The roof decking is a flat surface that serves as the base for trusses, joists and shingles–essentially, the entire roofing system. Plus, it functions as an extra protective layer against moisture if weatherproofing materials are attached to it.
What else do you need to know about your roof decking?
1. You Don’t Necessarily Need New Decking When Having Your Roof Replaced
Whether you need to replace the decking when replacing your shingles depends on the condition of your existing decking. A roofer will inspect the underside of your deck through the crawlspace or the attic. Bending deck boards and signs of rot are signs your roof needs new decking.
2. Inspecting Your Deck for Signs of Damage Is Tricky
The underside of the roof’s decking should give the contractor a good idea of the decking’s overall state. However, this inspection method isn’t completely accurate. Even if the underside appears to be in good shape, it’s still possible for your roofer to find rot and other damage once they start removing the shingles on your roof.
3. There Are Several Types of Decking
Depending on the extent of roof damage, your contractor might install a different type of decking. That’s because your previous deck might not have been well suited to your area’s climate.
Here’s a quick overview of the different types:
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Oriented strand board (OSB) – OSB decking, which is made of intertwining wood strands bonded with a waterproof resin, is the most common type.
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Plywood sheathing – Plywood sheathing is denser than OSB and, by extension, more resistant to moisture and rot.
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Step sheathing – Step sheathing boards run perpendicular and have a few inches of space between them to allow air to circulate underneath. This makes them suitable for cedar shingles, which require ventilation.
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Concrete – This type of decking is often used in commercial buildings.
You’ll have a better chance of preventing damage to your decking if you hire a certified contractor to handle your roofing maintenance plans.
Bradford Xteriors Denver, a fully licensed and bonded roofing company, offers a wide range of residential roofing services. To get a free estimate, call us at (720) 520-2514 or leave us a message here. We serve homeowners in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO, as well as the surrounding communities.
