Below is a screenshot addressing the planks, and nailing requirements. But this is Florida code, may not be the same for you.
You can also use the link
Daniel, Thank you for sending this link. Unless I am missing something it still doesn’t say how to attach panels over boards. Such as “if re-decking with panels over 1x boards, panels must be fastened to frame (over the boards) or they can be fastened to board” I guess I am looking for specifics regarding the specific application.
You won’t find much in writing, simply because the assembly is non-prescriptive. With that said, I would have a huge problem if the new sheathing wasn’t fastened to the rafters with the same fastener scheme a normal, new construction roof would have. Nailing new sheathing to 60 or 70 year old dried-out and brittle shiplap is not the thing to do.
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Yes, Darren. I am having a huge problem because the sheathing installed over my boards was nailed to the boards. If any rafters were caught in the process it was coincidental. Most of the edges of the sheathing fall somewhere between the rafters. I can clearly see them from the attic in between the board gaps and also the nailing inconsistent patterns. The roofer doesn’t deny it and says it is acceptable and that he did not violate any codes. Geeez!
It’s just lazy, cheap work. How old is the roof? It’s no consolation, but you can at least have nails added at the rafters at the next re-roof. That doesn’t address the sheet ends between rafters though, but better than nothing.
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The roof was installed in May 2022. I been dealing with this since. Besides the panels not fastened to the rafters, I also noticed multiple misapplications the next morning on top of roof. He came back and I thought some were corrected, but except for leak coming thru the hvac vent, nothing else.
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Just curious, why did he not just shingle over the slats? Was adding the decking your idea?
Cheap work but far from cheap contract.
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Brian, The decking was required by GAF because spacing between 1x boards was 1/4-3/4" in several areas. GAF required solid surface for shingles and recommended 3/8" ply which is what was installed.
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I’m not convinced it is a problem. Extra weight is a consideration. I keep digging through the code and I do not think this is something the authors ever considered.
Except one thing, you can use planks or structural panels. There is a prescription for that. Anything else would need to be designed by an engineer and approved by the local AHJ. That is my take.
The problem is GAF will not honor the warranty if the gaps are too large.
I understand. I do not think the sheathing attachment to the planks is a problem was my point.
Sure, we would like the sheathing to be attached to the rafters, but this is now a very rigid system nailed together in more than one way. What are the possible consequences? Sheathing lifts up with wind leaving the planks behind? Not likely IMO.
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Oh, gotchya. I thought you were questioning why the sheathing was even put on.
But to your point, I do think the sheathing attachment is a possible issue. Some of the new sheathing nails themselves likely landed in gaps between the planks. I also think it is possible the ends of the sheets between rafters could pop up some from thermal expansion pushing the sheathing nails out of the 3/4" thick planks. On top of that, it appears the shingle nails used did not even penetrate the old planks. If it were me doing the job, I would have at least used longer shingle nails.
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IMO the re-decking and reroofing presented a perfect opportunity to tighten the 1967 boards to the rafters during the fastening of the panels over the boards to the rafters and also preventing those long-ass nails in the attic, which I happen to use often tho now I need a hard hat. The shingle fasteners were the correct length. They are in 1 3/8" thru solid wood. It was too easy and quick to just nail the panels willy-nilly without regard to the framing.
I don’t see anything wrong with this. The nails that go into the rafters are more important but you can’t see them for obvious reason. The ones that stick out should give you an idea how far they penetrated the rafters.
If you really want to go deeper on this you can see Appendix C of IEBC that provide general guide for roof retrofits in high wind areas. Please note, retrofts are valuntary improvements.
Table R602.3 of IRC gives you fastening schedule (see section #30-33)
Sheathing will significantly improve the roof diaphragm. For a high wind area I would only make sure the uplift connectors are there at the bottom of the roof.
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How do you know any nails were put into the rafters?
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I don’t, that should be part of the AHJ nailing inspection.
Too late now.
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I’d be interested to know from the OP if there were any inspections or permits for this job.
Next hurricane season will show everything 
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The roofer admitted they didn’t nail to the rafters, tho at first he claimed to have. There are way too many nails in the field and it shows thru the 1x gaps that the edges of the panels are butting on top of the boards. No permit was required in Jefferson Parish. Only if 1x had been replaced with panels.