We Answer: What is Roof Decking & Replacement Tips

Roof Decking Replacement is not something you often think about. In fact, you might be wondering what is roof decking in the first place?!

Your home’s roof decking plays a crucial part in the structural integrity of your roof, and therefore, it is essential to pay attention to signs of wear and tear since it upholds your entire roof system.

However, spotting rotted roof decking is easier said than done. That is why we will offer some advice if you are considering replacing your roof’s decking (aka the plywood base), help you get a better idea of roof decking, and cost-effective roof replacement options for new roofing materials.

First, what is Roof Decking?

The roofing industry has a multitude of terms to get under your belt, but roof decking is fairly simple to understand. Roof decking is the roofing material in between the structural components of the roof’s foundation and the layers of insulation and weatherproofing material. It is like a table, providing extra support to everything you place on it.

The most common type of roofing deck material includes but is not limited to:

• Plywood (90 % of roof decking or more is plywood)
• Metal,
• Steel,
• Concrete,
• Wood Plank,
• Other forms of composite material.

However, there are other factors that may influence your ultimate decision including building codes in residential buildings, the weight of roof materials (roofing shingles, etc.) and air conditioning equipment, the elements, etc.

Very important to know for maintenance, especially when undergoing roof repairs and roof replacement! Also, it is important to note that in most cases, you won’t know a ton about your roof’s decking until a roofing company tears off your existing shingles (more on this later).

Types of Roof Decking:

Plywood:

Plywood Decking

CDX Plywood is one of the most popular brands used by roofing contractors for roof sheathing. It is an excellent roofing material that provides great durability. It has a protective layer that is resistant to excess moisture, stopping the potential for water damage. CDX Plywood on the other hand, is comparatively lower in price, very cost-effective for your entire roof!

Plank:

Plank sheathing is an archaic choice that was a popular decking material back in the day. Do not use it today (unless it is for a barn or shed).

They consist of rows of long, rectangular wood boards on the same rafters with occasional groove decking that come in two dimensions 1 x 6 and 1 x 8. They provide great stability and can withstand heavy loads; however, wood planks can periodically crack and deform due to the elements, especially if the attic space of your home has poor ventilation.

Knots in planks are especially areas of vulnerability. Contact a professional roofer or roofing company to help point you in the right direction as to whether or not plank is ideal for your roof’s decking is ideal.

Metal Decking:

Metal Roof Decking

Metal Sheathing is the poster child of decking material for COMMERCIAL properties due to its lightweight and durable composition that makes it an ideal, long-term choice for your roofing structure, especially if you live in an area with high amounts of precipitation like hail, snow, rain, and so forth as it is impact-resistant. No need for costly repairs!

It also has some benefits that come in handy such as contributing to overall lower energy costs as well as home insurance rate kickbacks. However, despite it satisfying the roofing needs of your current roof, it is one of the more expensive decking materials on the marketplace, which may or may not work with your budget and is why most homeowners don’t use it.

Material Composition

The price to install roof decking is based on what material you use for your home! A full roof replacement costs, on average, between $8,000 and $12,000. Note: Wood prices have a tendency to fluctuate and are volatile in this day and age, so pricing can vary significantly.

>> Click here to learn more about roofing materials.

How much does new roof decking typically cost?

A common roof question is the price question.

The cost of new decking material differs based on material composition, amount of decking material needed, and geographic location. Keep in mind that the roof replacement does also factor in different additional costs such as labor, additional taxes, and so forth.

Roof Decking Cost to Replace:

To replace your roof decking, most contractors will charge a flat rate per board/roof decking material.

Plywood:

The price of plywood per sheet is on average $70-$100. A sheet is roughly 4 x 8, and covers 32 square feet.

Plank:

Plank decking costs on average, about three times more than its plywood counterpart, so roughly $210-$300.

Metal:

The average price for a metal roof costs roughly $18,000, costing $800 t0 $1,600 per every 100 square feet.

Geographical Location

Each region offers particular materials at greater abundance, let alone cost-effectiveness than others, which will highly influence the cost. It is highly recommended to check what’s on your local marketplace by contacting local roofing contractors to get quotes on material and how much it would cost relative to your house’s job.

>> More Roofing News – Roofing Supply Shortages

Roof Decking Replacement Tips:

Roof decking will showcase signs of wear and tear in three distinct ways. In order to get a better look at potential damage, roofing contractors has to examine the old roof for:

• Leaks – Leaks are a tell-tale sign of damaged decking material. A leaky roof can seriously undermine the structural integrity of your roof, giving the opportunity for mold to infiltrate your attic. Examine the effectiveness of metal flashing on your roof and check for damages.
• The Unevenness of Roof: Improper water flow and drainage can pose a threat to the condition of decking material, especially wood, causing a sagging roof, excess flooding, and, eventually, your roof is compromised.
• Rotten Decking: Rotting decking material is an immediate call for a new roof deck as its durability is all but compromised, and it’s not a matter of if but when it falls through. Rotting wood is caused by water decay, most often than not, and can lure pests.

Rotted Roof Decking

Spotting rotted roof decking is not as easy as spotting a few missing shingles. Because shingles cover your roof’s decking, oftentimes, it can be hard to spot rotting roof decking. Oftentimes, the rotting is due to the composition of your roof decking material – mainly plywood decking.

Soaked or waterlogged decking can lead to rotting, and the main culprit is often a roof leak or clogged gutters. The water buildup slowly erodes the roof decking material, ultimately compromising its structures.

If the problem gets too bad, you will have to replace your entire roof system, which is why roof repairs are worth the cost when necessary. To determine if you need a roof repair, the best way to spot rotted roof decking is to go into your attic.

If you notice a sagging roof inside of your attic, or worse a sagging ceiling with water stains, you should immediately call a roofing contractor!

Where to Find a Roofing Contractor

Finding a roofing contractor can be as easy as a quick search online. Check out your local marketplace, as they will understand the extent of your situation better and compare services and prices from numerous roofing companies. Simple as that!

Here is what to look for when replacing your roof’s decking with a roofing company:

1. Do your own preinspection by shining a flashlight in your attic and looking for leaks, sags, and dark spots on your roof decking (plywood). Look for obvious signs of roof damage.
2. When a company comes to look at your shingles, you can have them inspected as well for any plywood replacement
3. Keep in mind that most of the time, a roofing company won’t know if you need to replace any plywood decking until they take the shingles off

What’s the Verdict?

The roofing system can be complex, but roof decking is an understandable slice of the pie. While replacing your roof decking won’t add any value to your home’s curb appeal, it can help with its structural components!

The good news is that most of the time, you won’t have to worry about your roof’s decking. Roofing stats show that the residential roofing industry is picking up, but very rarely do you have to replace decking in a roof replacement.

➡️ All this to say, your selection of a roofing contractor is essential, so you get the proper roofing guidance when you are considering a new roof, the accompanying roof warranties, and whether or not your home really needs to replace roof decking.

If you have any other burning questions to ask, don’t be afraid to reach out or get a roof replacement estimate!

FAQ

Do I have to replace the rotted roof decking?

Yes, you will need to replace any rotting roof decking to maintain the structural integrity of your home’s roof. A more significant issue can manifest if you don’t care about your roof’s decking issues.

What is the most common roof decking material?

Plywood is the top roof decking material. Most new construction homes and existing homes are built with plywood. Your roof system is the layers that protect your roof decking, including shingles, underlayment, flashing, etc.