Why Repairing Your Own Roof Decking Is A Bad Idea

Have you heard of your roof decking or sheathing? This is the layer of materials found over the rafters and below the felt underlayment beneath your shingles. While being flexible enough to give slightly in warm and high winds and under load, your roof decks must be strong enough to bear the weight of the roofing shingles.

It is also expected to be equipped in helping moderate moisture levels at home by keeping rain and the snow out and allowing excess moisture to evaporate through the attic. This is often built by a roofing contractor using plywood or an oriented strand board. At times, it may be constructed of boards that are connected with a tongue-and-groove joint.

The Common Signs of a Damaged Roof Decking

While the expertise of a certified roofer is needed to confirm whether your decking needs repair, fortunately, there are a few noticeable signs you can watch out for such as:

Missing shingles
Mold and mildew in the attic
Visible sagging of the roof

As it’s indicated that only trained and professional roof replacement contractors are advised to work on your decking, here are some of the reasons why doing DIY-ing decking repairs isn’t advised:

There is only a little assurance that your roof decking won’t get damaged or broken again. Because the roof decking is typically made of wood or composite wood fibers, it can still be susceptible to moisture damage. Mold and mildew may eventually develop on the boards, leading to rot that weakens the support structure of your system.
Repairs are always considered a temporary solution. Renewing the deck is the better solution. This prevents further damage to the system and ensures the roof materials can have a sturdier foundation.

For a Newburgh, NY, roofing contractor, you can trust HomePro Exteriors Inc. Our team offers more than three generations of experience in the sale, installation, and service of residential and commercial exterior home improvement projects like window replacement. Schedule a free consultation and estimate at (845) 299-203 or here.

Jim Klein