What happens if damaged roof decking is discovered?

Understand what the estimate could inspect

Ask which areas were visible during the initial assessment and what was concealed. Request the basis for any included repair quantity or allowance. A stated allowance is a budgeting assumption unless the proposal says the quantity has been verified.

GAF’s reroofing guidance notes the risk of concealed deck conditions when existing coverings remain. Even with a careful preconstruction inspection, ask what can only be assessed after removal. This is the reason to define the discovery process in advance.

Make additional-work pricing understandable

Ask whether repairs will be priced by an agreed unit, documented actual work or a separate quotation. Define the unit and what it includes: material, labor, removal, disposal and related work. Distinguish decking from framing or other repairs that may need a different assessment.

If a proposal includes a quantity, ask how unused allowances or additional quantities are reconciled. Avoid comparing a unit price that includes complete replacement with one that covers material only. The pricing method should make quantities and totals traceable.

Require a concise discovery record

Ask the contractor to supply photographs tied to roof locations and an explanation of the proposed scope. Where the condition raises structural questions, have the appropriate design professional assess it. An owner approval of cost is not a technical determination of the required repair.

• Location and dated photographs of the discovered condition.
• Recommended repair and responsible professional.
• Measured quantity and agreed pricing basis.
• Effect on related work, inspections and schedule.
• Written authorization and the resulting change record.

Plan for the decision window

Provide a reliable contact and an alternate decision arrangement within your approved authority. Ask how the contractor will protect the opened area if an answer or additional design review takes time. Clarify any emergency-protection scope separately from permanent repair authorization.

At completion, compare the change record with the documented quantities and final invoice. Keep the repair photographs and relevant inspection documents with the roof file. The aim is a necessary repair completed under an understandable agreement, without pressuring the owner to judge concealed construction from an unexplained total.