A common question homeowners ask is whether they need to replace the decking during a roof replacement project. The short answer is it depends on the decking’s current condition. In today’s post, Brewster Roofing LLC, one of the most experienced roof and gutter companies in the state, highlights important things you need to know about roof decking.
How Roof Decking Is Inspected
Before a roof replacement project, your roofing contractor will go into your attic or crawlspace to inspect the underside of your deck for signs of damage. However, this method isn’t completely foolproof because the roofer won’t be able to fully inspect the deck until the shingles are torn off. Even if the underside appears damage free during the initial inspection, there’s still a chance it could be harboring underlying damage. The only surefire way to assess your decking’s condition is to tear off the shingles first.
The Three Most Common Types of Roof Decking
If your decking needs to be replaced, it’s important that you choose a decking product that’s suited to your area’s climate. That’s because in addition to distributing the weight of shingles throughout the roof’s structure, roof decking serves as a secondary barrier to protect your roof’s underlayers from rainwater until roof repair work can be done.
There are different types of roof decking, each with varying levels of resistance to moisture. These are the most common types:
- Oriented strand board (OSB) – OSB, the most common type of roof decking, is manufactured by intertwining wood strands that are bonded with a waterproof resin.
- Plywood sheathing – Plywood is denser than OSB, increasing its resistance to moisture and rot damage.
- Step sheathing decking – Perpendicular sheathing deck boards are spaced a few inches apart so air can circulate beneath the decking.
To learn more about the pros and cons of each option, consult an experienced roofing contractor.
Brewster Roofing LLC has been providing professional roofing services, including emergency roof repair services, to local residents since 1964. To request a quote, call us at (913) 915-5234 or fill out this form.
