Wood rot on a roof in Jacksonville Florida - NEXGEN Roofing Roof Replacement

Why Wood Replacement Shows Up on the Backend of a Roof Replacement

If you’ve been told you’ll be charged for wood “if needed” during your roof replacement in Jacksonville, you’re not alone.

It’s one of the most common questions we get at NEXGEN Roofing:

“Why can’t you tell me the exact amount of wood before the job starts?”

Here’s the honest answer:
Because no one can see it yet.

What Causes Roof Decking to Rot in Florida?

In Northeast Florida, the biggest silent culprit is long-term water exposure — and most of the time it starts with something small.

Nail Pops.

When shingles expand and contract during Jacksonville’s heat cycles, nails can slowly resurface. Over time:

The nail head rusts
A micro-opening forms
Water slowly seeps into the decking
The plywood softens or deteriorates

This often happens in:

Field shingles
Cap shingles
Around chimneys
Roof-to-wall flashing transitions

You usually won’t see it from the ground.

Why You Can’t Accurately Price Wood Before Tear-Off

Even with attic access, you rarely get the full picture.

The only time decking conditions become clear is during the tear-off process - when shingles and underlayment are removed, and the wood is fully exposed.

This is when we determine:

Is the wood structurally sound?
Is it soft?
Does it meet the Florida building code as a nailable surface?

If it’s not a proper nailable surface, shingles won’t hold.

And if shingles don’t hold, they fail.

What Is a “Nailable Surface” and Why Does It Matters

Florida building code requires that roofing materials be installed over a surface capable of properly holding fasteners.

If the wood is:

Soft
Deteriorated
Delaminating
Or crumbling

It must be replaced.

Even if it’s “just starting” to rot.

This isn’t upselling.
This is structural integrity.

Any roofing professional worth hiring will tell you:

We’re not in the wood replacement business.
But we cannot ignore compromised decking.

Why Some Roofers Don’t Replace Wood

Here’s where homeowners need to pay attention.

Some contractors:

Install over soft decking
Ignore minor deterioration
Avoid backend charges to look cheaper upfront

But that creates:

Shingle blow-offs
Nail pull-through
Premature roof failure
Warranty issues

Replacing compromised decking protects your entire roofing system.

What Does Roof Decking Replacement Cost in Jacksonville?

Pricing varies depending on:

Sheet size replaced: quarter sheet, half sheet, full sheet. Sometimes the area of rot is small, but still necessary to replace. The reason you can’t replace a small patch is because of floating plywood. Your plywood must be continuous over the span of the trusses otherwise it will not be supported and can fail.
- Depending on the size of your decking, you’ll likely require blocking or sistering in areas to make sure that wood covers all required expanses.
Accessibility - harder to reach areas require more intensive labor, which will drive up the price.
Extent of damage
Current material pricing - lumber is a commodity and shifts in price with various macroeconomic factors. That is why it fluctuates both up and down.
- COVID had significant effects on lumber but has since cooled.

Wood Replacement depends on the contractor

But most sheets of plywood or OSB range from $80-95 per sheet.

If a roof is being fully re-decked (all wood decking is being replaced), a contractor will typically offer a bundle discount of about $5-10 per sheet.

The key is transparency:

You should always:

See photos
Understand why it’s being replaced
Know the per-sheet cost ahead of time

At NEXGEN, we document every sheet replaced.

When to Get a Second Opinion

If a contractor tells you:

You need “20 sheets” without showing photos or providing no prior indication, you should look for a second opinion.
You need zero sheets, but your attic shows soft spots

It’s worth asking questions.

If you’re going through a roof replacement in Jacksonville and want clarity, we’re happy to review your project.

FAQ’s

How do I know if my roof decking is bad?

You usually can’t know until tear-off. Soft spots, sagging, or visible attic damage can be indicators.

Are nail pops a big deal?

Yes. Over time, they create entry points for water, which leads to wood deterioration.

Why don’t contractors include wood replacement in the estimate?

Because it’s impossible to see all the damage before removing shingles.

Is replacing roof decking required by code in Florida?

Yes. Roofing materials must be installed over a structurally sound nailable surface.

How much does plywood replacement cost per sheet?

Pricing varies but is typically quoted per sheet and only charged if replaced.

Most contractors in NE Florida will charge between $85-100 per sheet of plywood. For complete redecking, contractors will typically discount the price even further for volume.

Why Am I Being Charged for Wood Replacement During My Roof Replacement in Jacksonville?