You might already know about the significance of a roof in keeping the house protected from harsh weather conditions, right? Although roofs are designed to be extremely sturdy, they also need support to withstand such harsh conditions. Roof decking is not something very new in the architectural sector, but nowadays people are definitely opting for it. Due to the increase in the demand for roof decking, its popularity is also increasing in the market. Still, there are many people who are not completely aware of roof decking. So, in this guide, you’ll get to know about roof decking.
What Do We Mean By Roof Decking?
Roof decking refers to the enhanced structure that is developed between the two major structural components — the joist of the roof and trusses of the roof. It is built above the waterproof layer of the roof so that the roof underlayment is not affected. If you consult professional builders or roofing contractors, you would get to know that the roof deck is considered to be like the backbone or major support of the roof of a house.
Why Is It Essential To Have A Roof Deck For The House?
Most of the time, people are not aware of the significance of the roof deck and why it is called the backbone of the roofing system of the house. The main purpose of the roof deck is to provide a strong foundation to the topmost layer of the roofing system, such as the shingles, roof edges, flashing, and various other essential components. It is not possible to get a strong and sturdy roof without a proper roof decking. Roof decking is the most essential component that is usually considered as the lifeline of your roof and it keeps the house protected against water leak issues. It even provides protection from fire.
What Are The Materials Used In Building Roof Decking?
When building the roof decking, it is essential that you are choosing the right material because it is the foundation of the entire roofing system. The materials used for roof decking are different for residential and commercial buildings. If you want to have a roof deck for a residential property, then you need to opt for plywood. It has high resistance to water, provides stability, and it’s also very affordable. However, if you want roof decking for a commercial building, then the professionals would suggest you opt for materials such as steel, concrete, and cement. These materials will increase the bonding between the material and provide strength to the roofing system. Before you start with the process, it is essential that you consult professional roofing contractors because they will guide you in the best way.
What Can You Do When The Roof Decking Gets Damaged?
Usually, when getting your roofing system inspected, a professional will let you know that your roof decking is damaged. The process that helps in fixing the damaged roof directly depends on the type of roof your house has. If you have a shingle roof, then the shingles would be removed, the repair work would be done, and then the shingles would be placed back where they need to go. If repairs are not possible, the roof decking would be replaced with a new one, and the structural integrity of the roof would be maintained.
Building The Roof Deck
You might have come across many people who are building a roof deck on their own through the “Do-It-Yourself” procedure– you might have seen videos online. This is not advisable. The roof deck is the foundation of the roof and the most crucial part of the entire roofing system, so you should always hire professionals to build the roof decking. They have a better understanding of the material(s) to be used and have the required skills to work out the process. Besides this, they are experienced to handle such tough tasks and complete them within a stipulated time frame.
Summary
Roof decking helps maintain the strength of the roof while also keeping the house itself strong. It’s important to utilize quality roof decking, and rather than attempt to do so on your own, roof deck work is best left to professionals. They have the knowledge and tools to get the job done quickly and correctly.