Brian Chalsma encountered a situation that every homeowner should know about before they start a replacement. We were looking at a plywood roof deck covered in "ice and water shield"—a thick, sticky waterproof membrane designed to protect your eaves from leaks.

The Problem: A Bond That Won’t Break 

As it turns out, that protective shield did its job a little too well. Over years of sitting in the Virginia sun and humidity, the membrane had essentially fused to the plywood decking. When the team tried to pull up the old shingles, the underlayment refused to come off without tearing chunks out of the wood.

The Technical "Why" 

In the roofing world, the "deck" is the wooden foundation of your roof. For a new metal roof to sit flat and perform correctly, that surface needs to be smooth and solid. If we leave old, jagged bits of membrane or damaged plywood behind, it can lead to:

  • Uneven surfaces that cause metal panels to "oil can" or ripple.

  • Trapped moisture between old and new layers.

  • A weak foundation that won't hold up against a heavy Nor'easter.

Professional Advice 

If we find rotted wood or a membrane that won't budge during a tear-off, we don't just cover it up. We replace it right away so your new roof has a solid, dry base to sit on. It might seem like a bigger job upfront, but it’s the only way we can ensure your family stays tucked away safe and dry during a midnight downpour.

Whenever you're ready to take a closer look at your own roof's health, give the team a shout at 757-867-6600 or complete the form on this page for us to contact you.

See more tips in action on our Roofing for Reel Series here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7ltFDcIMFz5skBDaAMJPXWKtPo9U2GWq&si=iTa6aCU-hRomjdSG