Roof Decking
If you live in the same home long enough, you will eventually have to update your roof. You’ll be faced with the decision to fully replace your roof or add to the existing roof.
For roofs covered with asphalt shingles, it is possible to lay fresh shingles over the existing ones. This is a common practice among contracting companies. While there are some cost-effective advantages to building over the top of the old shingles, there are also some disadvantages.
Building over-the-Top
Before building over the top of your old shingles there are some considerations:
• The condition of the current shingles. Are they in good shape or do they contain tears and cracks? Are they worn out?
• Has this been done before? Adding multiple layers of asphalt shingles can put considerable weight on your roof and compromise it’s structural integrity.
• You may have to repair or replace certain components of your roof underneath the first layer of shingles.
Warranty & Insurance
Keep in mind your warranty may not cover this type of roofing. Make sure you read your warranty and check with the contracting company or the manufacturer to see the warranty covers building over the top.
Insurance companies may not cover your roof in the event of damage. You should always consult your homeowner’s insurance before launching any type of project with your roof.
• The condition of the current shingles. Are they in good shape or do they contain tears and cracks? Are they worn out?
• Has this been done before? Adding multiple layers of asphalt shingles can put considerable weight on your roof and compromise it’s structural integrity.
• You may have to repair or replace certain components of your roof underneath the first layer of shingles.
Warranty & Insurance
Keep in mind your warranty may not cover this type of roofing. Make sure you read your warranty and check with the contracting company or the manufacturer to see the warranty covers building over the top.
Insurance companies may not cover your roof in the event of damage. You should always consult your homeowner’s insurance before launching any type of project with your roof.
Roof Decking
The foundation of roof is the decking. It is a layer of durable plywood that is placed across the trusses and provides protection for your home. The decking has to be strong enough on both the inside and outside in order to support the weight of the roofing material.
The decking provides balance and strength to the top of your home's framework. It is the most vital component of your roof. Although plywood is the most common type of decking, there are alternatives. The three top roofing types are compared below:
Plywood
Plywood is compressed from layers of veneer wood that create a firm board. Plywood does not easily buckle in moisture, and it dries out quickly. It can be used in any climate and withstands high temperatures, humidity, and severe weather.
Oriented Strand Board Sheathing (OSB)
Both the material and the construction of oriented strand board sheathing make it and ideal candidate for roofing. OSB decking is constructed from wood strands and a waterproof resin. OSB is an affordable option for laying the deck to your home. The downside is that it does not typically last as long as other types of roofing material.
1 X Material
If you have a room where the underside of the decking is visible from below (without drywall ceiling), then 1 X decking is the best choice for you. 1 X decking is fastened horizontally to the truss. Sizes vary from a 1 x 6 to a 1 x 8 depending on the overall structure and design of the roof. The boards are attached to the joints using the tongue-in-groove method. This seems to be the most reliable.
Long Term Results
When considering either the material or the method of refurbishing your roof, keep in mind that the decision you make now will affect you down the road. It is tempting to cut corners or buy less expensive material in order to save money. Your main consideration, however, is the investment that you’ll make which will serve you well in the future. Since the roof is your primary line of defense during severe weather, it is imperative that you make smart decision.