What Is Roof Decking And When To Replace It?

Most people know that their roof needs to be replaced eventually, but many don’t know what roof decking is. Roof decking is the layer of material that sits on top of your roof rafters and provides a surface for your shingle roofing or other material to attach. It’s an integral part of your roof system and should be in good condition when your new roof is installed. This blog post will discuss what is roof decking and when to replace it, tell if it needs to be replaced, and when you should replace it.

What Is Roof Decking?

Roof decking is the layer of material that sits between your roofing shingles and your roof sheathing. It can be made from various materials, including asphalt, fiberglass, or metal. Roof decking provides insulation protection for your roof sheathing and helps to keep your home watertight.

If you have an older home with wood roof decking, it’s essential to check it regularly for signs of rot or damage. If the decking is damaged, it needs to be replaced to protect your roof and home. Damaged roof decking can lead to water infiltration and other problems.

Call a professional contractor for advice if you’re not sure whether your roof decking needs replacing.

Types of Roof Decking

Plywood is the most common type of roof decking and can be made from several different types of wood, such as cedar, fir, or pine. Plywood has been used for decades in construction because it’s strong enough to support heavy loads without breaking easily but still flexible enough that it won’t crack under pressure or movement when installed correctly with proper nails/screws.

What Causes Roof Decking Damage?

Several factors can cause damage to roof decking, including:

• Water infiltration: When the roof is not adequately sealed or cracks in the flashing, water can seep into the decking and cause it to rot.
• UV rays: The sun’s UV rays can cause the wood to warp, crack, and decay.
• Mold and mildew: Mold and mildew may be found on damp wood and cause it to degrade.

What Are The Signs Of A Damaged Roof Deck?

If you suspect that your roof decking is damaged, there are several signs to look for:

• Water stains on the ceiling: If water leaks into the decking, it will drip down and cause water stains.
• Warping or buckling the decking boards: The sun’s UV rays can cause the wood to warp and buckle over time.
• Mold or mildew growth: If mold or mildew is growing on the decking, it means that the wood is wet and decaying.

How Do You Know When It Needs To Be Replaced?

You’ll know your roof needs replaced if there are any signs that:

• Plywood: The most common type of roof deck, ply plywood wood is made from thin, wood thin sheets that are glued and pressed together. It is a durable material that can withstand weather and insects.
• Metal: Metal roof deck is made from aluminum, steel, or copper and is often used in commercial buildings. Normally, it’s a lightweight material that is resistant to corrosion and fire.
• Composite: Composite roof deck is made from wood pulp and plastic fibers. It is water-resistant and does not rot or decay like traditional wood products.

Should Roof Decking Be Repaired Or Replaced?

Aspects you should be aware of when deciding whether you want to make repairs or replacements to your roofing decks:

• The condition of the decking: In the event that the flooring is badly damaged, rotten with insects it is time to replace it.
• The age of the decking: Roof decking typically has a lifespan of 20-25 years. If your deck is older than this, it may need to be replaced.
• The climate: Exposure to extreme weather conditions can shorten the life of roof decking. If you lead life in an area with extreme weather conditions, you might require replacing the roof deck more frequently than someone living in a more temperate climate.

If you decide that your roof decking needs to be replaced, you’ll need to take a few steps before replacing the shingles on top of it. First, remove all existing materials and debris from the roof. After that, replace any damaged wood planks and reinforce the existing ones with screws or nails for extra stability. Finally, add new felt paper, a moisture barrier, and the shingles of your choice.

Replacing roof decking can be a big project, but it’s essential to maintain the structural integrity of your roof. If you have any concerns regarding whether or not your decking on your roof needs to be replaced, please contact us to get assistance.

The post What Is Roof Decking And When To Replace It? first appeared on Integris Roofing.

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