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5 Facts You Didn't Know About Roof Decking

Are you having trouble with your roof? For your newly constructed home, do you require a roofing system?


You must be aware of these roof decking facts if the answer to any of the two inquiries is yes.


Most often, a defective or broken roof deck is to blame for several repairs or, worse yet, an unanticipated roof replacement. It's a significant waste of time, money, and effort all around.



And as we are aware, no homeowner wants to experience that. The specialists at BRH Enterprises are here to help you avoid that danger because of this.


In this blog, we've revealed 5 important details concerning roof decks that few homeowners are aware of.


Let's look more closely at how this will benefit you before moving on to the facts.


Why Should You Know Everything About Roof Decking?


Your roof's decking serves as its foundation. It's the only thing keeping your roof over your head secure. There are a few things you need to take care of in order to keep it that way, and the information we'll give you is all about those things. Following your reading:


  • You'll be able to determine whether the decking is the cause of any problems with your roof. This will help you identify the problem.

  • You won't make any mistakes when having a new roof or roof replacement. Roofs are a lifetime investment, thus any mistakes in their decking need you to start over.


But you can't accomplish all of this by reading alone. You must fully comprehend the information and use it when speaking with your roofers. You must be aware of the complete history of roof decks in order to do that.


Roof Deck: What Is It?


Roof decking is often referred to as roof sheathing. It serves as your roof's structural base and is the initial layer that your roofers construct. They then add all the other layers and roof materials on top of this.


The deck can be made of concrete, metal, or wood, although practically all roofers choose wood for pitched homes. Understand why


  • Because hardwood planks and sheets make the ideal surface for installing underlayment and shingles on sloped roofs,

  • The roof's components are more secure and easier to fasten to wood.

  • In order to manage indoor temperature and humidity levels, appropriate ventilation and insulation are essential. This guarantees that your home has a good atmosphere and that you can live there pleasantly.

  • If your roof is made of metal, the decking will largely muffle the sound of hail and rain.

  • We can go on to the facts now that you are familiar with the story. You will undoubtedly be surprised by the first one.


1. Every time you replace your roof, you don't need a new deck.


There is no hidden meaning in the sentence, which you indeed read correctly. While the other components of your roof require replacement, the decking has a unique situation.


The deck lasts much longer than shingles, gutters, siding, and other roof fixtures. No need to replace your roof decking if it's in good condition. You can avoid spending hundreds of dollars on repairs unless you discover fluffy wood, mold, black patches, or leaks.


The coolest aspect is that you can genuinely contribute to the longevity of your deck. Simply ensure that it is constructed flawlessly.



2. You Have Control Over Your Roof Deck's Life


Roofers cut boards that are the right thickness, space the planks properly apart, and maintain the decking dry to prevent damage to it. The Wisconsin building code contains particular standards for them. There are countless guidelines, requirements, and specifications. You are welcome to discuss those with us or read them on your own.


In addition, there are three different kinds of timber materials that you can employ. Your decking can last for decades if the best design and the strongest material are used. When it's sturdy, a roof deck can typically support up to two roof replacements. But your roofing partner will be able to tell you the precise state of your deck.


The Kind Of Roof Decking Is Important


Wooden planks were essentially used everywhere up until the 1970s. Traditional homes and roofs with wood shake still have board sheathing on them. You need to replace your planks if they are really old and are not spread apart in accordance with the local construction regulations.


These days, plywood and OSB sheets are the most widely used materials. Both of them have some benefits and drawbacks.


Plywood


Since plywood is denser and thicker than OSB, water cannot easily seep within it through fractures or holes. Additionally, it is flexible and less prone to cracking due to temperature variations. In some circumstances, it is actually more resilient than OSB. However, plywood is more vulnerable to damage if moisture becomes a problem.


OSB


Oriented strand boards, or OSB, work well in hot climates. OSB offers larger sheets if you require them. Apart from that, it's a more appealing solution for some homes and is lightweight. However, some builders believe that OSB might distort when moisture seeps in, which will lead to issues later on. A lot of moisture indicates a problem in your attic.


Your Attic Issues Can Be The End Of Your Deck


The attic is essentially always closed. However, you cannot ignore it. Attic insulation and proper ventilation are essential. Your attic will be either too hot or too cool if you don't. This implies that it will always be damp. Additionally, the main cause of deck damage is excessive moisture in your attic.


As a result, the deck develops wood rot and becomes a haven for mold and mildew. So what can you do to prevent damage to your roof decking? The solutions are underlayment, ventilation, and insulation.


Insulation and Ventilation


Request an attic inspection from a roofing contractor to safeguard your decking from moisture. We'll do it for no charge. The optimum ventilation spots and insulation materials will be recommended by our experts. You might start by inquiring about the many kinds of intake vents, exhausts, blow-in insulation, etc. with your roofer.


Underlayment


Make sure to utilize the proper underlayment while installing a new roof. It is a layer between your decking and shingles that is installed for fire and water resistance. You have excellent weatherproofing alternatives for underlayments that can protect your roof deck from the elements to the fullest. For places with a lot of rain, snow, storms, or a hot environment, rubberized underlayment and synthetic underlayment are recommended.


But what if something dangerous happens to your roof deck within your home, like a fire? For it, you require something more.



Wood Is Flammable, But Your Deck Doesn't Have To Be


In Wisconsin, there are lots of home fires. Do you know the primary causes of this catastrophe? Sadly, these include our beloved tools and necessities for daily life, including:


  • Unattended cooking or faulty cooking equipment

  • Malfunctioning or overloading of heating and cooling equipment.

  • Electrical failure or damaged electrical parts.


You must improve the decking material if you want to keep your roof decking from catching fire.


Plywood can be treated with fire-retardants but it cannot be made fireproof. The term "FRT Plywood" is used in the business. The rate at which fire spreads is slowed by it. You can stop it before it burns anything down in this manner.


Using fire-rated OSB is another technique to make your decking fireproof. For heat reflection, the backing is foil. It comes in different thicknesses and is simple to install.


Consult the roofing specialists about what would be ideal for your home. You can look at the Wisconsin building code's minimal requirements for fire safety. We will always advise you to conduct research and consult with experts.


We can assist you with roof decking and everything else.


At BRH Enterprises, we take pleasure in creating roofs that are as safe, reliable, and honest as possible.


The first image that comes to mind while discussing a home's roof is a nice family. And we will stop at nothing to keep them secure. Our objective is to construct roofs that will endure forever because of this.


For years, consumers have received the Best Roof Assistance from our professionals. They'll work hard to make you feel like a member of our team and do what's best for your home and your wallet.


You can reach out to us at (920)-249-4228 for more details and a free consultation.

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