Roof Decking Basics
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Roof decking is an important part of your roofing system. You don’t see it from the ground – since decking is under your shingles – but it is an important component for a sound and solid roofing system. We wanted to walk through roof decking in this blog.
What is Roof Decking?
Think of decking as the load bearing portion of your roof. Roof decking is constructed to hold the weight of the roofing materials and components as well as snow. Roof decking is installed between trusses and roof rafters to form a solid foundation for your roof material to lay and protect the structure. As we mentioned, you don’t see it on your roof since it is covered up with underlayment, shingles, and other roofing components. But roof decking is very important for roof performance – it holds the weight of the roof system and protects the structure. Failing roof decking can cause a lot of issues – with one of the worst being a roof collapse. Roof decking must have the right pitch for proper drainage into gutter systems, and it must be built to support the proper weight of the complete roofing system, possible snow, wind speeds, and other conditions.
Roof Decking and Roof Sheathing
Roof decking or sheathing is a layer that is the load bearing portion of your roof or a layer that forms the base of the roof. Roof decking is also referred to as roof sheathing – it is the same thing – just a different name for most. However, it can also mean two different things – some refer to roof sheathing as the broader structure and roof decking as the load bearing portion. Once the roof decking is installed on a new construction structure, we install other parts of the roofing system including leak barrier, underlayment, shingles, and ventilation. For roof replacements, roof decking may or may not need repair or replacement. Once the roofing components are removed, we inspect roof decking for any structural issues or leaks. If the roof decking is structurally sound with no damage, we will start installing the roofing system. If there is a small area of damage, only a small portion may need to be removed or repaired, but if a larger leak happens or if the home is aged, roof decking may have warps, cracks, and other damage from aging and will need replacement. Roof decking is the structural load bearer of your roofing system, so it is very important that your roof has a strong, sound, and damage free roof decking to support your new or replacement roofing.
Roof Decking Materials
Common materials for decking or sheathing include plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), wood planks, tongue-and-groove boards, and metal. The most common materials for roof decking or sheathing are plywood and OSB. Both materials are flexible and strong and don’t break the bank, so those materials are chosen more often for roof decking. Keep in mind though that wood decking material takes a while to dry if it gets wet. If a leak persists – OCB can’t dry out and will quickly cause rot and decay in roof decking.
Metal or steel roof decking is used in commercial uses for flat roofing systems that must support heavy HVAC systems that are installed on the roof. Metal decking is also used in residential applications when durability and longevity are important and there is a need for greater weight capacity. Metal roof decking doesn’t have the same issues as traditional wood decking over time such as warping and cracking. It costs and weighs more – but is a good option for some residential installations where additional weigh capacity is needed. Keep in mind the home must be able to structurally support metal decking and roofing – not all homes are built to carry the weight of these heavier materials.
Elite Home Solutions is a top-rated roofer in Arkansas. If you have questions or need help with your roof, please call us at 479-231-1199 or contact us!
Comments