The roofing business uses a lot of technical language. Nevertheless, there are several versions of these terminology depending on how the roofing contractor studied the subject.
This is not a problem. Talking to several roofing companies might occasionally become a bit complicated.
You can find out what is if roof decking and roof sheathing are the same thing in this article. In order to provide you a better knowledge of this significant roofing material, you’ll also discover 4 facts about them.
What is roof sheathing?
Roof sheathing, sometimes referred to as roof decking, is a thick covering of wood planks that is fastened to the joists and trusses of your roof to offer support. These wooden squares or planks will be covered with shingles that your roofer will install.
Sheathing for roofs comes in two varieties. It is constructed from plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Both materials are made of wood, however OSB is more affordable and lighter in weight. Although it tends to cost a little more and is heavier, plywood is a very durable form of roof decking.
Nowadays, unless they’re working with a heavier material like slate or concrete roofing tiles, most roofers prefer OSB. Plywood is typically a better choice in these situations.
What Benefits Does Roof Sheathing Offer?
The advantages of roof sheathing go well beyond strengthening your roof.
Help Quietens Leaks
Sheathing for roofs wasn’t always employed when asphalt shingle roofs were initially constructed. The majority of homeowners discovered that their roofs leaked far more often without sheathing or decking.
The additional layer of boards will provide your roof an additional layer of weatherproofing even though modern asphalt shingles have a number of weatherproofing treatments. Many sheathing boards are waterproof, which helps your roof last longer and protects your property from water damage.
Improves Forteness And Support
Sheathing on your roof aids in evenly dispersing weight. Sheathing boards help prevent bowing or drooping by being attached to your roof’s trusses and joints, which are its strongest supporting beams. This prevents high loads of snow and precipitation from doing so.
Sheathing boards also assist in holding up asphalt shingles on your roof. Sheathing ensures that any additional weight from shingles is dispersed evenly across the span of your roof because they can be a little heavier than you might anticipate.
Coverage from fire
Decking or roof sheathing can also aid in putting out fires. The majority of roof sheathing materials have a fire retardant treatment, which can help them withstand fires on the roof or in the attic even though nothing is completely fireproof.
How To Decide When New Roof Sheathing Is Needed
Sheathing for your roof is a crucial part of the entire roofing system. You should replace yours right away if it is old, out-of-date, or damaged.
There are a few other indicators that will let you know it’s time to replace your sheathing in addition to the most typical reason, which is when you re-roof your home.
Damaged or broken boards: It’s time to replace the roof if broken sheathing boards are clearly visible. Damaged sheathing is easy to identify because your roof will likely sag and you might even find sawdust and broken pieces in your attic. When a lot of weight is concentrated in one place, such as when a tree branch or limb falls on the roof, sheathing boards may become damaged. It could also happen if your roof is much older than it should be.
Water harmful: Any part of your roof could be dangerously damaged by water. It’s time to replace at least one component of your ceiling if you notice leaks, puddles, or water stains.
Rotting: It’s time for a replacement if you can see the sheathing on your roof starting to decay in places. Water damage frequently results in rotting sheathing, but if you haven’t yet noticed leaks, it might not be as obvious.
Vision of light coming from holes in the roof: Typically, it’s a bad sign if you can see the sky through your roof. It’s time to call a roofer if you take a flashlight up to your attic and can see light coming through cracks in your roof. Water can pass through if light is able to do so.
