Does A Damaged Roof Deck Need Immediate Attention?

Yes, of course! A damaged roof deck clearly indicates that your roof is sitting on a shaky foundation. This is why it’s so important to take immediate action when it comes to a damaged roof deck.

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, we are your trusted roofing professionals serving Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania. 

We are here to inspect your roof for free, so if you are sensing any signs of damage as addressed in this article, feel free to give us a call at (412) 353-5660.

What Are The Signs Of A Damaged Roof Deck?

Your roof deck, also known as roof sheathing, is the foundation that supports your entire roofing system. It's generally made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) and lies between your rafters and the underlayment beneath your shingles. 

Identifying any sign of damage early can save you from expensive repairs later.

#1 Sagging or Dipping Roofline

A sagging or dipping roofline is perhaps the most visible sign from outside your home. If you notice parts of your roof appearing to sink or curve inward, this indicates the roof deck has weakened and can no longer properly support the weight of your roofing materials.

#2 Water Stains

Water stains or leaks in your attic are clear indicators that moisture has gotten through your shingles and reached the decking. When you see dark spots on your ceiling or walls, the roof deck has likely been compromised, allowing water to seep into your home.

#3 Sunlight Through Your Attic

Sunlight shining through your attic is a serious warning sign. If you can see daylight passing through the roof deck when standing in your attic, there are holes in your decking that require immediate attention.

#4 Curling Or Buckling Shingles

Curling or buckling shingles often indicate problems with the decking beneath. When roof decking becomes damaged, it can cause the shingles sitting on top to warp, curl, or buckle, creating pathways for water to enter your home.

#5 Excessive Granular Loss

Excessive shingle granule loss in your gutters might seem minor, but it can allow moisture to reach and damage your decking over time. These granules are important because they protect your shingles from UV rays and weather damage.

#6 Musty Odor 

A musty odor in your attic suggests the presence of mold or rot, which commonly develops when the roof deck has been exposed to moisture. This not only threatens the structural integrity of your roof, it also impacts your indoor air quality.

#7 Soft Surfaces On Your Roof  

Spongy or soft spots when walking on your roof indicate rotten roof decking beneath. Professional roofers can often detect this problem simply by the feel of the roof under their feet.

How To Repair A Damaged Roof Deck

Repairing a damaged roof deck involves several critical steps that ensure the structural integrity of your roof is restored. 

👉 The process begins with a thorough inspection to determine the extent of the damage. To access the damaged roof deck, your roofing professional will need to remove the shingles and underlayment above the affected area.

👉 Once the damaged section is exposed, the rotted plywood or OSB needs to be carefully cut out without damaging the roof rafters below. 

👉 This requires precision, as each section removed should extend to the rafter, ensuring the replacement piece has proper support. 

👉 Your roofer will then measure and cut replacement decking to fit the space, making sure it matches the thickness of your existing decking to maintain a uniform surface.

👉 After positioning the new deck, it must be securely fastened to the rafters with the appropriate nails or screws. Some professionals may also apply waterproof tape at the seams where new and old decking meet for added protection against moisture. 

👉 New underlayment and shingles are installed over the repaired deck, completing the roof sheathing replacement process.

In cases of major roof rot, your roofer can recommend some extra measures, such as applying wood treatments to surrounding areas to prevent future rot or upgrading your attic ventilation system to reduce moisture buildup that contributes to decking damage.

Also Read: 5 Signs You Need To Replace Your Roof Decking

What Are The Common Risks Of Ignoring A Damaged Roof Deck?

Ignoring a damaged roof deck can cause serious consequences for both your home and your wallet. 

👉 Perhaps the most immediate risk is the potential for structural failure. As roof decking continues to deteriorate, it loses its ability to support the weight of your roofing materials, potentially leading to a dangerous collapse that puts your family at risk.

👉 The chance of leaks also becomes increasingly problematic when damaged decking is left unaddressed. Moisture that penetrates through compromised decking can damage your attic insulation, reducing your home's energy efficiency and causing your heating and cooling costs to rise dramatically. 

👉 This regular moisture also creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth, which can slowly spread throughout your home, causing respiratory problems for your family.

👉 The damage doesn't stop there. Water that makes its way past rotten decking could reach your home's electrical system, creating fire hazards that require expensive repairs. 

👉 It can also damage interior ceilings and walls, leading to some unwanted stains and even structural damage to other parts of your home. 

👉 Rotted roof decking can attract insects and pests, creating another set of problems entirely. It will slowly start damaging the other components of your roof, like trusses and rafters. So it is best that you take an attentive approach to this situation. 

Can You Repair A Damaged Roof Deck By Yourself?

No, repairing a damaged roof deck is not a suitable DIY project. Replacing or repairing a roof deck requires precision and expertise. Improper installation can lead to uneven surfaces that affect shingle placement, inadequate fastening that compromises structural integrity, or improper sealing that allows moisture penetration.

Professionals also know how to identify the full extent of the damage, which often spreads beyond what's immediately visible. Professional roofers will also address the underlying problems, such as poor ventilation or leaks that caused the initial damage. This is important since not addressing these root causes can cause your new roof deck to suffer the same fate as the old one.

Get Professional Roofing Services In Pennsylvania

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, we bring our years of experience to every roofing project, whether you need a simple repair or a complete roof replacement. 

We provide personalized service with a thorough, free roof inspection to assess your roof's condition. Our skilled roofers are trained to spot even subtle signs of deck damage that can be missed by untrained eyes.

If you've noticed any signs of roof deck damage or it's been more than a year since your last roof inspection, call us today at (412) 353-5660.