More than simply the shingles you can see from the street make up your roof. Your home is shielded from the elements by a variety of components and materials working together. While all of the elements that make up your roof are significant, the deck is one of the most important. It literally serves as the system’s basis. Because of this, anyone getting a new roof or even just roof repairs has to be aware of how crucial the roof deck is. In this post, we’ll explain what roof decking is specifically, when it needs to be replaced, and much more.
What is Rook Decking?
Roof decking, also known as sheathing, serves as the structural support for your roofing system and joins the roof to your home. In order to cover the rafters and sustain the weight of the roofing shingles, it sits on top of the structural trusses, which are the “bones” of your attic.
Although you can’t see it, roof decking is highly crucial to the construction of your home. And if a home’s roof decking is decaying and unable to sustain the weight of the roof, it can cause some very significant structural difficulties.
What Causes Rotted Roof Decking?
Your roof’s worst enemy is water. Roof decking is especially vulnerable to rotting and water damage since it is comprised of wood and wood composites and is frequently exposed to prolonged or excessive wetness.
Your roofing system might become leaking in a variety of ways. Old and worn-out roofing shingles, overflowing roof gutters or downspouts, torn flashing around chimneys, ice dams or snow accumulation during the winter, excessive humidity and rising heat in the attic, and insufficient roof ventilation are all potential entry points for water and moisture that can eventually cause rotted roof decking.
When should roof decking be replaced?
Your decking might need to be replaced if your roof has to be replaced. If any of your roof decking’s integrity is damaged or there are symptoms of rotting, the wood will need to be replaced.
There will often be a few boards that need to be replaced. However, until the old roof has been completely removed, your roofing contractor won’t know how much of your roof decking has to be rebuilt.
Before they can start installing your roofing materials, your roofing contractor must repair the decking if they discover any bad boards. However, if your contractor determines that the integrity of your decking is sound, it can support your new asphalt roof.
Should Roof Decking be Repaired or Replaced?
Consider doing a fast repair job to improve the lifespan of your roof. Think again. Roof deck repair is not an option when it has decay; it must be entirely replaced. The longer you wait to replace damaged roof decking, the more issues it may cause, resulting in more expensive repairs and mold and mildew growth.
Even while repairing a roof is expensive, it will ultimately be less expensive than rebuilding stained drywall, wet framing and joists, or wet electrical systems.
