What Is Roof Decking and When to Replace It? Every roofing system has a base or foundation that supports the roof’s outer layers roof and connects them to your house. This foundation is the roof decking. It lies on the structural trusses covering the rafters and supporting the roofing shingles.
Your roof decking is hiding; however, it is a critical element of your roofing system. If it is not in good condition, the entire roofing system will be compromised.
Types of Roofing Decking
Generally, there are two types of roof decking:
- Oriented Strand Board (OSB): OSB is a plywood compound formed by interlacing wood fibers. A waterproof resin bonds together these fibers. It is popular because of its low price.
- Plywood: It is much denser than OSB and offers superior protection against moisture. Also, it is a bit more expensive than OSB.
What Causes Roof Decking to Rot?
Since wood is your roof decking raw material, this one is vulnerable to water damage and rotting. Remind that your roof is constantly exposed to weather elements and moisture. Thus, chances are that your roof presents leaks at some point in its lifespan.
In this sense, Carlos de León, vice president of the León Group, told Realtor.com:
“Not repairing a leak as soon as you notice it can lead to mold, damage to the structure of your home, water damage, and even fire if water comes in contact with electrical wiring,”
Water can filter your roof layers in different ways:
- Old and worn out roofing shingles
- Overflowing gutters or downspouts
- Damaged flashing around chimneys
- Snow accumulation during the winter season
- Rising heat and excessive humidity in the attic
Besides, insufficient roof ventilation generates moisture and leads to rotted roof decking over time.
Signs of Rotted Roof Decking
To detect rotting on your roof decking, inspect the interior of your attic. Pay close attention to the underside of the roof deck and look for any of the following signs:
- Wet spots on the ceiling
- Wet spots or discoloration in the decking underside
- Stains on internal walls
- Peeling wallpapers
- Water stains on rafters
- Mold and mildew in your attic
- Sagging ceiling or roofline
- The decking underside feels soft or spongy
- A musty smell in your attic
- Roof leaks
Roof leaks are the most usual sign of a damaged roof decking.
A sign of more severe damage is an evident bulging or arched roof. It means that the decking absorbed moisture and expanded. Hence, the deck will push the shingles up on the outside of it will sink between the joists.
Your roof constantly receives the impact of weather elements. So, the National Roofing Contractors Association recommends to homeowners having their roofs inspected at least twice a year.
Other significant weather events such as big storms and hurricanes are also reasons to solicit a professional inspection.
Should I Repair or Replace my Roof Decking?
If your roof deck has rotting signs, repairing is not the right decision. A complete replacement is the best option.
The longer the time you wait to replace a damaged roof decking, the more problems it will bring you.
In this sense, Republic Roofing & Restoration offers the Integrity Roof System. It includes Diamond Deck high-performance underlayment, which works with your shingles to protect your roof deck.
Besides, products like Winter Guard® waterproof underlayment provide an extra layer of protection. It protects susceptible places such as roof edges and seams where water is most likely to penetrate.
All these products are effective ice and water barrier. Do you want more comfort and security? Republic Roofing & Restoration SureStart PLUS® roofing warranty can cover your roof for up to 50 years.
Replacing a roof is a significant investment. But it is less costly than replacing stained drywall, waterlogged framing, and joists, or water-damaged electrical systems.
Do You Think You Have a Rotted Roof Decking?
It may be time to replace your roof. When you need a new roof, contact Republic Roofing & Restoration at 901-297-4141 or request an estimate online.