Roof Decking: Benefits, Material, Cost – All You Need to Know

Whenever you think about your home’s roof, you might consider roofing materials, gutters, flashing, and even chimneys. Don’t you think that you miss out on one of the crucial elements that work to maintain the integrity of your roof through decking? It’s considered as the groundwork for the entire roof system.

We at Excel Construction Group want to assist all homeowners in understanding the crucial parts of their roof, including roof decking, as it’s vital to consider while replacing any roof.

We’ll discuss more about roof decking, roof decking details, the cost, and types of roof decking.

Roof decking is also known as sheathing, a layer of material that works to serve as the base or substrate for all other roofing material. It’s the foundation upon which the roofing materials like shingles or tiles are installed. Roof decking is typically constructed from wood, plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) materials. The primary purpose of roof decking is to offer a solid and flat surface for roofing material to adhere to, forming a weatherproof and durable roof.

Many materials can be used for roof decking; some remain ideal for specific residential roofing systems.

It’s a strong and durable option for the roof decking made from layers of wood veneer that are glued together. It is recognized for its Stability and resistance, which gives moisture and creates a reliable choice in different climates.

OBS remains the most common type of roof decking material widely used. It remains durable, readily available and relatively inexpensive. Strands are oriented to overlap each other and form a strong board. OBS is made by compressing layers of wood strands together with adhesives.

In commercial and industrial settings, metal decking is widely used, and it consists of steel or aluminum panels that offer excellent structural Support and durability.

Tongue and Groove Boards are usually made of solid wood and are installed to interlock edges, offering a secure and weather-resistant surface. It has become the standard choice for older homes and adds a touch of classic charms.

Here are a few benefits of roof decking:

• Strength and Stability: – Roof decking gives a solid, stable foundation for the roofing structure, offers a base for other roofing materials and assists in evenly distributing the weight of the roof and additional loads.
• Structural Support: – Roof decking gives structural Support to the roofing system as it distributes the weight of roofing materials across the roof’s framing, preventing sagging and ensuring the top can withstand the elements.
• Weatherproofing: – Roof decking provides safety against the barriers that involve rain, snow, and wind. If the roof does not have solid roof decking installation, you might find issues like water damage, leaks and possible costly repairs.
• Improved Insulation: – Roof insulation is generally installed on the top of roof decking. It supports regulating the temperature inside your home, making it more energy-efficient. Properly Insulation of the roof decking can assist in improving the efficiency by adding layers. It remains warm in winter and cool in summer. Roof decking keeps the Insulation in place and prevents drafts and heat loss.
• Material Attachment: – Roofing materials like shingles, tiles or metal panels are directly linked to roof decking. It gives a secure surface for these materials, ensuring that they stay in place and don’t get dislodged by strong winds or other external forces.

Understanding the causes of roof decking rot, water, or any form of moisture remains the reason for damage. It’s made of wood and wood composites, so water remains susceptible to all sorts of water damage.
Water infiltration into the roof might occur through different means. It might result from aged or deteriorating shingles, blocked gutters, incorrectly installed flashing, formation of snow or ice dams, accumulation of humidity, and head and inadequate roof ventilation. All these factors can contribute to water and moisture penetration in your roofing system, eventually causing damage to the roof decking.

The cost of roof decking can depend on different factors, including the type of material used, the size of the roof and the region where you live. For standard materials like plywood or OSB, you can expect to pay $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot for the decking material itself. Homeowners should remember that cost doesn’t include labor, which significantly adds to the overall expense. Installation costs may vary, but budgeting an additional $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot for labor usually remains common.
However, for any typical roof of 1,500 square feet, the combined cost of materials and labor for roof decking could range from $3,750 to $8,250. It’s required to get a quotation from the roofing professional within the area for accurate estimation, as prices can fluctuate depending on local marketing conditions and project requirements.

You might experience a sign that your roof decking might require repairs or replacement. Excel Construction Group serves homeowners and commercial building owners in Texas, Colorado and Oklahoma for roofing needs.

Call our professional roof deck repair contractors at (844) 601-ROOF (7663) to inspect the roof decking and material required.