how do i know if my roof deck needs replacing

How Do I Know If My Roof Needs Replacing?

• Your Roof is More than 25 Years Old Think about all the daily challenges your roof faces: scorching sunlight, soaking rain, heavy snow, pounding hail and more. ...
• Curling, Cracked or Buckling Shingles Damaged shingles are often the first warning sign that your roof needs replacement. ...
• Missing Shingles (Especially in a Valley) ...
• You Find Shingle Granules in the Gutter ...
• You Can See Sunlight in Your Attic ...

Full Answer

Does roof decking need to be replaced?

Over time, roof decking can begin to deteriorate, especially if moisture makes it through the layers of your roof. The decking can weaken, or even rot, when heat and humidity occur. Termites can also damage your roof decking.

How do I know if my roof decking is bad?

Signs of Damaged Roof DeckingBulging paint.Stains on the ceiling.Water leaking from the attic.Sagging ceiling.Sagging roofline.

How do I know if my roof needs new wood?

Some of the signs your roof decking may be damaged include:A leaky roof.Stains on the ceiling or in the walls.A sagging ceiling or roofline.Holes in the roof.Mold or mildew in the attic.Damage around flashing or chimneys.Significant changes in heating or cooling bills.

How many times can roof decking be used?

A standard roof deck is usually good for two installations. This means if your last roof replacement included new decking material, and, assuming the roofing structure is still structurally sound, then the same roof deck can be used for the next installation.

How long do roof decks last?

Most roofs are engineered to last about 20 years, although the actual lifespan varies depending on the materials, quality of the installation, and the local climate. Other things that can lead to a damaged roof deck is excessive interior moisture caused by insufficient venting in the attic.

What does a rotting deck look like?

The symptoms include spongy and discolored wood that may flake off and fall apart when wet. You can use a screwdriver to test the wood for soft spots. In certain conditions, even pressure-treated wood can rot and decay. Moisture and pooling water on decks can lead to rot and decay.

How long does it take for roof decking to rot?

Wood can Start to Rot in 1-6 months If: The wooded area is sitting in water. Water and/or air space is hot & humid. The area is at or near the ground.

Will roofers replace rotted wood?

Once your professional roofers have fixed the underlying cause of the moisture, they will need to replace all the wood affected by the dry or wet rot. Here are the tools and materials they will use and a step-by-step guide on how they will complete the job.

What time of year is best to replace a roof?

FallFall. Fall is the universal go-to season for roof replacement. With spring's mild temperatures and early summer's weather consistency, fall is commonly referred to as the best time of year to replace your roof.

Do roof decks add value?

Rooftop decks, especially those with a view, can add 5-8% resale value depending on your market, and can also increase rental income.

How do you repair a rotted roof deck?

Rotted roof decking cannot be repaired -- it must be replaced. Roof decking sits beneath the shingles used to protect the house from the weather. Moisture that passes this covering and seeps into the underlayment for the roof can cause leaks into the home and create greater problems.

Should you shovel your rooftop deck?

Because the strict building codes require that decks have enough strength to withstand snow, even more than roofs can withstand snow. A deck that's well designed and installed will not collapse from the extra weight of snow. The only time you really need to shovel snow is if the snow depth goes above your deck rails.

How long does it take for roof decking to rot?

Wood can Start to Rot in 1-6 months If: The wooded area is sitting in water. Water and/or air space is hot & humid. The area is at or near the ground.

How often does decking need to be replaced?

Traditional wood deck: Typically 10 to 15 years. Capped composite: Industry experts agree these boards can last 25 to 30+ years. Capped polymer (the best of the best): Because of its superior material composition, capped polymer boards can last much longer, potentially 50 years or more.

How do I know if my deck posts are rotten?

Common signs of dry rot include spongy, discolored wood that might flake or crumble when wet. A good rule of thumb is that if you can poke a screwdriver more than ⅛” into any wood on your deck, then it's rotten and should be replaced....The most common places for rot include:Deck boards.Bottoms of posts.Joists.

How do I know if my deck is structurally sound?

You can inspect your deck just by using your finger. Start with areas that are stained or wrinkled. If they are soft or squishy to the touch or start to collapse under the pressure of your finger, the wood is deteriorating and your deck is no longer structurally sound.

What to look for when checking a roof?

When you’re checking the roof, look for tiles that are curled, distorted, deformed. Also, notice any tiles that have stripped of their protective coating. By the way, make sure you’re only checking your roof when the weather is good. Be safe. 2.

How to tell if water is coming from the roof?

Water coming inside from the roof is not good. The most common place that leaks occur is from the attic. When you’re doing your biannual checkup, look at the attic-portion of the roof. Look for dark streaks. This means that water is penetrating the underlay and just about through the roof itself. On the inside, look for stains, not the ceiling or walls. These stains are usually circular. This means that water has already found its way through. The next stage is blistering and bubbling on the walls. This means the attic is letting water in.

Why do roofs need flashing?

Roof areas the protrude, like a vent or a chimney, are also candidates for flashing. Sometimes flashing can get damaged because of what are usually placed underneath them: caulking. This material dries out due to oxidation. When the caulking becomes damage, the flashing usually becomes damaged as well.

Why is my roof sagging?

If it isn’t, this is a sign of structural damage. Any sagging (sometimes called a saddleback) of the ridge could eventually lead to roof collapse. There are handful of things that are usually the cause of roof sagging. Heavy ice and snow, bad installation, the use of defective materials during installation, and water in large amounts (very heavy rainfall).

What does it mean when you see a chipped tile?

If you see many chipped tiles, missing tiles, or crooked tiles, this means the sealant is weakening. Don’t be alarmed by any little piece of asphalt shingle or asphalt gravel you see in the gutter. A small degree is normal. But if you find a lot of roof debris collecting, this is a cause for concern.

What is ridge damage?

Ridge Damage. Ridges are the place on your roof where two separate areas meet. For example, a raised point where two sections of tiles laid in different directions come together. Ridges (or at least one of the ridges, depending on the layout of your roof) is usually the highest point.

How do you know if your roof shingles are deteriorating?

A strong glue (or sealant) is used to keep them steady. Over time, mostly due to weather friction and atmosphere changes, the sealant weakens. Eventually, this results in tile deterioration which you can tell by looking in the wind gutters that line your roof. If your gutters have lots of stuff in it (tile pieces, grainy material), this is a sign.

Why do you need to do an interior roof inspection?

Interior roof checks are essential because they will help you identify roof damage that has already reached the interior of your roofing structure.

How to tell if a roof is sagging?

If you identify sagging areas in your roof, use your hand or a broom to lightly prod at the sagging spot. If the spot feels soft and wet or bends easily with the prod of your broom, you know you have moisture damage.

What to do after a roof inspection?

After you have finished your interior and exterior roof checks, make note of any damages you noticed during your inspection. Then do your research and call a professional roofing inspector to come evaluate your roof’s condition.

How to tell if shingles are damaged?

Another easy way to identify damage to your shingles is to look for particles and pieces of your shingles in your gutter. If you find pieces of your shingles washed down to your gutter, then your roof could be susceptible to greater water damage and roof decay.

What does it mean when you see a dark streak on your roof?

If you see dark stains or dark streaks on the underside of your roof or running down the walls from the base of your roof, then you’re roof is likely leaking and moisture is damaging both your roof, as well as your home’s interior structure .

What is American Dream Restoration?

If you’re in need of a professional service, inspection, or estimate for roof damage, get in touch with American Dream Restoration. We offer comprehensive repair and inspection services for every kind of roof, and we can help you repair and restore your roof quickly and efficiently. Call us today!

How old should a roof be to replace it?

One easy way to be sure you need a roof replacement is if your roof is older than 20 years old. If you’ve lived in your home for a long time you may know your roof’s age. If not, keep an eye out for your neighbor’s getting roof replacements.

What is Roof Decking?

Roof decking, also called sheathing, is the foundation of your roofing system that connects the roof to your house. It’s the base that lays on top of the structural trusses—the “bones” of your attic—to cover the rafters and support the weight of the roofing shingles.

What are Different Types of Roof Decking?

Most roof decking is made from plywood or a plywood composite known as Oriented Strand Board (OSB). OSB is composed of intertwining wood strands bonded together by a waterproof resin and is a popular option due to its low price point. Plywood, while a bit more expensive than OSB, is much denser and provides greater protection against moisture.

What Causes Roof Decking to Rot?

Water is your roof’s number one enemy. Since roof decking is made from wood and wood composites, it is particularly susceptible to rotting and water damage when continuously exposed to sustained or excess moisture.

Should Roof Decking be Repaired or Replaced?

Thinking about trying to extend your roof’s shelf life by doing a quick patch job? Think again.

What causes a wavy roof?

A sagging ceiling or roofline is another clue that there are major problems with a roof’s decking and the roofing structure. Soaked or waterlogged decking can warp, which can lead to a bowed or wavy roofline and ceiling.

Why is roof decking important?

And if a home’s roof decking is rotting and unable to support the weight of the roof, it can cause some very serious structural issues.

What is the Diamond Deck underlayment?

Long Roofing uses the Integrity Roof System , which includes Diamond Deck high performance underlayment to work with your shingles to protect your roof deck. In addition, products like WinterGuard® waterproof underlayment provide an extra layer of protection at vulnerable places like the edges and seams of the roofing system where water is most likely to penetrate.

What do roofing contractors do?

Professional roofing contractors are experienced with different types of roof damage and signs of an aging roof. They know where to look (like under shingles and around flashings) and can safely traverse roofs of various slopes. They can also tell you if you need a roof repair or a complete roof replacement.

Why are shingles granular?

Bald shingles. The granular coating on asphalt shingles helps to protect them from the elements, such as harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Roof shingles that are losing or have lost their granules are more exposed to UV rays, potentially causing them to age faster and become brittle.

How do you know if your roof is past its prime?

Asphalt shingles are meant to lie flat with no edges to catch the wind or interfere with water runoff. Cupped shingles with concave centers, wavy surfaces, and ragged or curled shingle edges are all signs that a roof is past its prime.

How long do asphalt shingles last?

According to InterNACHI’s Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes, the life expectancy for architectural asphalt roofing shingles is 30 years and 20 years for three-tab as phalt shingles.

Why do shingles fade?

Discoloration. The color of your roofing shingles may fade over the years due to UV degradation, another sign of an aging roof.

What happens if you get a hailstone on your roof?

Visible signs of roof hail damage include loss of granules, divots, and cracks. Sometimes roofing shingles will split beneath their surface due to a hailstone’s impact, leaving your roof open to water infiltration.

What is the root of moss on a roof?

Moss. The roots of moss are much larger than those found in lichens. Too much moss on your roof can speed up the loss of granules. Moss also retains water, adding weight, and keeping your roof in constant contact with water. As with shingle discolorations, a roof inspection and cleaning can help determine the health of the shingles beneath the moss.

Concrete Post Anchors Are Showing

Unless your deck sits directly on the ground – and most of them don’t – it is anchored into the ground using strong posts that are set into concrete.

Rotting Posts

Problems with posts are some of the most dangerous, especially when the deck is off the ground.

Rotting Wood

There is a difference between one section of decking needing to be replaced and the whole thing starting to crumble.

Gaps

If you notice a gap between your deck and your house, it’s time to get a new deck. It’s not safe anymore!

Mold

Mold can grow wherever there is moisture and organic matter. You can keep mold at bay by regularly cleaning your wood deck.

Stains

Stains are an indication that a deck needs to be replaced if you don’t know its age.

Bringing it Home

If you don’t know the age of your wood deck, particularly if it’s a second story deck, check for these signs to your deck needs replacing.

What happens if your deck is dirty?

If your decking has cracks, looks dirty, or suffers from mildew, it's time to decide whether to refinish or replace it entirely. Signs of an unsafe deck may not be obvious so safety checks are critical when deciding to repair or replace.

How to avoid splitting planks?

To avoid splitting planks, drill pilot holes for nails, countersink screws in wood, and predrill screw holes into composite. Choose zinc-coated or other corrosion-resistant fasteners, and use the right fasteners for composites. Also consider hidden fasteners or systems that hide the attachments.

How to remove mold and mildew from a drywall wall?

If there’s any remaining mold and mildew, remove it using a solution of 1 part bleach and 3 parts water. When staining, use as many coats as the manufacturer recommends. And be sure it's at least 50 degrees F from the time stain is applied until it dries completely. Click here for more information.

How to get mold and mildew out of a carpet?

If there’s any remaining mold and mildew, remove it using a solution of 1 part bleach and 3 parts water. When staining, use as many coats as the manufacturer recommends. And be sure it's at least 50 degrees F from the time stain is applied until it dries completely.

Can you refinish a deck before 2004?

Signs of an unsafe deck may not be obvious so safety checks are critical when deciding to repair or replace. Also, if your deck was built before 2004, it's probably made of lumber treated with chromated copper arsenate. Regular refinishing helps to seal in the toxic arsenic that CCA decking contains. But if the finish is flaking or worn off in spots, we suggest hiring a pro who's equipped to safely remove the old finish, dust, and debris and then refinish it. Here are some other considerations to keep in mind.

What is composite wood?

Composites, which blend ground-up wood and plastic, have chipped away at wood's popularity. Some even contain recycled plastic. With so many materials available, it’s tough to know which will stand the test of time.

Can screws pop loose?

Nails and screws are inexpensive, easy to handle, and suitable for nearly any material. But nails can pop loose over time, while screws are more permanent. Ceramic-coated screws come in several colors, which helps them blend in.

Why is Rotted Roof Decking a Problem?

These thin sheets of wood absorb moisture when exposed to it through excess condensation or a roof leak. When sheathing is exposed to moisture frequently, there is always a chance it will decay or develop wood rot. While a single exposure to moisture is unlikely to lead to rot, routine water exposure may.

When Should I Check My Roof for Wood Rot?

You should look for wood rot either when you don’t know the condition of the deck ( as in, you’re buying a new home) or when you suspect that moisture may have penetrated to the roof deck. You should ask a professional home inspector or roofer to check your decking for wood rot when:

Why is My Roof Decking Damaged?

Leaks and condensation are the two most common causes of a rotting wood deck. It makes sense to look for deck rot around notorious leak points, such as skylights, roof penetrations and anchor points for roof-mounted items. In order to fix the problem, you first need a professional roofer to resolve the underlying leak.

How to tell if wood shingles are rotting?

An experienced roofer may suspect wood rot simply by stepping on the shingles above the rot and feeling it give more than normal.

Why is my decking swollen?

Whether or not there is a fungus, or just normal decay of wood due to moisture, rotting roof decking can cause several problems for your roof and your home, including: Bowing or bulging: Moisture and wood rot may cause your decking to sink in or swell up. From the outside, this looks like you have a bulging or bowing spot on your roof.

What happens if you get your roof deck wet?

If your roof decking gets wet, it can develop wood rot and impact the performance of your whole roof. This problem can go unnoticed, as damaged roof decking hides beneath shingles and above the attic insulation.

How to tell if wood is rotting on a roof?

There are black, white, yellow, brown or grey growths and discoloration. The wood feels spongy and weak to the touch. The wood easily crumbles or cracks. There is a damp, musty smell.

What is the plywood base on a roof called?

Sometimes referred to as roof sheathing or a roof deck, this plywood acts as a foundation for the layers of underlay and the shingles on your roof and connects the roof to the frame of the house. Even though it isn’t visible, it is very important to the structure of your home.

Why is my roof sheathing so moist?

Excess moisture in your attic can cause the sheathing to become excessively moist. The hotter temperatures rising from the attic can then make your roof’s sheathing a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Why do roofers inspect attics?

Your roofer should do an attic inspection to evaluate the roof ventilation and any potential issues that could arise from excess moisture content.

Why does rotten wood absorb water?

Moisture causes wood to rot, and rotten wood absorbs water even more readily than fresh wood. If there is rotten decking, the shingles are most likely letting moisture in. If it isn’t already, it’s only a matter of time until that rotten wood lets water into your attic and ceilings.

How heavy is a single shingle?

Roof decking serves several important purposes, including but not limited to: Supporting Shingles: Asphalt shingles are heavier than you might expect, with a single shingle weighing in at 2.5lbs. In addition, there are other layers between the shingles and decking, such as tar paper or felt.

Why do we need decking?

Weather Protection: Decking helps distribute weight throughout the structure of your home, and can help your roof stand up to fallen branches, and severe weather. Mother nature can strike your home at any time, so it’s best to have as much support as possible.

Does plywood decking protect against fire?

Fire Prevention: Although plywood decking cannot fully protect against a fire, flame retardants are often sprayed on the plywood as an extra line of defense.