Roof decking is a key component of any sloped roofing system, acting as a foundation for the underlayment and outer roofing materials such as asphalt shingles. In this blog, the roofing contractors at Vertex Roofing Contractors Inc. share everything you need to know about roof decking, from what roof decking is to the different types of roof decking materials available.
What Is Roof Decking?
Also known as sheathing, the roof decking is the boards that fill the spaces between the roof’s structural parts such as joists and trusses. When installed, it provides a flat plane to which the underlayment and outer roofing materials are fastened. It also provides a work surface for roofing installers. Its underside can be filled with roofing insulation. Roof decking also serves as an additional barrier against heat and noise.
Different Types of Roof Decking
Roof decking can be made of several different materials, depending on the roof replacement requirements. These are the most commonly used roof decking materials:
- Oriented Strand Board (OSB) — This is the most common building material, also used for building exteriors and partition walls. OSB is made of interwoven strands of wood bonded with adhesive. It’s popularity as a decking material because it provides a good balance between durability, availability and cost.
- Plywood — Half-inch construction-grade plywood is another decking option that’s also highly popular. Both plywood and OSB are installed with spacing between boards to allow for thermal expansion and contraction.
- Tongue-and-Groove — Tongue-and-groove decking is built using 2-by-6 wood boards, each with a “tongue” on one end and a “groove” on the other, which that interlock during installation. This type of decking is used on roofs that do not have a ceiling, resulting in a rustic look when seen from indoors. An additional vapor barrier and insulation may be installed between it and the outer layer of roofing material.
- Plank Sheathing — Plank sheathing was popular as a roofing deck in the 1970s and remains in use today for wood shake roofs. Unlike the above examples roofing deck, plank sheathing is built using wood planks that are spaced about one and a half inches apart.
Vertex Roofing Contractors Inc. is your leading provider of roof repair and installation services. Give us a call at (703) 782-5531 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Manassas and nearby areas.
