In the roofing business, there is a lot of technical jargon. These words come in a variety of forms, depending on how the contractor learned about roofs.
This isn't terrible. It's just a little bewildering when chatting with several roofing contractors.
“Roof decking” and “roof sheathing” are two of these words. “Are they the same thing?” “Do they each perform a different function?” “Does your roof need either of them?” These are all common questions that homeowners ask.
Bill Ragan Roofing's main goal is to educate you and provide you with all of the information you need before making such a big commitment. At times like these, the last thing you want to be perplexed by is jargon.
You'll learn if roof decking and roof sheathing are the same things in this section. You'll also discover four intriguing things about them, giving you a better grasp of this essential roofing material.
Is there a difference between the roof decking and roof sheathing?
Roof decking is a waterproof covering that is applied to the top of a roof. Roof sheathing is the same thing, though it may also be used to describe various elements of a roof structure. But now that you understand they're the same thing, what exactly is roof decking (roof sheathing) and how do you distinguish between them?
The wooden boards that make up the foundation of your entire roof system are referred to as roof decking (or roof sheathing). Because your roofing is installed on top of the foundation, I like to refer to it as the "foundation."
The roof decking is one of the most essential parts of your roof system. If you don't have one, your roof is standing empty.
4 Things You Should Know About Roof Decking (Roof Sheathing)
You've undoubtedly heard about roof decking before, but you may be fuzzy on what it is. You've now acquired all the information you need, and it's time to learn some fascinating facts. You should be aware of the many types of roof decking available and their costs, as well as other factors.
1. The two types of roof decking
Planks and Sheet Decking are the two most common types of wooden roof boards. Planking was formerly the most widely used decking material. This decking has elongated and rectangular wooden boards in two sizes.
The word "plank" refers to a wide range of decking products, including cedar and redwood. You'll still find plank decking on older structures, which is less popular nowadays. If your plank decking has a greater gap than the code allows (more on that later), it must be replaced.
The word sheeting refers to flat sheets of wood (or sheathing). Plywood is the most common type of sheet decking. It's a laminated sheet made up of compressed wood chips/strips that are 7/16 inches thick. OSB (oriented strand board) is the most popular type of roof decking nowadays. It's
Plywood comes in a range of thicknesses, ranging from ⅝" to 3/8". Plywood is still an important component of the building. The most popular wood in houses is OSB. Both types of sheet decking are excellent choices; it all comes down to your budget and, significantly, the availability of the material.
2. You might have to replace your roof decking if you have a new roof.
It's critical to inspect the roof decking while replacing it since you may need to replace it. If your roof decking's wooden is destroyed or shows indications of deterioration, it will have to be replaced.
Each roof will require a few boards to be replaced. However, your roofing contractor won't know how much of your roof decking must be replaced until they've finished removing your old roof.
If the rotten board is detected, your roofing contractor must first replace the deck before constructing your roof components. If your dealer feels that the construction of your decking is good, it may take care of your new asphalt shingle roof.
3. Roof decking is the code that relates to roof decks.
I previously discussed why your roof decking will need to be replaced. However, there is a building code in place that requires the structural soundness of wood to be maintained if it is damaged.
According to R905.2.1 of the 2018 International Residential Code, asphalt shingles must be attached to well-sheathed decks (asphalt shingles). When your new roof is installed, this code guarantees that your roof decking (roof sheathing) can support and bear the weight of your current roof.
According to building regulations, if the rotten decking or decking can't sustain the new roofing materials, it must be replaced before your roof is put in. There's also a requirement that your roofer follows the shingle manufacturer's installation instructions.
Before roofing materials can be nailed on, your roof decking must be replaced in 2021 if your plank decking has more than a 1/8" gap between the planks.
Some roofers may reduce their prices by skipping this step to compete with the competition. Always ask your roofing contractor (if they haven't already) if your roof decking is safe.
4. The price of roof decking
Wood costs vary from location to area owing to market fluctuations. As a result, calculating pricing for roof decking is difficult.
Unfortunately, in 2021, wood prices have risen dramatically, raising the cost of many replacements. I'm not sure about pricing or price range, but I can at least tell you what type of decking is more expensive.
For example, plank decking is priced according to the number of feet in linear measurement, while sheet decking is calculated per sheet. Plank decking might cost three times more per square foot than sheet decking when labor and materials are taken into account.
If you have a lot of plank decking to exchange, OSB 7/16" or 3/8" CDX plywood will be less expensive than plank decking. However, you won't know how much your roof decking will cost until your roofer determines the sort and quantity that has to be replaced.
There are several additional roofing materials you should be aware of.
After you've learned what a roof deck is, how it's utilized, why people utilize it and how much they cost, you should have a better sense of what it's all about. One of the most fundamental roofing materials, though, is a basic timber deck that spans the length of your house.
After you've seen all of the materials, you'll have a better understanding of what you're getting for your money. That is why, after reading this book, you and every other homeowner need to understand the nine roofing materials that make up your roof replacement.
Roger & Co has served Nashville residents since 1990 for all of their roofing needs. We can manage every stage of the procedure, from beginning to end, with care and precision. We realize how crucial it is for your roof installation to be done safely and correctly the first time so that you may rely on us to do it right the first time.