We’re not exaggerating when we say that the roof deck is a crucial component — it’s the flat plane where the underlayment and outer roofing material are fastened to. However, you might be surprised to know that it’s not as repair-friendly as other roofing components. In today’s post, the local roofing and exterior services contractors at BSR discuss why roof decking is, more often than not, replaced instead of repaired.

How Does Roof Decking Work?

Roof decking is typically made of plywood, oriented strand board (OSB) or composite boards, which are nailed onto the roof framing. As a foundational component, it is completely covered by the underlayment, moisture barrier and the outer roofing material like asphalt shingles. This means, on a properly-built roof, the decking is well-protected from moisture infiltration unless the roof is severely damaged.

Given that the decking is typically made of processed wood, it is vulnerable to damage if it comes into contact with moisture. In addition to roofing leaks, moisture can make its way to the roof deck from the attic through condensation, which is usually caused by poor attic ventilation.

Is Roof Decking Repairable?

So, is roof decking repairable? The short answer is yes. However, the roof repair process is different when the decking is involved. Once the extent of the damage is determined to involve the decking, all of the roofing components attached to it will have to be stripped whether they’re damaged or not. While cutting out just the affected area of the deck is possible, it would result in a roof with a compromised structural integrity. To ensure optimal performance, decking repair requires whole boards, not boards cut to size.

This is where professional repairs play an important role. In addition to installing new decking, the moisture barriers, underlayment and outer roofing will have to be replaced. Often, the new section has to match the rest of the roof, which means matching material will need to be sourced.

Whether roof repair or installation, the roofing professionals at BSR can help. Give us a call at (607) 722-7221, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve Binghamton and Vestal, NY, as well as the surrounding communities.