What Is The Difference Between Roof Decking and Roof Sheathing?

There is a lot of technical jargon in the roofing industry. These words are used differently depending on where the contractor learned about roofs. This isn't terrible. It's just perplexing when doing interviews with several roofing contractors.

“Roof decking,” “roof sheathing,” and other similar terms are among them. “Are they the same thing?” “Do they have distinct duties?” “Is one of them required for your roof?” These are all Frequently Asked Questions for homeowners.

Mr. Ragan Roofing's blog is all about educating and supplying you with all of the information you need before making such a large purchase. The last thing you want to be concerned about when it comes to jargon is being confused.

Roof decking and roof sheathing are frequently confused, so you'll find out if they're the same in this section. You'll also learn four intriguing facts about them that will allow you to have a better knowledge of this essential roof covering material.

A close-up on plywood board, OSB used for roof sheathing installed on roof beams with blurred roofing construction in the background - What Is The Difference Between Roof Decking and Roof Sheathing

Is there a difference between the roof decking and roof sheathing?

A roof deck is a waterproof top layer that is placed on top of a roof. Roof sheathing, on the other hand, refers to building components. Now that you know they're the same thing, what exactly is roof decking (roof sheathing) and how do you tell it apart from other types of roofs?

Roof decking is wooden that serves as the foundation for your entire roof construction. Because your roofing system is based on it, it's a good idea to consider it the "foundation."

Roof decking is one of the most important components of your roof system. Your roof will be incomplete if you don't have one.

A close-up on plywood board, OSB used for roof sheathing installed on roof beams with blurred roofing construction in the background.

4 Things You Should Know About Roof Decking (Roof Sheathing)

You've undoubtedly heard about roof decking before, but you might not be aware of what it is. You've gathered all the information you need, and it's time to branch out. You should be familiar with the many types of roof decking available and their pricing, as well as other topics.

1. The two types of roof decking

A close-up on an unfinished roof ridge with a vapor, moisture barrier, and Lightweight Metal Roofing Sheets installed over a roofing deck, sheathing.

Roof decks are most often constructed with wood planks and sheet decking. Before plankings, the most common decking material was plankings. This decking has two sets of long and square wooden boards, each measuring a different length.

A plank is a decking material made of hardwood planks that are joined together. The terms "plank," "planking," and "planking" are all used to describe a wide range of decking materials, such as cedar and redwood. Older structures, which are less popular nowadays, may still contain plank decking.

The term "sheeting" refers to flat sheets of wood (or sheathing). The most common form of sheet decking is plywood. It's a laminated sheet made up of compressed wood chips/strips that are 7/16 inches thick. OSB, commonly known as plywood, is the most popular roof deck material.

Plywood comes in a wide range of thicknesses, ranging from 3/8 inch to 3/16 inch. Although plywood is still used in buildings, it is not as popular as it was. The most widely utilized wood in house construction is OSB. Both kinds of sheet decking are excellent choices; all things considered, your budget and

2. You might have to replace your roof decking if you have a new roof.

When you replace roof decking, it's critical to inspect it while doing so since you may need to replace it. If your roof decking's wooden is damaged or shows signs of deterioration, it will have to be replaced.

It's hard to say how many boards each roof will require since every roof is different. However, until they've completed the work, your roofing contractor won't know how much of your current roof decking needs to be removed.

If you find a rotting board, your roofing contractor will first replace the deck before putting on your roof components. If your dealer believes that the construction of your decking is adequate, it may install your new asphalt shingle roof on its own.

3. Roof decking is the code that relates to roof decks.

When the structural soundness of wood is destroyed, the building code in effect requires that it be replaced.

According to 2018 International Residential Code R905.2.1, asphalt shingles must be attached to well-sheathed decks (asphalt shingles). This code ensures that your current roof decking (roof sheathing) can support and bear the weight of your new roof when it is installed.

According to building codes, if the rotten decking or decking won't tolerate the new roofing materials, it must be replaced before your roof is put in. There's also a demand that your shingle supplier's installation instructions be followed by your roofer.

Roofers may reduce their fees to compete with the competition by skipping this step. Roofers can skip this stage if they choose.

A close-up on an incomplete roofing construction on the stage of roof sheathing with self-adhering rubberized asphalt flexible flashings installed.

4. The price of roof decking

Roof decking prices vary depending on the market. As a result, calculating roof decking pricing is tough. Wood costs have dramatically increased in 2021, resulting in higher replacement rates. Not sure about pricing or price range, but I do know what type of decking is more expensive.

Because plank decking has a greater number of linear feet than sheet decking, it is more expensive per square foot. When labor and materials are included, plank decking may cost up to three times as much per square foot as sheet decking.

OSB 7/16" or 3/8" CDX plywood will be less expensive than plank decking if you have a lot of plank decking to replace. However, unless your roofer determines the type and quantity that has to be replaced, you won't know how much your roof decking will cost.

There are several additional roofing materials you should be aware of

Roofers replacing old roof shingles with New shingles on residential home using a nail gun.

After reading this information, you should have a better idea of what a roof deck is and how it's used. One of the most fundamental roofing components is a basic timber deck that runs the length of your home.

When you've seen all of the components, you'll have a better idea of what you're getting for your money. That is why, after reading this book, you and every other homeowner should be familiar with the nine roofing materials that make up your roof replacement.