Roof decking is installed on the roof system to serve as a platform for other components, such as insulation and waterproof membranes.
In addition to providing a platform for later installation of other materials, roof decking also provides an aesthetically pleasing surface for the roof system and is often left exposed in order to maintain a clean appearance. Roof decking can be installed over an existing roof deck or underlay, or it can be installed independently of any other materials in order to provide a level surface with which to work when building a new roof system. There are many kinds of roof deck, each designed to meet a variety of needs and requirements based mainly on the application. For instance, some roof replacement materials might be thinner or thicker, while others might be reflective or absorbent. To install a new roof decking you need to consider the weight of the air conditioning equipment and the frequency of rain and snow. When you know about roof decking materials you will be able to determine the new roofing materials and the roofing contractor to employ.
Some common examples of roofing materials include:
Plywood
Oriented strand board
Timbers such as pine or cedar
Reflective or aluminium materials
Wooden beams
Roof decking provides the surface on which other roof components are installed. It is beneficial to know about roof decking because it creates a level, solid foundation for shingle installation. Without this new roof foundation, shingles might shift or not have the support they need to be installed correctly. In addition, having an exposed roof face allows for easier cleaning of roof-bound materials such as moss or lichen. If these plants grow over exterior building material, they contribute to leaks and deterioration of your roof system by depriving tiles of necessary support. Having a clean surface with good drainage is important for avoiding these problems.
A common mistake made during roof replacement is underestimating how much space tiling requires. A roofing material like tiles requires enough room to move around on the surface. If that space is not allowed or provided by improper installation, then tiles might crack during installation or settlement. This can lead to other problems with your roof system over time and you will need a roofing contractor to help. During roof repairs, the roof decking sometimes gets installed too low, which leads to leaks during heavy rains. Also, make sure that any nails are at least 2" away from the edge of the wood. Damaged roof decking can puncture fragile materials underneath the roof replacement area.
The following structural components are vital:
When you build a house you need to install new roof decking plywood over the blocking. This strengthens the floor for heavy loads like appliances and cabinets. The same thing applies to the roof.
Oriented strand board (OSB) or oriented stand board (OSBP), made with wood strands glued at an angle of 0degrees/90degrees forms an interlocking matrix that resists sagging.
Fibreboard is made of small pieces of wood chips pressed together under heat and pressure to form a solid layer. It's more expensive but it provides better protection from fire because it doesn't burn as easily.
Timbers such as pine or cedar, work best on a roofing structure if they're thick and allowed to dry for six months before installation.
Reflective or aluminium materials reflect sunlight and help keep roofs cooler.
Roofing materials like wooden beams should be pressure treated with an anti-rot solution at the mill before you buy them. Most lumber yards can do this, but it's not a bad idea to paint the ends of the beams to slow down moisture absorption by keeping them out of direct contact with wood and concrete. It's also wise to install plywood panels over joists in your attic so that weight on the roofing shingles is evenly distributed across roof decks. This prevents sagging and makes for a safer roof system overall - If you don't want problems later on then you have to go with strong decking material. If you use plywood, OSB or OSBP you should know that these materials are rated in accordance with their structural load.
You will need to seek roofing contractors if you need your roof replaced. The following are signs that your roof deck is in bad shape and needs a new roof deck includes:
Moisture or water leaks into the house
Cracked or popping tiles
Curled, cracked or missing shingles
Tiles lifting off the roof surface
Leaky roof
Sagging ceiling
The difference between a rooftop and a roof deck is the location where the deck panels is positioned. A regular roof's decking has a flat surface called a 'roof top', which acts as the foundation for the installation of the shingles. The other type of roof has an exposed surface, or what we call the 'roof deck'. This exposed roof deck acts as a base on which other materials can be placed.
The basic difference between floor decking and roof decking is the purpose they serve. Floor decking refers to a platform or surface on which some other material can be laid, like tiles for example. It strengthens the entire structure by distributing the weight of the tiling evenly. But roof decking is something different and uses new decking material. It provides support for asphalt shingles roofs. This means that your shingles will not last as long if you don't use stronger or other roofing materials to build your roof decks for residential buildings.
After you've built your roof deck, it's a good idea to paint the edges and ends of the beams with an anti-rot solution. Most homeowners do not know that this will retard moisture absorption and prevent water damage by extending the life of your roof.
Make sure all shingles and tiles used in your roof match. If they don't, you could end up paying more for home improvement repairs later on.
If there are any exposed beams such as those around skylights, make sure there is no plywood or OSB over them. These types of roof decking materials do not protect against water leaks because water gets absorbed into them. It doesn't matter what kind of material you use to build your roof decks, just make sure that whatever material that is used has been treated with an anti-rot solution. It's also important that you use strong material for your roof decks because this is where the bulk of your roof's weight is placed. Once these things are done, it won't matter what kind of tiles or new shingles you install on top of them. Find out more about roof tiling, and who can do it, from the New South Wales Department of Fair Trading.