When most people think about their roofing system, the first thing that comes to mind is the actual roofing material: shingles, tiles, metal, etc. While this is certainly an important part of your roofing system, it’s not the only one. In fact, a key component of any good roofing system is a well-constructed roof deck. The decking provides a flat surface for the shingles to be installed on and it also helps to protect the home from water damage. If you are in need of roof decking replacement or repairs, it is important to hire a reputable contractor. Near Me Roofing has a team of experienced professionals who can help to ensure that your roof deck is in good condition. We will inspect your roof and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
What is Roof Decking?
Roof decking is the material that lies between the roofing material and the insulation. It provides a flat surface for the installation of the shingles and other roofing components and acts as a nailing base. Roof decking is also referred to as sheathing and is available in different thicknesses, depending on the span of the rafters.
Importance of Roof Deck
The roof deck is one of the most important parts of your roof. It provides a stable, level surface for the installation of your roofing materials and helps to support the weight of the materials and workers. It also help in resisting impact loads such as a pile of shingles, holding constant loads like snowfall, providing resistance to wind force, and anchoring nails.
Types of Wood Roof Deck Materials
Sheathing boards or plywood
Sheathing boards, also known as plywood, are made from thin layers of wood adhered together. Each layer has its grain at right angles to adjacent layers, making the boards stronger and more dimensionally stable. There are usually an odd number of layers so that the outside grains of the layers line up.
Oriented strand board (OSB)
Oriented strand board (OSB) is a type of engineered wood that is made from thin rectangular strips or strands of wood that are arranged in cross-oriented layers and then compressed and bonded together with waterproof exterior-grade binders. The layers of Oriented Strand Board are much like plywood, with three to five layers in total.The outside layers of Oriented Strand Board are longitudinally arranged to increase the strength and stiffness in the longitudinal direction, which is the direction across the rafters or trusses.
Plank decking
Before the invention of plywood, planks were the most popular type of decking. This kind of decking is made up of elongated and rectangular wooden boards that are either 1×6 or 1×8 in size. Despite its limited popularity, you’ll still find this sort of decking on roofs today.
When should roof decking be replaced?
While roof decking is designed to be durable, it can eventually start to degrade, leaving the roof vulnerable to leaks and other damage. When this happens, it is important to replace the roof decking as soon as possible. Otherwise, the roof may collapse or suffer serious water damage.Luckily, there are a few signs that can help homeowners identify when their roof decking needs to be replaced. One such sign is sagging rooflines; if the roof decking is no longer level, it may be weakened and in need of replacement. Another sign to look for is cracks or splits in the roof decking; these can allow water and pests into the home, causing further damage. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to call a roofing professional right away to have the roof decking inspected. They will be able to determine whether or not replacement is necessary and, if so, can help you choose the best materials for the job.
Conclusion
A roof’s decking is an important component of your roofing system and should be in good condition. Without a properly functioning roof deck, the life of a roof would be greatly reduced. As such, it is important to ensure that the roof deck is in good condition before beginning any roofing project. By taking the time to inspect the roof deck and repair any damage, you can help ensure that your roof will be able to withstand whatever weather conditions come its way.
If you are unsure whether or not your roof decking needs to be replaced, give us a call! Our roofing professionals in Kent will be happy to inspect your roof and let you know if replacement is necessary. We can also help you choose the best materials for the job and can even handle the installation process for you. Contact us today to get started!
Sources:
https://www.iko.be/en/blog/roof-deck-materials-ensure-stable-roof-surface
