Roof decking is the foundation of your roofing system. It lays on top of the trusses, covers the rafters and offers a place to secure the rest of your roofing system.
Although it is not the focal point of your home, roof decking is a key to protecting your home. If your deck begins to rot, bow or stops the roof’s weight, your home may sustain some serious structural damage.
Other Charlotte area roofers don’t compare to the experts at Blue Fox Roofing. We want to help homeowners understand the different components of their homes and why they matter. Read on for a better understanding of what roof decking is and how to care for yours!
What is Roof Decking?
Roof decking, also known as roof sheathing, is made up of the wooden boards that form the roofing substrate. These boards are the foundation that your shingles and other roofing materials get secured to.
Two Types of Roof Decking
1. Sheet Decking
This is the most common type of roof decking in residential areas. Sheet decking is made up of 4’x 8′ sheets of plywood or Oriented Strand Boars (OSB). OSB is a widely used, versatile structural wood panel manufactured from waterproof heat-cured adhesives and wood strands that are arranged in cross-oriented layers. OSB was engineered to share many of the strength and performance characteristics of plywood, without the risk of delaminating.
2. Plank Decking
Plank decking is usually comprised of 1″x 6″ boards secured across the trusses, side by side. This decking was a popular option before plywood was created. Over decades these roof boards tend to dry out and contract, leaving more space between the boards that existed on the installation date. Those gaps can create a major concern when installing new roofing materials because fasteners that are installed in the gaps fail to keep roofing materials securing in place. Most roofing materials manufacturers will not warrant materials installed on an old plank deck. In these cases, Blue Fox recommends re-sheeting with OSB.
Rotting Roof Decking
Water will always be your roof’s biggest enemy. If your roof is not shedding water properly (due to age or improper installation), your roof decking will be susceptible to water damage and rot. Cracked and worn shingles allow water to penetrate to your decking. Gutters that are constantly overflowing can also cause the wood to become soaked.
Here are signs to look for if you suspect your roof decking is damaged.
- Wet spots on the ceiling
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Water stains on the underside of your roof deck in the attic
- Corroded or rusted roof nails showing in your attic
Your roof is exposed to all kinds of conditions that could cause potential damage. That is why the National Roofing Contractors Association recommends that you older roof inspected twice a year. The best time to do it is seasonally or after a harsh storm.
Should Your Roof Decking Be Replaced or Repaired?
If any part of the wood material is compromised in any way, it should always be replaced. Rotting wood is not salvageable, as it does not provide a secure place to fasten roofing materials. During a repair or roof replacement you may need to replace only the damaged areas of roof deck. Or, you may decide on a complete re-sheet. Generally Blue Fox includes at least two sheets of OSB replacement with each complete roof replacement.
If you find that your roof decking and other roofing materials like shingles are damaged or withering, you may consider a roof replacement.
Does Your Roof Decking Need Repair?
If your roof decking has been compromised, you’ve come to the right place. The Blue Fox Roofing experts can help you with all of your roofing needs. From common repairs to total replacements, our team makes it look easy!
Roof repairs don’t have to be a nightmare. Let us show you what true roofing services are. All you have to do is give us a call!
