While most parts of the roof are repairable, the roof decking is not. Here’s why.
The roof decking or sheathing is the layer of plywood, composite material or oriented strand board (OSB) that’s fastened on top of the trusses and rafters. It’s the flat surface to where the underlayment and the outer roofing material are fastened. Its attic-facing side can be left exposed or can be filled with expanding foam or cellulose insulation. A properly built and well-maintained roof deck is usually good for two roof installations because, after that, the old decking would have too many punctures to allow new fasteners to take hold.
A roof deck has at least two layers protecting it from outdoor conditions: the underlayment and the outer roofing material. Apart from direct impact from a heavy object, such as a fallen tree, damage to the roof deck is usually caused by moisture infiltration, which can occur at vulnerable areas like the roof edge and roof valleys. Common signs of moisture-damaged roof decks include water stains, clumping attic insulation and the presence of mold in the attic. You have to call your residential roofing services contractor if you have a sagging roofline or ceiling as these are indicators of extreme damage.
Unfortunately, a damaged roof deck will need to be replaced. Unlike asphalt shingles, decking is not made of small components, and spot repair simply isn’t possible. This is why components like underlayment and flashing exist: they help protect the roof’s structural components (including the roof deck) by preventing water infiltration at crucial areas. As a homeowner, you can prevent damage to the roof deck by not skimping on these components when your roof is up for replacement.
Renovation Team is your leading provider of roofing and exterior siding installation. Give us a call at (636) 428-3634. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in St. Louis and St. Charles, MO, as well as the surrounding communities.