Your roof is an essential part of your home, as it serves as a defense against the natural ravages. Nature is aggressive and persistent, and weather, temperature, and pests will work tirelessly to ruin your home’s beauty and integrity.
Water damage is the most serious problem. Your structure will begin to rot and toxic molds can grow, leading to your possessions becoming destroyed. You are making a large investment in your home and want to make sure it is protected from any kind of damage.
Water damage that is severe enough can cause irreparable damage to your home.
If your roof is having problems, it’s important to learn how to spot them and get professional help. If they aren’t addressed quickly, these problems can become costly and very difficult to fix.
Rotted roof decking is one of the most serious problems you need to be aware of. It can become a huge project to fix if it happens. Rotted roof decking can cause serious damage and collapse ceilings and structures.
What is Roof Decking?
Roof decking is the main part of the roof that lies beneath the shingles and adhesives. It is usually made from wood or composite layers and serves as the foundation for the roof.
If the roof needs to be removed, it is usually done by removing the decking and rebuilding from there. It is made up of layers of insulation, decking and other materials that create a solid barrier between your home and the elements. It is resistant to water damage and leaks. It is impossible to make it waterproof and rot proof.
Decking Rot
We’ve spoken a lot lately about water damage and water supply. This is because water is an ironic thing. Water is essential to all living things on Earth. It’s also what makes our planet so more habitable than any other place. Water can also kill and can cause irreparable damage to man-made structures.
This is the main cause of roof decking decay – water pooling, eating away at decking wood and materials. Molds and bacteria then become prolific, and they produce acidic chemicals that cause a spiraling effect that results in your decking decomposing at a logarithmically-increasing rate.
As the rot progresses and molds start to grow, more material will accumulate and cause chemical stress and weight on the whole thing until eventually it may collapse.
Signs and Rot
Roof rot can be seen in a variety of ways, including moldy smells, damp walls, and constant leaks, even when it is not raining. These signs are indicative of larger problems that caused the water to pool, causing the rot.
Ceiling and wall spots, material starting to buckle or fall apart, and other signs are all indicators of this condition. You may notice sagging rooflines, buckles, or other deformations underneath the shingles and other materials as it gets worse. Sagging roofs are common, but tree branches can also cause decking to fall if they are large enough.
To Replace or Repair?
This is a difficult question as it depends on the extent of the damage and the severity of the larger problems that led to the issue. Although replacing the entire roof will be more expensive, it will still allow for the roof to be in a new condition.
This post was written by a roofing professional at KCG Roofing. KCG Roofing is a premier roofing contractor that does roof repair in Ellenton Florida! KCG Roofing has the experience and expertise to replace or repair your roof with quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. All our roofs are backed by a 15-year leak-free guarantee, the highest in the industry. We have been family-owned and operated for over 40 years.