When roof decking needs replacement

Wait for tear-off evidence

Decking should be replaced when exposed sheathing cannot provide the required structural or fastening surface. A responsible proposal separates visible known work from quantities that can only be confirmed after tear-off.

Evidence to collect before deciding

• Wait for tear-off evidence before declaring ordinary sheet quantities. Avoid declaring a routine percentage before removal; use observed attic evidence only as a planning clue and keep the final quantity open.
• Photograph soft, delaminated, spaced, or damaged areas. Photograph and locate soft, delaminated, broken, widely spaced, improperly supported, or otherwise unsuitable areas as they are exposed.
• Confirm thickness, span, fastening, and structural repairs. Name sheathing material, thickness, span, fasteners, edge support, ventilation openings, and any framing repair that goes beyond ordinary sheet replacement.
• Use a written unit price and homeowner approval path. Use an agreed unit price for ordinary sheets and a separate authorization for widespread or structural conditions that require a new design.

Reconcile installed sheets at closeout

Before the new covering hides the deck, capture overview and detail photos and count the installed material. The change record and final invoice should use that evidence rather than an unexplained 'as needed' amount.