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roof deck

The roof deck is the substrate to which the shingles are applied. It is important that the roof deck is solid and in good condition to ensure long term roof performance.

board deck

Prior to the widespread use of plywood or OSB roof decks were constructed out of wood boards. Although acceptable this roof deck is not ideal for new shingle installation. The gaps that occur between boards can make it difficult to properly fasten the shingles. There are typically also degraded boards throughout the roof that are either cracked, rotting or buckling which can cause issues for installing the new roof on top. According to the Malarkey installation guide "Malarkey strongly recommends installing sheathing over wood board decks. Problems with the performance of your roofing system, such as leaks and buckling, increase if installed directly over wood board decks." 

plywood deck

​Plywood decks can range in quality from poor to excellent. If you can see ridges running up the roof or the roof feels spongy when it is walked on this is a good indication the plywood is deteriorating and needs to be addressed. In the worst case where there are obvious problems with the sheathing we will recommend replacing the full sheathing. Other issues can be rotten sections typically along the eaves or elsewhere if there is water penetrating the roofing system. 

OSB Deck

OSB decks are typically the most stable roof substrates and least likely to present any problems as long as there has been no water exposure to the OSB. Typically the biggest problem encountered with an OSB roof deck is rotten wood along the eaves.