how do you replace a rotted roof deck

How to Fix Rotted Roof Decking

• 1. Locate the rotted roof decking. ...
• 2. Remove the shingles over the area of the rotted roof decking identified previously. ...
• 3. Detach the nails that hold the exposed roofing felt in place following the same procedure used on the shingles. ...
• 4. Identify the locations of roof rafters or trusses by following the nail pattern on the rotted roof decking. ...

Full Answer

How do you remove rotted roof decking from a roof?

To remove the rotted roof decking attached to joists, use the pry bar to pull up nails. Remove nails and rotted decking from joists or trusses. Measure and cut plywood panels in the same thickness and dimensions as the removed pieces.

How do you replace a rotten post on a deck?

How Do You Replace a Rotted Deck Post 1 First, you need to support the deck near the post so you can easily remove the existing, rotten post. ... 2 Only lift enough so that the weight is slightly off the old post. ... 3 Next, you’ll need to excavate the hole the old post was in, which can be difficult. ... More items...

How do you protect decking when replacing a roof?

Depending on your roof’s unique circumstances, your roofers may choose to take some extra steps to protect your decking. They might seal nearby wood with treatments meant to resist wood rot, or they may apply waterproof tape to the edges where the new and old decking meet. Step Nine: Replace other roof materials.

Can rotted roof decking be repaired?

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.

Why is Rotted Roof Decking a Problem?

When Should I Check My Roof for Wood Rot?

Why is My Roof Decking Damaged?

How to tell if wood shingles are rotting?

Why is my decking swollen?

What happens if you get your roof deck wet?

How to tell if wood is rotting on a roof?

See 2 more

Can you replace roof decking without replacing roof?

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.

Do roofers replace rotted wood?

Roofing contractors should replace every rotted or damaged board when they replace a roof. Unfortunately, many do not.

How do you replace rotten plywood on a roof?

Replacing the Plywood Fixing rotted plywood is extremely easy when doing a roof replacement. Simply cut out rotted sections along the roofs trusses and replace them with new plywood. The problem, obviously, is that you can only perform this once the old shingles are off. Some sections don't even need replacement.

How do you remove a roof deck?

How to Remove Roof SheathingDrive stakes into the ground at the corners of the house. ... Climb onto the roof and walk up to the roof peak. ... Wedge the end of the pry bar into the seam between two sheets of sheathing.Pry the edge of the sheathing from the roof rafters while standing on an adjacent sheet.More items...

Is wood rot covered by homeowners insurance?

Wood rot is typically not covered by homeowners insurance unless it is caused by a covered in peril in your policy. Homeowners insurance provides coverage against sudden and accidental water damage, so if a pipe bursts and causes wood rot to your floor or ceiling joists, your insurer may cover the cost of repairs.

Is roof rot covered by insurance?

Key Takeaway Rot is generally covered by home insurance policies, so long as the rot isn't caused by your own negligence. However, you should check with your provider to make sure.

Can you put new plywood over old on a roof?

Although I don't think installing new plywood roof sheathing over the old would be a grave mistake, I would not recommend doing it, for several reasons. The new plywood will have to be nailed to the rafters or roof trusses.

Does rotted wood continue rotting?

Because dry rot can spread quickly through wood and even porous masonry, it's incredibly important to eliminate all stages of dry rot fungus immediately. The most effective way to do this is to remove and replace all affected wood, and treat the timber in close proximity with a fungicide.

What happens if you don't replace rotten wood?

The Structure Gets Damaged If rotted wood isn't taken care of, permanent structural damage will happen. Your timber—or any other material in your home—will deteriorate and collapse. Buildings can fall apart if they have problems with rotten wood that don't get taken care of immediately.

What is a deck with a roof over it called?

The roof over a deck is usually called a patio cover. This attached structure provides protection from sun and rain and can either have a solid or open roof. Pergola is another name for deck or patio roofs. This is typically characterized as an open roof that's supported by posts or columns.

Can you remove a deck yourself?

Ripping down your wooden deck might seem like a pretty big job, but even a beginner DIYer can get it knocked out in a Saturday if you approach the job systematically and make a plan – and it won't hurt to gather a few friends to help make the process go faster.

How much does it cost to replace a deck top?

Cedar Deck Boards: Between $3 to $6 per square foot. Redwood Deck Boards: Between $10 to $15 per square foot. Ipe Deck Boards: Between $10 to $20 per square foot. Composite Deck Boards: Between $12 to $22 per square foot.

Do roofers repair dry rot?

Roof Doctors do dry rot repair California, after a report has been issued by a Termite Company and prior to them issuing their Certificate of Completion.

Do roofers replace plywood?

Decking is the plywood sheathing that sits below your roof's shingles and doesn't always get replaced in every roofing project. In fact, if the decking seems to be in good shape, an honest roofer will usually leave it alone.

How much does wood rot repair cost?

How much does wood rot repair cost? Repairing rotted wood costs anywhere from $500 to $10,000 or more. Pricing all depends on the extent of the rot and how easy it is to access.

What happens if you don't replace rotten wood?

The Structure Gets Damaged If rotted wood isn't taken care of, permanent structural damage will happen. Your timber—or any other material in your home—will deteriorate and collapse. Buildings can fall apart if they have problems with rotten wood that don't get taken care of immediately.

How Long Can Roof Sheathing Be Exposed? (Find Out Now!) - Upgraded Home

Roof sheathing can be exposed to the elements if it maintains a 20% moisture level in the end. Although most OSB and plywood sheathing are weather-resistant, it’s best to cover wood sheathing until you are ready to frame.

Why do roof decks leak?

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. Leaky roofs lead to wet insulation, mold and mildew – and costly repairs. To get a handle on this problem ...

What happens if a roof is leaking?

Leaky roofs lead to wet insulation, mold and mildew – and costly repairs. To get a handle on this problem and stop it from spreading, replace rotted roof decking as soon as possible.

Why do you wear a hat on the roof?

Wear a hat while on the roof to protect your head from sunburn or heat exposure.

How to prevent falls from roof?

Use the appropriate safety gear, harness and tied-off rope to prevent falls from the roof.

What is sistering a joist?

Note: Sistering a joist means attaching a second joist to the side of the damaged joist. It can also involve sandwiching the old joist between new material on both sides. Typically this involves framing lumber, but it could involve engineered lumber, structural steel or formed steel joists that are made of heavy-gauge sheet metal.

What is the most cost effective solution for a screen porch ceiling?

Sistering the ceiling joists was the most cost-effective solution because these joists were supporting a finished tongue-and-groove screen porch ceiling below that was in great shape.

What is EDPM rubber?

EDPM is ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber. Using a single sheet of membrane without seams is the best protection against leaks.

What was cut away from the framing?

The rotted wood was cut away from the framing.

How much spacing between deck boards?

I aim for a full 1/4-in. spacing between the boards—especially since this is a rooftop deck. We used the edge of our Speed Squares to provide a consistent space.

How many inches of stock to step down from bedroom door?

Using 2×4 stock allowed us that very small but necessary step down from the bedroom door onto the deck. In my neck of the woods I would have preferred a 6- or 7-in. step down to keep drifting snow and sloshing water away from the door’s threshold.

How much pitch is a sandbox?

It’s not really flat: It’s pitched 1/4 inch per foot, but without a spirit level you can’t really tell.

Can Rotted Wood Deck Posts Be Repaired?

Not only can a rotted wood deck post be repaired, it absolutely should be repaired. A deck post is one of the most important pieces of a deck’s infrastructure – if not the most important. Each post supports a particular load area of the deck – if one fails, that load is transferred to other posts, which may or may not be designed to hold that extra load. When this occurs, decks can collapse and cause injury or worse.

Why does a wood deck post rot?

If you have a wood deck post that is sunk below grade, poorly draining soil such as clay will trap water between the post and soil , which will eventually spell rot – and lots of it. Even a wood deck post on a concrete footing can rot if it is close enough to the ground.

Why is it so hard to replace a deck post?

Replacing a deck post can be extremely difficult in many circumstances due to low deck clearance or placement of the post. There are tons of variables involved in a job like this, and below we’ll go over all the different variations of post removal and repair you might encounter on a deck.

When would you repair a deck post instead of replacing it?

When would you repair a deck post instead of replacing it? If you have decorative – as well as structural – deck posts, then repairing is desirable. Many older homes support a second-story deck over a porch or concrete patio with decorative posts. If a post’s failure occurs, you will have a near-impossible time trying to match the old post with something new. You could pay a fortune to commission a new one or repair the old post.

What is the best size treated lumber for ground contact?

While .15 treated wood is rated for ground contact, you could try a local lumberyard that may stock lumber in deck post size that is up to .40 or even .60 in terms of treatment retention levels.

What happens when water enters a post?

Once water enters a post, it sits there and breaks the wood down from within, creating air pockets for more water to enter, and so on. So unless there is only one clearly defined area of rot, then you should replace the post.

What to do if you have a post you absolutely want to save but aren't sure if it?

If you have a post you absolutely want to save but aren’t sure if it can be salvaged, then your best bet is to ask a carpenter, to be sure . When dealing with extremely heavy loads and the safety of people on a structure, an educated opinion is an idea I highly recommend.

Why do deck boards stand up higher than the boards around them?

This is because new treated lumber is often still wet, while older boards have long since dried out. New boards will most likely sit down as they too slowly dry out.

How to attach screws to a replacement board?

Attach screws at all joist locations. Where the replacement board butts up against an original board, “toenail” the screws by driving them at an angle. This will make sure that they sink into the joist they’re sharing with the next board in line.

How thick is a deck board?

Deck boards are almost always what we call treated 5/4 (“five-quarter”) lumber, which measures 1″ thick and 5-1/2″ wide.

How thick is a 2x6 deck?

However, some decks are topped with framing lumber, typically 2×6. This lumber is the same width as 5/4 deck boards, but it is 1-1/2″ thick. Be sure to look at the edges of your deck boards to determine their thickness. (I have seen two-story decks that had different kinds of lumber for upper level and lower level.)

What can fall in between deck boards?

Leaves, pine needles and dirt can fall into the gaps between deck boards and collect on the tops of the structural joists. Take the opportunity to sweep this detritus off so it doesn’t prevent your new boards from sitting down where they’re supposed to be. Also, check the overall condition of your joists.

How to cut replacement lumber?

Use a circular saw and speed square to cut replacement pieces to the lengths specified on your list. Be sure to “square up” the ends of your boards first, since treated lumber often comes with ragged cuts on the ends.

What size wrecking bar does Ethan use?

Ethan pulling a piece of rotted decking. Note the 36″ wrecking bar.

What is Dry Rot?

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. Because dry rot is a fungus, it can spread like a cancer throughout a deck. Dry rot is caused by microorganisms that eat the cellulose from the wood leaving it brittle. Dry rot will also attract wood-eating insects such as termites, which will compound the problem.

How to tell if a deck is dry rot?

How to Identify Dry Rot on a Deck. Some older decks will begin to show signs of dry rot. 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. You can also tell if deck wood is rotten by checking for these dry rot signs:

How to tell if wood is rotting or decaying?

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.

Why is composite decking not rot?

Simply because composite decking does not rot. Composite decking is made from moisture- and insect-resistant materials that are stronger and more durable than wood, and require minimal upkeep. For example, a deck constructed with composite material never needs to be painted or stained.

What causes dry rot on a deck?

Moisture is the enemy when it comes to your deck; it creates a breeding ground for mildew, mold and fungus. If your deck has been exposed to high levels of condensation or any continuous source of water, you may be in the early stages of dry rot. Under these conditions, it does not take long for wood-digesting fungi to invade and begin to compromise the safety and integrity of your deck.

Why is untreated wood rotting?

Untreated wood is susceptible to rot and decay over time if exposed to moisture, mold and insect damage. The most common and most serious rot issues involve an incorrectly installed ledger board that allows moisture to penetrate the house wall. Because the house framing is not treated, it is much more likely to rot.

What wood is rot resistant?

Rot-Resistant Woods And Composite Decking. Another way to prevent your deck from rotting is to build it with redwood, mahogany, cypress or cedar, each of which are among the most rot-resistant species of natural wood. Nonetheless, a wood deck, by its very nature, will always be susceptible to moisture and rot.

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.

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.