Why Cedar Shingle Roof Replacement Requires All New Roof Decking in Southeast Michigan
If your home has an old cedar shingle roof, replacing it is very different from replacing an asphalt shingle roof. One of the biggest surprises for homeowners in Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan is learning that cedar shingle roofs almost always require brand-new roof decking when they are replaced.
While this can increase the overall cost of the project, it is not optional. It is required for structural safety, proper installation, and long-term roof performance.
In this blog, we’ll explain why new decking is necessary, what happens if it’s skipped, and the extra costs involved, including labor, materials, and disposal fees. If you are searching for the best roofer near you and want honest answers, this guide is for you.
What Is a Cedar Shingle Roof?
Cedar shingle roofs were very popular in older homes throughout Detroit, Downriver, Oakland County, and Macomb County. These roofs use individual wood shingles, usually cedar, instead of asphalt shingles.
Cedar roofs were installed differently than modern roofing systems. Instead of solid plywood decking, they were often installed over spaced or “skip” decking.
This design worked for cedar shingles, but it does not meet today’s building standards.
What Is Skip Decking?
Skip decking is made of wooden boards spaced apart, usually with 1½ to 3 inches between each board.
This allowed cedar shingles to:
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Dry from the back side
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Breathe and release moisture
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Last longer in earlier roofing systems
However, skip decking cannot support modern asphalt shingles or underlayment systems.
Why New Decking Is Required When Replacing a Cedar Roof
1. Modern Shingles Require Solid Decking
Today’s asphalt shingles, synthetic underlayments, and ice & water shield all require a solid, continuous surface.
Without solid decking:
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Shingles will sag
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Nails miss wood entirely
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Shingles blow off in high winds
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Warranties are void
In Southeast Michigan, where we deal with strong winds, heavy snow, and ice, solid decking is critical.
2. Building Codes Require Solid Decking
Michigan building codes require:
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Continuous roof decking
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Proper nail penetration
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Secure fastening of roofing materials
Skip decking does not meet current code. Any reputable and licensed roofing contractor in Metro Detroit must install new decking to pass inspection.
If a roofer tells you they can roof over skip decking, that is a major red flag.
3. Old Cedar Decking Is Usually Damaged
Most cedar roofs are 30–70 years old. Over time, moisture seeps through the shingles and causes:
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Dry rot
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Splitting boards
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Mold growth
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Weak nail holding strength
Even if the boards look okay from below, they often crumble when nails are driven into them.
New decking provides:
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Strong nail grip
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A flat surface
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Long-term structural support
4. Ice & Water Shield Cannot Be Installed Properly
In Michigan, ice dams are common. Ice & water shield is required along:
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Eaves
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Valleys
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Roof penetrations
Ice & water shield cannot seal correctly over gaps in skip decking. This leads to leaks, wood rot, and interior damage.
New decking allows the roof to be fully sealed and protected against Michigan winters.
What Happens If New Decking Is Not Installed?
Skipping new decking can lead to serious problems:
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Roof leaks within months
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Failed inspections
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Insurance claim denials
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Shortened roof lifespan
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Voided manufacturer warranties
In the long run, homeowners often pay more to fix these issues than they would have spent installing new decking upfront.
The Real Cost of New Roof Decking on a Cedar Roof
Replacing decking does add cost, but it also adds value, safety, and durability.
Here’s where the added cost comes from:
1. Extra Labor Costs
Removing a cedar roof takes more time than asphalt shingles.
The process includes:
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Tearing off thick wood shingles
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Removing old felt layers
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Pulling nails embedded in skip decking
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Removing old decking boards
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Installing new plywood or OSB sheets
This adds significant labor hours, especially on larger or steeper roofs common in older Detroit-area homes.
2. Material Costs (New Wood Decking)
New decking is typically:
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½” or ⅝” plywood or OSB
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Installed edge-to-edge
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Secured to rafters for strength
Wood prices fluctuate, but decking can add thousands of dollars depending on roof size.
While this is an added cost, it creates a brand-new roof foundation that can last decades.
3. Dump Fees and Disposal Costs
Cedar shingles are heavy. Once removed, they must be:
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Loaded
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Hauled
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Disposed of properly
Dump fees are based on weight and volume. Cedar tear-offs will cost much more to dispose of than asphalt shingles.
These fees are unavoidable and part of a legitimate roofing replacement.
4. Longer Project Timeline
A cedar roof replacement often takes longer than a standard roof, which adds to labor and equipment costs.
However, the end result is a roof that:
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Meets modern code
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Is fully warrantied
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Performs better in Michigan weather
Why New Decking Is a Smart Investment
While it may feel like an extra expense, new decking actually:
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Extends roof lifespan
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Improves energy efficiency
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Increases home value
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Reduces future repair costs
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Protects against leaks and mold
Most importantly, it ensures your roof is built the right way.
Choosing the Best Roofer Near You in Metro Detroit
Not every roofing company understands cedar roof replacements. When searching for the best roofer near me, look for a contractor who:
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Explains decking requirements clearly
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Includes decking in the written estimate
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Follows Michigan building codes
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Has experience with cedar tear-offs
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Does not cut corners to lower price
A cheaper quote that skips decking will almost always cost more later.
Cedar Roof Replacement in Southeast Michigan: Final Thoughts
If your home in Southeast Michigan or Metro Detroit has a cedar shingle roof, replacing it correctly means starting from the foundation up. New decking is not an upgrade—it is a necessity.
While the cost is higher due to:
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Extra labor
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Dump fees
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New wood materials
The payoff is a safer, stronger, longer-lasting roof that performs well in Michigan’s harsh climate.
If you want a roof done once—and done right—make sure your cedar roof replacement includes all new decking installed by an experienced local roofing professional.