Keeping track of your roofing system’s key components is the simplest and most effective way to keep it in good shape. While you may be familiar with the gutters and flashing, other roofing parts may not be so known to you because they’re hidden from plain sight. As a result, you may overlook these less-known yet vital components. When these components are neglected, they can jeopardize the structure’s stability and the safety of your home. One such roofing component is the roof decking.
What You Should Know About Roof Decking
The deck, also known as sheathing, is an essential component of a roof’s structural framework. It’s layered over the trusses to connect them. If the trusses are the bones of the roofing system, the deck can be considered the skin. The structure cannot support the weight of your roofing system without this component; no roof will last without proper roof decking. The sheathing is important in keeping your home safe from the elements.
How Do You Know if Your Roof Deck Is Damaged?
According to roofers, not all signs of roof deck damage are visible. That is why a closer inspection by a professional is important. Since the roof decking cannot be seen from the street, you need an expert who has the skills and tools to identify issues in the sheathing.
Nevertheless, to give you an idea of how roof decking damage usually manifests, here are some signs that roofing professionals look out for on your roof:
Missing shingles: Roof decking can be damaged by an extreme weather event, but sometimes it’s simply due to natural wear and tear. As a result, shingles get blown off the roof, resulting in bald areas. Roofing systems can last up to two decades or more depending on the material, installation quality and environment. If your roof has been in place for more than two decades, it may be time to replace it, including the roof decking.
Mold and mildew: Remember that frequent or prolonged exposure to water may cause the wooden components of your roof, such as the deck, to deteriorate early. Water may enter the roof through clogged gutters, damaged flashing or broken shingles. Water may also leak into your attic if there is a lot of snow on your roof during winter.
Visible sagging: During the inspection, your roofing contractors will check for rotting boards and sagging sections. They’ll take a look at the bottom of the roof to see if there are signs of moisture buildup. They will also check if your roofline is drooping. Any of these problems could mean that your roof deck sustained significant damage, which has already led to structural issues with your roof. When water soaks the decking, it causes the roofline and ceiling to bow and slump.
Other common signs of roof decking damage to look out for are peeling wallpaper, leaks and stains or discoloration on walls and ceilings.
What Causes Roof Deck Damage?
Faulty Solar Panel Installation
Although adding solar panels to your home effectively reduces energy costs, proper placement is required to avoid roofing issues. Before purchasing or installing them, consult a professional to ensure that your roof and home can support the additional weight of the panels. Furthermore, hire qualified and experienced roofers to install them.
Poor Ventilation
To ensure optimal performance and durability, your roofing system must have adequate ventilation. Make sure there are roof vents through which excess heat and moisture can escape. This will lower the risk of damage to any roofing component. If your attic is not properly ventilated, moisture will build up and cause mold growth, rot and leaks. Your attic can become extremely hot, causing the decking and shingles to deteriorate more quickly. Heat may also enter your living areas, causing discomfort and increasing your energy bills as your HVAC system will have to work harder to cool your home.
Poor attic ventilation can also contribute to the formation of ice dams during winter. Ice dams form when melting snow reaches the edges of your roof and refreezes. Water may penetrate your roof, causing moisture-related issues like deck rot.
Can You Have Your Roof Deck Repaired?
Yes, but it’s not ideal. Most roof decking available today is made of wood or wood composite, making it susceptible to moisture damage. If rainwater penetrates the shingles and underlayment, it will be absorbed by the decking, increasing the risk of mold and rot. As a result, the foundation that supports the shingles deteriorates. Unfortunately, once this happens, the roof decking can never be repaired. This is because mold and rot are difficult to remove once they have established themselves on wood. And even if you manage to get rid of them, there is no guarantee the same problem won’t occur again.
What You Can Do
Protecting the Roof Decking
Here are a few ways you can maintain and protect your roofing system, avoid costly damage and prevent the early failure of your roof decking:
- Schedule routine inspections.
- Regularly clean your gutters.
- Replace any damaged shingles as soon as possible.
Replacing the Roof Decking
Moisture-related damage to the decking usually means that the shingles have been severely damaged by the weather or are nearing the end of their service life. If this is the case, the next step is to replace the deck and shingles.
Water has most likely permeated and reached the roof deck if you have missing, loose or broken shingles. Keeping your old decking will only expose your new shingles to damage, reducing their lifespan. Moreover, when replacing your roof, remember that the shingles require a strong foundation to withstand high winds and other elements. By replacing your shingles and decking simultaneously, you can improve your roof’s weather resistance.
Contact Us for Your Roofing Needs!
You should hire a professional like Lask Exterior Solutions, LLC for your roofing project. We are a reliable contractor that can provide you with the high-quality roofing services you need. We are dedicated to providing our customers with satisfactory results.
Because we have been helping customers in the local community for several years, we are familiar with the industry and the area. This means that we can anticipate the roofing needs of our customers, especially after high winds, hailstorms and other weather events. Call us at (815) 964-2220, or fill out our convenient contact form to request an estimate. We serve clients in Rockford, IL, and the surrounding areas.