There’s more to a roof than the shingles you sight from afar.
This integral protective covering is made up of a variety of roofing materials and components that work together to keep your home safe from the weather.
While all of the components on your roof are significant, roof decking is one of the most important. It’s the foundation for the entire roofing system.
That’s why anybody considering a roof replacement (or simply roof repairs) should be aware of the importance of the decking on their roof. Let’s look at what roof decking is, the available types, and the costs associated with replacement or repair.
Defining Roof Decking
Roof decking is an integral part of roofing structure in any house. It connects your roof to the home framing. It also supports the other roofing components, like shingles, tiles, and metal roofs.
Investing in robust roof decking is one of the best ways to keep your home safe and cozy. It defends against moisture or leaks. With this in mind, let’s look at some of the most common types of decking.
Types of Roof Decking
There are different types of roof decking materials that you can choose from. They include wood, steel, and stone. Each of these materials has its own advantages.
Wood decking is most preferred. This is because it’s normally treated and can withstand rot, mold, insects, and the like. Moreover, wood is also light, so it won’t put much strain on the rest of the structure.
All the same, you need to consult a reliable roofing company to advise you on which roofing deck will work best with your roof depending on the weather at your location. Below are the two most common types of wooden roof decking today.
Plank Roof Decking
Before the introduction of plywood, plank decking was the most common kind of decking.
This style of decking is constructed from elongated and rectangular hardwood planks that are available in two sizes: 1×6 and 1×8. This type of decking is still used on roofs today, though it isn’t as popular as it once was.
Sheet Roof Decking
Sheet decking (also known as sheathing) is made out of flat sheets of wood. Plywood and OSB are the two kinds of sheet decking.
The most prevalent form of decking used on roofs nowadays is OSB (oriented strand board). It’s constructed of compressed wood chips/strips that create a flat 7/16″ sheet.
Depending on the span of the rafters, plywood comes in a variety of thicknesses (3/8″, 12″, 5/8″, and 34″). Although OSB is the most prevalent, plywood is nevertheless widely utilized in homes today.
Both types of sheet decking are excellent choices, but the best option for your building will be determined by your budget as well as the wood’s availability.
When Should You Replace Your Decking?
Your roof replacement can be guided by a myriad of factors. Water, for instance, is your roof decking’s number one rival. It causes leakage to your roof, rotting, mold growth in the attic, sagging ceiling, and stained ceilings or walls.
It’s risky living in a home with structural damage. If you notice missing shingles in your roof, it might be prudent to replace the whole roof decking alongside the roof.
You can also opt to add roof waterproofing materials between shingles and decking. This will keep moisture at bay in the attic and provide extra protection to your roof from outside elements.
There will almost always be a few boards that need to be replaced. Your roofing contractor, on the other hand, won’t know how much of your roof decking has to be replaced until they’ve ripped off your existing roof.
In case they discover some rotting boards, the roofer should conduct repairs on your decking before any other roofing components are installed. If your contractor determines that the integrity of your decking is sound, it will be able to support your new asphalt roof.
Decking Replacement Costs
A roof is a major investment. A good roof decking can be a bitter pill to swallow. It can be costly, but it’s always a worthy course. The price of roof decking is determined by many factors.
If you want a quality roofing deck, you must be prepared to part away with some good dollars. Whether you are replacing or installing a new roof decking, it can be expensive and even eat up your personal savings.
That’s why it’s always important to have a set-aside budget for roofing emergencies. The cost will be highly dependent on the material of the roofing, as well as the size of the project and the design of the decking.
Nonetheless, each roofing project is always one of its kind. Once the roofing expert has a close look at your roof, he will be better placed to advise on the costs.
Excessive Moisture is Harmful
When the air is humid, it compromises your roof decking. This is because the warm air gets trapped in the arctic causing serious mold development.
This weakens the structure and the mold to weigh down on the plywood making it weak, such that it can cave inside. This can be a disaster in waiting and also have adverse effects on your family’s health by causing respiratory problems.
Ensure you have good ventilation in the attic it will save you tremendous problems related to humidity and airflow. It will also allow the trapped air to move in the attic space freely, hence keeping it regulated.
How to choose Roof Decking
Roof decking is also known as sheathing. Your choice of roof decking is determined by different factors. While choosing your roof decking, you need to go for one which is durable and readily available in the market.
If you want to enjoy cool evenings, there are different types of roof decking. Some include the plywood, tongue and groove, and plank sheathing. As far as the materials are concerned, metal and concrete, wood, and PIC are as much popular.
The oriented strand board is one of the most used types of material for sheathing. It’s made of interwoven strands that are bonded with sticky.
Its thick and strong boards ensure it holds the roofing material and safeguard the rafters. Ensure your roof installation is done by a qualified professional to ensure maximum safety and permanence.
Avoiding Decking Problems
Having your roof inspected regularly might help you avoid roof decking issues.
The (NRCA) National Roofing Contractors Association suggests having your roof examined twice a year: first in the autumn after the warm months have gone, and again in the spring after ice and snow melt away.
After a major storm or other severe weather events, you should get your roof examined as well.
The inspector will climb to the top of your roof, where they will be able to view any faults that need to be addressed more clearly. Everything from broken shingles to mold may be identified by an inspector, from the tiniest flaws to those that might have serious repercussions.
A roof repair is usually considerably less expensive than an overhaul roof replacement, so it’s always in your best interest to keep an eye on the health of your roof.
Summing It Up
A roof is a complex yet fundamental component of every building. It protects us from harsh weather elements and keeps our household belongings safe.
The importance of roof decking cannot be overemphasized. It serves as an extra shielding layer to water infiltration through your roof. Keeping abreast with the importance of roof decking will help you make wise decisions regarding your roof.
