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What is a Roof Deck and How to Maintain It?

Posted on by Zach Musser
plywood roof deck
30
Jan
plywood roof deck

Definition of a roof deck

There is more to your roof than shingles. Your roof deck is the wooden sheathing that makes up the framing of your roof. Your asphalt shingles are installed on this vital piece of your roof. The roof decking is essential to keeping your home secure and protected from the elements.

Importance of a roof deck in protecting a building

Your shingles will only be as good as the roof deck installed. New shingles installed on a sagging roof can be damaged during installation, allowing water to pool in the sagging areas and causing even more damage. Installing new shingles on a rotted or sagging roof deck will be worse in the long run.

planking roof deck

Types of Roof Decks

There are several types of roof decking materials used. Here are the most popular ones.

Plywood

Plywood is made from thin layers of wood veneer that are glued together. Plywood comes in several thicknesses. The thickness you will need for your roof sheathing will vary depending on the space between rafters. Plywood is more permeable than the other roofing options, which is a crucial benefit. This characteristic means plywood can absorb more moisture and dry out faster. Permeability helps your roof deck to last longer.

stack of plywood for roof rapair

Oriented strand board (OSB)

OSB is the other primary roof sheathing product on the market. OSB is similar to plywood, but instead of a wood veneer glued together, OSB is made of wooden chips. In recent years OSB has overtaken plywood as the number one structural sheathing material. OSB is more susceptible to moisture, which can cause swelling, but is more resistant to decay when compared to plywood. Lastly, OSB is very similar yet cheaper than plywood.

osb for roofing

Planking

If you have an older home, your roof decking might be made of wood planks. Plank decking is what roofers used before the invention of plywood. You can still use planking for your roof deck; however, there are better options than planking. A roof deck made from planks will have gaps between the boards which complicate shingle installation. Your shingle nails might miss your planking entirely, eventually leading to missing shingles and a leaky roof. Since the invention of plywood and OSB, plank roof sheathing has become almost obsolete.

roof deck under repair

Asphalt shingles and roof decks

To install new shingles, you will need a structurally sound roof deck. After your residential roofer rips off the old shingles, they will inspect the roof deck. If sheets need to be replaced, they will replace them before continuing. You will not be able to see if your decking is damaged until after removing the shingles, so your final bill will be larger than the original quote.

How asphalt shingles are installed on a roof deck

We use the GAF lifetime roofing system when installing shingles on your home. First, we install the GAF leak barrier by the edge of your roof deck. GAF leak barrier prevents damage from wind-driven rain and ice dams. Next, we install an underlayment to shield the deck from moisture penetration. After installing the underlayment, we install starter shingles at the edges to prevent shingle blow-offs, then install the rest. Once the shingles are installed, we add a ridge vent and ridge shingles to let your roof vent moisture.

starter strip shingles installed

Importance of Proper Roof Repair

Proper roof installation is essential to ensure your investment is worth it and to keep your home in top shape. If your roof is repaired correctly, you can prepare for years of stress-free maintenance. However, if installed incorrectly, it is a matter of time until your roof has an issue. All of your roofing components work together, so if one part fails, your whole roof will.

osb sheeting for a roof deck

Issues Caused by Poor Roofing

Poor roofing installation can cause a host of structural issues to your home. A leaky roof will eventually cause structural damage or even cause roof collapse. Here are some signs that indicate a bad roofing job.

Sagging Roofline

A sagging roofline is a sign of a bad roof. A damaged roof deck or rafters can cause your roofline to sag. Sagging rooflines are easy to spot from the ground since all the roof lines should be straight on a new roof. If your roofline is sagging after a new roof installation, your roofing contractor did not take the time to properly repair the roof deck or asses your roof before installing shingles. If your roofline is sagging, call an expert or schedule a consultation to find the best way to repair your roof.

broken and bent shingles that need to be replaced

Missing Shingles

Several issues can cause missing shingles. Older roofs will eventually start losing shingles due to age. However, if you recently had your roof replaced and missing shingles, your roofing contractor did not do his job correctly. He was either lazy, careless, or unprofessional. 

badly damaged roofing shingles

Water Leaks

Water leaks are a common problem that comes with aging roofs. Leaks can be caused by multiple issues and eventually damage your home’s structure. A water leak can easily be repaired; however, a new roof should not be leaking. Over time, a water leak will cause your roof deck to rot, which can lead to a roof cave-in. Water leaks are essential to fix promptly, so contact a professional as soon as possible.

leaking ceiling that needs repaired

Roof Stains

Roof stains are dark spots on the inside of your roof decking. Roof stains appear as dark black stains on the inside of your roof. Roof stains can be caused by improper venting or water leaks. A roofing professional can locate the exact issue with your roof.

Reused or Missing Flashing and Drip Edge

Flashing and drip edge is used to keep awkward angles and areas protected from water leaks. It is installed around your roof’s chimney, vents, or heating and cooling systems. Flashing needs to be adequately installed and caulked to prevent leaks. When a residential roofer removes shingles, the flashing will get damaged, so you will need to install new flashing. If your roofer reuses or damages the flashing, your roof will leak and cause problems.

new house roof that is clean after being repaired

Roof Deck Maintenance and Repair

Knowing how to maintain your roof correctly is vital for a homeowner. It can be daunting; however, timely roof inspections and maintenance can prevent expensive repairs to your roof and roof deck. Here are six tips for maintaining your roof deck.

Regular Shingle Inspection

Each season has weather patterns that cause wear and tear to your roof. Humid summer days cause excessive sun damage, and melting snow in the winter can cause leaks. Inspecting your roof each season to look for any damage is crucial. Check the caulk around flashing, look for missing shingles, and check your gutters for loose gravel. Look for any growing moss or lichen areas, which could be a sign of roof deck deterioration. Fix any minor issues to keep them from developing into expensive repairs.

shingles being replaced

Treat for Moss and Lichen

Moss and lichens can cause extensive damage to your roof. Both plants often grow in shady areas of your roof during the summer. You can hire a professional or clean it yourself by spraying a 50;50 mix of chlorine bleach and water. Once your roof is clean, apply a moss-preventative solution. You should treat your roof at least once a year.

moos on roof shingles

Clean Gutters

Your gutters protect your roof by directing rainwater and debris away from your home. Your channels must be clear of obstructions to drain correctly. Periodically check your gutters to ensure they are free of sticks, leaves, and loose gravel from your shingles. It would be best if you tried to clean your gutters every quarter.

view from rooftop of asphalt roof shingles and gutter filled wit

Remove Debris

If you live in a wooded area, you probably get sticks, leaves, and other debris on your roof. Removing trash from your roof is essential since moss, lichen, and algae can grow under leaves and sticks. Check your roof for debris after a heavy storm and clean off any residue.

gutters full of debris needing to be cleaned roof gutter clogge

Trim Branches

Heavy storms can break overhanging tree branches and cause impact damage on your roof. We recommend checking your tree limbs at least once a year and trimming them if necessary. Trim any branches that are too close to your roof and look like they might break in a storm.

tree branches near a roof

Recaulk Flashings

Flashing prevents water from leaking into your home. Flashing is installed around chimneys and vent pipes and caulked for a tight seal. Inspect your roof flashing and look for any gaps or missing caulk. Scrape away old caulk and apply a new bead.

caulking gun with a black silicon background

Look For Leaks

An exterior inspection of your roof will tell you a lot about it; however, if you want to find leaks, you will need to inspect the interior of your roof. During your regular maintenance, take some time to visit your attic and look for any signs of moisture damage. If you see any water stains or leaks, consult a professional since you might need to repair your roof deck.

new shingles being put on a roof

Ensure Good Insulation

Poorly insulated roofs can cause your home to lose a quarter of its heat. A properly insulated roof will save energy and money while preventing ice dams. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the roof’s edge and prevents water from draining off your roof. A poorly insulated roof will melt snow and increase the possibility of an ice dam. Overnight the water will refreeze and cause extensive damage to your shingles.

ice sickle damming on roof

Consult a Professional

Getting a professional opinion on your roof will erase any issues. As a homeowner, correctly maintaining your roof can be a pain, and a professional can find issues you might miss. If you want to keep your roof in top shape, schedule a roof inspection after a heavy storm or twice a year.

Conclusion

Proper roof maintenance will prevent severe damage to your roof deck. Roof deck repair is expensive, so if you want to save money, regularly inspect your roof and repair issues. Elmer’s Roofing is an Amish roofing company based out of Lancaster, PA. Book a free consultation if you would like a professional roofer’s opinion. Don’t let any minor issues go that will cause expensive repairs in the future.

Roofing

4 SIGNS OF A BAD OR GOOD ROOF JOB

Posted on by Zach Musser
signs of a bad or good roof job
09
Nov
signs of a bad or good roof job

Having roofing services done is an investment that you make, hoping you can reap the rewards of 25+ years of life from your roof. Do you know the signs of a bad or good roof job? However, there’s always the fear of spending a lot of money on a roof repair or roof replacement only to learn the contractors you hired did a terrible job.

Nightmare!

This makes you out to be just another victim who suffers at the hand of a company’s dishonesty and lack of integrity. You don’t deserve that, and you should be able to feel confident about the work a company does for you. Even better, what if there is something you can do that will help to ensure you are receiving quality roofing services. This way, you can save yourself time and money in the long run.

There are 4 easy signs you can look for to determine whether your roofing contractors did a good job or a bad job. The best part is that you do not need to be a professional roof contractor to understand what to look for. An inexperienced, untrained eye can even notice these 4 signs of a bad or good roof job.

Want to learn more?

Keep on reading.

4 SIGNS OF A BAD ROOF INSTALLATION

sings of a bad roofing cotractor for your roof replacement

1.     Non-Uniformity

A lack of uniformity in your roofing shingles is a good indicator that your roofer cuts corners to save time and/or money while doing the job, thus leaving you short on receiving the quality of work you expect. One sign of nonuniformity includes some asphalt shingles that are different in color compared to others on the same roof. This could be the result of the contractor running out of your preferred shingle choice and replacing it with whatever they had available. This is not acceptable. More should be ordered for a consistent appearance.  If you notice sagging rooflines, then that indicates either part of the roof decking or framing needs to be replaced and it wasn’t. Rooflines should be perfectly straight. The uniformity of roofing shingles is something that can be noticed simply by looking up at your roof from ground level.

2.     Damaged or Missing Shingles

Damaged or missing shingles is a common sign for a poorly done roofing job. All shingles put on your roof should be new, pristine, and in perfect condition. Old, recycled, used shingles should not be re-used onto your new roof. You shouldn’t see any cracked shingles or shingles sticking up on your roof after having your roof replaced. This is something you can easily notice from standing on the ground and looking up at your roof.

3.     Sagging Rooflines

Sagging rooflines indicates that parts of the roof framing or decking were not properly fixed. Rooflines should be perfectly straight. Your roof lines should not have a dip or curve. This is something that can easily be visibly seen after the repair.

4.     No Drip Edge Flashing

All newly installed roofs should have drip edge flashing, as this helps to prevent water from getting beneath the shingles and causing leakage, rotting, staining, mold damage, and erosion alongside the foundation of a house. Drip edge flashing is a metallic sheet that gives protection to the board beneath the roof’s drip edge from water damage. You can easily notice if drip edge flashing is present by looking to see if a small overhang exists on the edge of your roof. See the illustration below.

flashing on a roof replacement helps longevity
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4 SIGNS OF A GOOD ROOF INSTALLATION

elmers roofing asphalt shingles

1.     Even and Uniform

Your new roof job should reflect the same shingles being used from start to finish. You should see a uniform appearance in color, appearance, and should not see any sagging. This will be a clear sign that you received quality roofing services.

2.     Flashing is Used

Flashing is a metallic sheet designed to give protection to your roof from leaks. Flashing is typically used around leak-prone areas on the roofs such as around pipes or chimneys. Flashing is also used at the edge of your roof to guide water away into the gutters to be carried away from the house. Good roofers will always install plenty of metal flashing around leak-prone areas as opposed to cutting corners and not using flashing. Also, flashing used should be brand new and not old or used. You will be able to notice the difference in flashing as seen by the picture below. But some flashing will only be noticeable during the process of installation.

3.     Quality Underlayment

Quality underlayment is something that may only be noticed during the installation process. It is something worth looking out for as it signifies that you have received quality roofing services. For quality roofing, underlayment should be placed between the sheathing and the shingles of the home, as it acts as another barrier keeping your home protected from moisture or water leaks. Not just any underlayment will be used, but a high-strength synthetic underlayment will provide quality protection. Synthetic underlayment is known to be much stronger and can lay flatter than its felt-paper counterpart.

4.     Job Areas Left As Found

Any reputable roofing contractor should be leaving the job areas as clean as they found it. No quality roofer should be damaging your landscape, leaving debris and trash in your yard, or leaving trash on top of your roof. Reputable roofing companies should be leaving your yard clean and clear as they found it. Some companies even bring their own dumpster to clean up after a job. You as the customer should have no worries regarding cleanliness at the completion of a job.

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What Roof Do You Want on Your Home!

These are just 4 easy signs that you will be able to observe yourself to determine whether the roofing services you received were quality or not. You can now decide with confidence if you were potentially cheated or received a return on your investment Quality roofing services can be hard to come by. Even more so, if you don’t have any type of roofing experience then it can be difficult to determine whether you were the victim of bad roofing services. If you don’t feel comfortable inspecting your own roof, feel free to contact us for free roof inspections.

Are you in need of roofing services? Be sure to get a free quote. We are known to be a reputable roofing company because we provide high-quality roofing services. We believe in covering what you value most, well!

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Roofing

The Advantages & Disadvantages of Asphalt Roof Shingles

Posted on by Zach Musser
residential asphalt shingle disadvantages
05
Oct
residential asphalt shingle disadvantages

What are the most common roof types used? The most used roofing material used in the US is asphalt roof shingles, and this is primarily because shingles are the most affordable option for most homeowners. There are many advantages to asphalt shingles including their affordability, installation, repair process, and style. At the same time, there are many disadvantages to shingles includes its vulnerability to weather damage, shorter life expectancy, lack of energy efficiency, and susceptibility to moss and mildew.

elmers roofing asphalt shingles

4 Advantages to Using Asphalt Roof Shingles

  • Affordable: Asphalt composite shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials available. This cost affordable option makes it easy for homeowners on a budget to obtain a new roof without needing to break the bank. Affordability plays a huge roll in the decisions we make, especially as it relates to home projects. Therefore, choosing the most cost affordable option for a roof while at the same time ensuring you receive quality roofing material to get the job done can be a tough balance to hold. Asphalt composite shingles provide both quality and affordability, helping you to achieve that balance.
  • Easy-to-Install: Asphalt composite shingles are much easier to handle because they come in smaller and lighter pieces as compared to long sheets of metal or heavy pieces of slate. This helps to reduce labor cost when having a professional install your roofing. Installation also goes a lot faster when easier-to-handle material is being used. This allows you to have time in your day to do other things besides being home to make sure your roofing installation goes right.
  • Easy to Replace: With asphalt roofing shingles coming in lighter and smaller pieces, they are far easier to replace. This can save you money in the long run-in case a shingle ever gets damaged. Paying for the repair of a single shingle is far more cost effective than, for example, paying for an entire sheet of metal.
  • Fit Any Style: Asphalt shingles come in a variety of styles and colors that you can choose to fit your home’s style. Because of the flexibility of asphalt shingles, it can fit any unique shape of your home. Having asphalt composite shingles does not mean you have to compromise on the aesthetic appeal of your home. Asphalt composite shingles offer you the opportunity to customize the aesthetic appeal of your home by choosing a variety of colors and texture.
asphalt roof shingles disadvantages

4 Disadvantages to Using Asphalt Roof Shingles

  • Vulnerable to Wind Damage: Because of the material of asphalt composite shingles, if not installed correctly they are vulnerable to wind damage and could be ripped off your roof by high winds. Cracking and damage can also be caused by large hail and/or extreme heat or cold weather. It may be of value to you to schedule an inspection after a major storm just to ensure no roof damage was done. You can also visibly inspect your roof yourself for roof damage.
  • Shorter Life Expectancy: Because of the material of Asphalt Composite Shingles, its overall life expectancy is 15-30 years before a replacement would be needed. Given that most mortgages are either a 15-year or 30-year mortgage, this runs parallel to the expected life expectancy of an asphalt composite roof allowing you to enjoy the full benefit of your roofing materials.
  • Not Energy Efficient: Asphalt composite shingles is not as energy efficient as compared to metal roofing. Although, you will get some energy efficiency with brand new shingles, it is not known for being energy efficient.
  • Mold & Mildew Issue: If you live in a home that is covered in shade, then your roof could be susceptible to mold and mildew. Asphalt composite shingles can absorb moisture more easily compared to other environments, which can lead to a buildup of mold and mildew especially if there is not enough direct sunlight to dry up the moisture that can sit on your roof shingle.

Overall, asphalt composite shingles make a great option for affordability, style, and installation. If you are looking for a cost affordable option, then Elmer’s Roofing is for you! Want to learn more about roofing, check out our blogs covering a variety of topics as it relates to roofing so that you are informed about your roof as well.

Now that you’ve read this blog. Are you in the market for a new roof or have a roof repair needing fixed? Check out Elmer’s roofing for a free roofing consultation to see what we can do for you!

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