Roof decking, also called sheathing, is a layer of plywood or composite material installed between the structure of your roof and the shingles. It’s definitely not visible from the street, but the roof decking is an essential component of your roof system. It serves as the inner layer connecting your shingles to the trusses and rafters, and it is where the shingles are anchored so that the nails could hold them in place. That said, any problems in your roof decking could directly affect your shingles and the integrity of the entire roofing system.
In this post, trusted roofing company LePage and Sons Roofing LLC discusses some common signs of roof decking damage and the reason why it’s generally recommended to replace damaged roof decking instead of repairing it.
Signs of a Damaged Roof Decking
There are various elements that could cause damage to roof decking. Among the common causes of problems in roof decking are heavy snow loads, particularly if the snow sits on the roof for long periods. High winds, UV deterioration and roof aging can also cause a type of damage that result in missing shingles.
In some cases, the cause of roof decking damage is the installation of solar panels on the roofing. The extra weight from these panels can sometimes cause the roof deck to warp or split. So make sure to work with a reputable solar roof company to ensure that your roofing system is able to take on the additional load from the solar panels.
To know if your roof decking is damaged, below are some signs that you should watch out for:
- Missing shingles
- Curling or buckling shingles
- Visible roof sagging
- Visible holes in your roofing
- Mold or mildew in the attic
- Deterioration around chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, etc.
Why You Should Replace Damaged Roof Decking
Typically, if you are replacing your old shingles, you should consider changing your roof decking as well. This may not always be necessary. But since you are installing new shingles on your roof, it’s important to ensure that they have a solid base on which your roofer could install them. Otherwise, your new shingles might not last as long as you expect.
Furthermore, if your roofer has detected problems in your roof decking such as rot, a repair is usually not considered as a long-term solution to it. It’s best to have your roof decking replaced as soon as possible. The longer you procrastinate replacing the roof decking, the more serious the roofing issues and the more costly the repairs would be.
If you are looking for a trustworthy roofer near me, LePage and Sons Roofing LLC is one of the best options in the area. We have several years of experience in the industry, and we can guarantee quality results for your project. Call us at (508) 295-6483 or fill out our contact form to request a consultation.