps between boards
Very little insulation
Lots of natural airflow
Those roofs actually “breathed” quite well.
Air moved freely through the gaps and materials.
Which worked great for cedar shakes.
But modern shingles are a different story.
The Hidden Problem With Old Board Decks
Older roof decks were often made with:
Individual boards (1x6, 1x8, etc.)
Sometimes with large gaps between them
From inside the attic, you might even see daylight between boards.
Here’s why that’s an issue for modern asphalt shingles.
Problem #1: Poor nailing support
Modern shingles require:
Precise nail placement
Specific nail zones
Solid backing underneath
But with gaps between boards?
Sometimes a nail lands in air instead of wood.
So installers are forced to:
Shift nails higher
Nail outside the proper zone
Or miss solid backing
Which reduces holding strength.
Problem #2: Warranty risk
This is the big one.
Shingle manufacturers are very clear:
Proper nailing is mandatory.
If shingles are:
Nailed too high
Not fully supported
Outside manufacturer specs
Your warranty can be voided.
Even if the shingles themselves are perfect.
So now you’ve paid for a “lifetime warranty”… but it may not actually protect you.
Problem #3: Structural integrity
Older boards can also be:
Warped
Cracked
Soft
Splitting
Or simply tired after decades
Shingles need a solid, flat surface.
If the deck isn’t strong, the whole system suffers.
The Smart Move: Check Before You Replace
Here’s something simple we always recommend:
Before you replace your roof in Edmonton, AB, have someone pop their head into the attic.
Look for:
Big gaps between boards
Daylight showing through
Soft or damaged wood
Warps or uneven surfaces
Signs of rot or age
This quick step can help you know when it’s time to replace your roof decking — and avoid surprises later.
Your Upgrade Options
How to replace roof decking if the boards aren't ideal? There are two common solutions:
Option 1: Add plywood/OSB overlay
Install a solid layer of sheathing over the boards
✔ Creates smooth surface
✔ Allows proper nailing
✔ Improves strength
✔ Often most cost-effective solution
Option 2: Full roof deck replacement
Remove old boards and install new sheathing
✔ Best long-term solution
✔ Maximum structural integrity
✔ Ideal if boards are damaged or weak
Either option gives you:
- A proper foundation for your new roof
And roofing is only as good as what’s underneath it.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
Here’s what we want homeowners to avoid:
Scenario:
Roofers tear off shingles
Deck is bad
Now it’s a surprise
Now you have an unexpected bill
Nobody likes that.
But if you know beforehand the roof decking needs replacing and how much it costs, you can:
✔ Budget properly
✔ Plan upgrades
✔ Avoid stress
✔ Avoid rushed decisions
✔ Ensure proper installation
Knowledge = control.
Our Philosophy
At Weatherproof Roofing, we believe:
No surprises
No shortcuts
No compromised installs
If your deck needs work, it’s not optional — it’s essential.
Because installing new shingles over a bad deck is like building a house on sand.
It might look fine today… but problems show up later.
Final Thought
If your home is 70+ years old, your roof deck probably wasn’t designed for modern shingles.
And that’s okay — it just means we adapt.
A solid deck means:
Better installs
Stronger hold
Valid warranties
Longer roof life
Fewer headaches
All from one simple check.
Planning a Roof Replacement in Edmonton on an Older Home?
We’re happy to inspect your attic and roof deck before the project starts, so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
Weatherproof Roofing believes preparation today prevents problems tomorrow.
That’s why our roof replacement services in Edmonton include a thorough assessment before work begins.
Because we’d rather give you answers early than surprises later.