If you’ve recently gotten a roof replacement or received an estimate for one, you may have been surprised to hear that your roof needs to be “re-decked”. While this may seem unnecessary, re-decking is an important part of the roof replacement process, and without it, your home isn’t just non-code-compliant—it doesn’t have the strong base it needs to protect you and your family.
Read on to learn more about what exactly re-decking means, why it’s oftentimes necessary (even if it costs extra), and what you can likely expect from the process.
What is Re-Decking?
Re-decking is the process of replacing the “roof deck”, which is the solid layer of material underneath the roofing materials. It acts as the structural framing of your roof and provides a foundation for the roof’s outer layers (such as shingles or tiles) to be installed on top of.
The roof deck typically consists of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), but nowadays, it’s the industry standard for homes to be built with OSB decking. OSB is a type of engineered wood panel that’s made from small strands of wood that are shredded and then bonded together with waterproof resin. It’s known for its uniform density, lack of weak spots, and cost-effectiveness.
Why Does My Roof Need to Be Re-Decked?
There are many reasons why a reliable roofing contractor may recommend that your roof be re-decked:
Natural Wear & Tear
Like anything else on your roof, the decking is prone to wearing out over time. Years of moisture and weather damage can cause the decking to eventually rot, sag, or crumble. Not only can this compromise your roof’s structural integrity, but it also means your roof will be unable to hold nails as securely.
Pests
Termites can eat your roof decking from the inside out, while carpenter ants will tunnel through the decking and weaken it. Oftentimes, you might not even know your roof decking is suffering from pests until it’s too late, or a roofing contractor discovers the damage during a replacement or inspection.
Mold
Moisture caused by leaks, poorly ventilated attics, or ice dams can cause mold to grow and quickly spread on your roof decking. Unfortunately, once mold gets on your decking, it doesn’t fix itself—it will continue to weaken and break down the wood.
Frequent Shingle Replacements
If you replace your shingles often (which typically means one or twice during a roof’s lifetime), that can also break down the integrity of the decking as nails or fasteners are repeatedly driven into it, leading to the need for replacement.
Too Many Shingle Layers
When it’s time to replace a roof, you have two options: you can either tear off the old shingles or layer over them (sometimes called a “reroof”). However, roofs have a two-layer limit, which means if you’re trying to replace your shingles when there are already two layers, the roof needs to be stripped down to the decking. At this point, it’s often recommended that the decking also be replaced.
Older Home
It’s possible your home might have been built with an outdated type of roof decking. The roof deck on older homes (roughly pre-1950s to 1960s) is sometimes comprised of 1x boards that were original to the house’s construction. Trying to replace a roof on top of 1x decking is challenging, and there’s a high chance you’ll experience problems (such as leaks or shingle loss) with your roof down the road.
Follow Building Codes
The state of Wisconsin has strict building codes governing roof re-decking to ensure homeowner safety. For example, roof decking must meet a certain thickness (depending on the rafter spacing), be able to withstand certain snow loads and wind speeds, and can’t be layered over if damaged. If, during a roof replacement, it’s discovered your decking isn’t up to code, it will need to be replaced.
Our Re-Decking Process
At Standard Roofing & Restoration, we have a comprehensive re-decking process that ensures the best outcome for your home.
- Inspection: We’ll thoroughly inspect the current condition of your roof to identify if there is any damage or areas of concern.
- Free Estimate: If we discover that your roof does need to be re-decked, we’ll provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate of the cost of services.
- Remove Roofing Materials: Once you agree to services, we’ll start by removing the existing shingles, tiles, or underlayment down to the decking.
- Decking Replacement: Oftentimes, only sections of the decking need to be replaced—not the whole thing. We’ll determine what portions need new decking materials.
- Underlayment & Roofing Material Installation: Once the new, solid decking is complete, we’ll install the underlayment and roofing materials on top.
Once we’re done, you can enjoy all the benefits of new roof decking, which often includes better energy efficiency, improved insulation, and an increase in home value!
Signs You Need to Re-Deck Your Roof
It’s not always easy to tell when you need to get your roof re-decked! Although it’s best to speak with a roofing professional who can spot problems often undetectable by the untrained eye, here are some warning signs you can look out for:
- Sagging Roofline: If you notice that your roof is sagging, then there’s a chance the decking has weakened to the point it’s losing its structural integrity.
- Visible Water Damage: Signs of water damage, such as water stains on the ceiling or persistent leaks, can indicate the decking’s water resistance has been compromised.
- Storm Damage: Large branches, debris, or broken shingles on your roof after a storm may be a sign that your decking has been secretly damaged underneath.
- Aging Roof: If your roof is over 20 to 30 years old, despite its outward appearance, it may be time to have the roof decking inspected and replaced.
Do Roof Replacements Always Require Re-Decking?
No, just because you’re getting your roof replaced does not mean you also need to replace your decking. If, during a roof replacement, it’s discovered that your decking is in good condition, then the replacement can be carried out with the current decking. The good news is that this will save you both time and money on the project!
That’s why it’s important to hire a reliable roofing contractor (like Standard Roofing & Restoration) who will give you honest recommendations and not try to price-gauge you with unnecessary repairs or replacements.
Want Reliable Roof Recommendations? Contact Standard Roofing & Restoration Today
At Standard Roofing & Restoration, our team of industry experts has years of experience replacing roofs and inspecting decking. That means we always know what signs of damage to look out for, and we will never recommend a service you don’t need. Contact us today to learn more!