What You Need to Know About Roof Decking

The roof consists of many parts such as the shingles, the attic, saddles and ridges. When all of these components come together, they protect your home from nature’s harsh elements and keep everyone inside safe and comfortable. Understanding how they work will help you appreciate them more and learn how to maintain them better with the help of your roofing contractor.

In today’s post, your GAF Master Elite® roofer, Ken Morton Roofing & Siding, explains everything you need to know about your roof decking.

What Is Roof Decking?

Your roof decking is a key component of your roof structure. The roof’s structure is made out of trusses and joints that keep it all together. However, the trusses and joints are just a frame with gaps in between. The roof decking is a flat surface that’s joined to the trusses and joists. Much like your underlayment, it adds an extra layer of protection between the roof and the rest of the house and serves as a surface for the asphalt shingles as well.

Types of Roof Decking

There are multiple types of roof decking. Here are some of them:

  • OSB Sheathing. OSB stands for oriented strand board and is made by interweaving wood strands and then binding them together. This roof decking is the most common type in American homes today. The sheets can be around 16 inches long, or more.

  • Tongue & Groove.  These are normally 2×6 boards that have “tongues” on one edge that slides into a “groove” on the opposite edge of another board. These are often found in homes where there are no ceilings. Most roofing contractors say that these add character and architectural style into the rafters.

  • Plywood Sheathing. These sheets are measured at 4×8 inches long and are made out of mature trees. They’re durable and moisture-resistant. However, some knots in the wood can cause a lack of uniformity. They’re known to be eco-friendly as they are recyclable materials.

Do you need a contractor you can trust for your siding repair? Look no further than Ken Morton Roofing & Siding! We’ve been treating our customers like family since 1985. We’re a GAF Master Elite Certified Contractor! Call us at (856) 582-8800 or fill out our contact form to get a free quote! We serve customers in the Woodstown area and the rest of NJ!