Santa's Landing Pad: A Roofing BlogSanta's Landing Pad: A Roofing Blog


About Me

Santa's Landing Pad: A Roofing Blog

Why do you need a strong roof on your home? To support Santa's sleigh, of course! In a more realistic sense, however, a strong roof is important for your home's protection. It keeps the wind and rain outside, and it also insulates your home against the chill of winter and the heat of summer. Most people think of roofs as being made from shingles, but roofers can make a strong roof from slate, tile, metal, or an array of other materials, too. We hope that as you read this roofing blog, you gain a lot of knowledge about the profession and about roofs in general.

Categories

Latest Posts

When Might You Need Residential Roofing Services?
22 January 2025

Your roof plays a critical role in protecting your

The Importance of Residential Roofing Services for Your Home
13 December 2024

Your home’s roof is one of its most essential comp

The Importance of Hiring a Professional Residential Roofing Contractor
2 December 2024

Roofing is one of the most critical components of

Why You Need to Call a Roof Repair Service if There’s a Leak in Your Roof
6 November 2024

A leaky roof is more than just an inconvenience; i

When to Call in a Roofing Contractor: Identifying Common Roofing Issues
11 October 2024

Maintaining the integrity of a roof is crucial for

Three Signs Of Damaged Roof Decking

All too often, homeowners put off a much-needed roof replacement because the shingles look fine. Unfortunately, damage to a roof may not be immediately obvious. Your roof is made up of three main layers: the decking, which is typically made of plywood and forms the roof base, the underlayment, which creates a water barrier on top of the decking, and the shingles, which create the main upper weather barrier. If the decking fails, then the rest of your roof can't keep your home dry. The following are signs of decking issues.

1. Moisture Damage in the Attic

Water that makes it through the decking ends up in your attic, so a quick visit upstairs can often be the quickest way to determine the state of your roof. In the early stages of damage, you may only see a few water spots or signs of discoloration on the underside of the decking. As the damage increases and the leaks worsen, the insulation can get wet and begin to mold. In the most severe cases, the decking will begin to rot. You will be able to easily push your fingernail or a screwdriver head into the saturated wood. Musty odors in the attic are another symptom of leaks and decking issues.

2. Spongy Feel On the Roof Exterior

If you ever walk on your roof, such as to install holiday lights, then you are likely aware that the surface feels solid underfoot. If moisture gets into the decking, the wood fibers swell. Over time, these swollen fibers break down and the roof feels spongy underfoot if you go up on it. First and foremost, get off the roof if you notice this sponginess. It's a sign of rot, and the decking may not be able to hold your weight.

3. Sagging Ridges or Roof Sections

The same moisture in the decking that leads to rot and sponginess can also cause the roof to sag under its own weight. Sagging is typically easy to spot from the ground. Often, it shows first in the peaks and ridgelines, which will develop obvious bows or dips along their length. You may also notice sagging on certain sections of the roof, particularly on low-pitched roofs, as water may collect in the sagging section when it rains. A sagging roof may be at imminent risk of collapsing, so a repair is required.

If you suspect decking damage, you need to contact a residential roofing company immediately to discuss getting a roof replacement.