Beyond the Shingles: The Critical Window of Deck Prep & Upgrades

In the Kansas City metro, the life of your roof isn't determined by the granules on top, but by the "skeleton" beneath. When the old layers are stripped away, you have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix structural flaws and boost your home's thermal performance.

The "Gap" Reality in KC’s Historic Neighborhoods

If you live in Waldo, Brookside, or the Northeast, your home likely features "spaced decking" or 1x6 pine planks. In the early 20th century, these gaps were intentional to allow wood shakes to breathe. However, modern asphalt shingles require a continuous, solid surface for proper adhesion and fire ratings.

The 1/8th Inch Rule

Current building codes across KCMO and Johnson County generally dictate that if gaps between planks exceed 1/8th of an inch, the surface is no longer a "nailable substrate." Shingling over these gaps invalidates most manufacturer warranties (like GAF or CertainTeed) and risks "shingle slump" during our humid 95°F July afternoons.

The solution used by reputable local crews is a "re-deck" or "overlay." This involves installing 7/16" OSB (Oriented Strand Board) or CDX plywood directly over the existing planks. While this adds $85 to $115 per sheetto your estimate, it ensures the fasteners stay anchored during the high-wind microbursts common in the Midwest.

The Radiant Barrier Upgrade

Kansas City is situated in a climate zone that demands heavy HVAC use for six months of the year. While the decking is being replaced or repaired, homeowners should consider LP TechShield or similar radiant barrier sheathing.

This specialized OSB features a thin aluminum foil laminated to the underside. In neighborhoods like Red Bridge or Prairie Village, where many 1950s-70s homes have undersized attic insulation, a radiant barrier can block up to 97% of radiant heat from entering the attic, potentially lowering attic temperatures by 30°F during a KC heatwave.

Performance Check: Plywood vs. OSB

  • CDX Plywood: Superior moisture resistance. If a leak occurs in a heavy spring thunderstorm, plywood dries out and maintains structural integrity better than OSB.
  • OSB (Oriented Strand Board): The standard for most KC new builds (like those in Shoal Creek or Olathe). It is more cost-effective and flatter, but more prone to edge-swelling if exposed to prolonged moisture.

Preparation: The "Snap and Sweep" Process

Before a single sheet of underlayment is rolled out, the "prep" phase determines the final aesthetic of your roof. A professional KC crew doesn't just pull shingles; they perform a surgical cleaning of the deck.

1

Fastener Remediation

Old nails are either pulled or "pounded home." Leftover nails that stick up (nail pops) are the #1 cause of premature leaks in Overland Park roof replacements, as they will eventually puncture the new shingle from the bottom up.

2

H-Clip Installation

When installing new OSB, local suppliers like ABC Supply Co. or Beacon recommend using H-clips. These small metal spacers allow for the natural expansion and contraction of wood as KC swings from -10°F in January to 100°F in August, preventing "buckling" ridges.

3

Substrate Inspection

Crews must check for "delamination" around chimney crickets and valleys. In older Hyde Park estates, the decking near the eaves is often soft due to decades of ice damming; these sections must be cut back to the nearest rafter and replaced to ensure the drip edge has a solid bite.