How To Install Roof Decking

June 2, 2022

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Find Out The Vertical Distance This Is Critical

How To Install OSB Roof Sheathing or Decking

Measure the vertical distance between the roof and the ceiling if there is one. There are just a few situations that you will encounter on this step and you can determine whether to use a bottom side outlet roof drain:

ATTIC SPACE: measure the distance between the ceiling and the roof. Whether a drop ceiling or a hard lid , find a way to get that measurement. You generally have enough room to use a bottom outlet drain. You will encounter this set up generally in a restaurant, apartment or condo etc.

OPEN BEAM: There is no ceiling with unlimited space as in a warehouse, gymnasium or other open beam situations. In this case you will need to take into consideration the beam size as you will most likely hang the pipe below the beams. In this instance, you can use a bottom outlet roof drain.

CLOSED BEAM/LIMITED SPACE: Where you have minimum space between the roof and the ceiling as when the roof joist separates them. Take your measurement. This is the situation where you would use a side outlet roof drain.

Review these sketches.

How To Build A Shed Roof Over A Deck

Always try to match the house roof pitch angle and overhang for your shed roof. Some shed roofs are designed to be nearly flat. Flat roofs are more susceptible to leaking than pitched roofs. Shed roofs project as a single plane roof pitched away from the house. If you are tying the roof directly to a house wall, you can install a ledger board with flashing and install rafter ties to attach the rafters at the appropriate angles or use engineered trusses. The opposite side of the porch roof will be supported by a header beam that is installed parallel to the house on top of 6×6 support posts. Support posts should be spaced less than 8′ apart and be located on top of properly sized frost footings. Rafters should be attached to the header beam using hurricane ties. If you are tying the shed roof into an existing roof on the house, you will need to remove the shingles and sheathing to expose the roof framing. You will need to attach the porch rafters to the house roof rafters and replace the roofing and flashing. Many building departments require a local architect or engineer to design plans for porch roofs because of the increased snow, roof and wind loads created by adding a roof.

When Should Roof Decking Be Replaced

When you get a roof replacement, you might have to replace your decking. If any of your roof deckings integrity is compromised or there are signs of rotting, the wood will need to be replaced.

Usually, there are going to be a few boards that have to be changed out. But your roofing contractor wont know how much of your roof decking needs to be replaced until after they finish tearing off your old roof.

If they find rotten boards, your roofing contractor has to replace the decking before they can begin installing your roofing components. However, if your contractor finds your deckings integrity to be sound, then it can handle your new asphalt roof.

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Completing The Gazebo Roof Deck

Cut the ends of the boards for the next section to match the first, on a 22 ½ ° miter, long enough that the remaining end will overlap the opposite edge of the triangular section between main rafters.

Fit the boards in place as before, starting from the bottom edge. Fasten each board in place as previously described.

Continue decking in sections until you reach the last section. Measure and cut each piece to fit the last remaining section with miters on both ends.

Can I Build A Deck On My Rooftop

Can your roof structure support the additional weight? A building code official may be able to help you here. Or not. At a minimum, they will likely know what the loading requirements are in your area. You may also need a master builder or structural engineer to determine the loading capacity of your roof. They can determine whether your existing roof can support the extra weight of a deck. Never build a rooftop deck without checking this first.

There is plenty more design inspiration and information where this came from. Grab your FREE download of the “Rooftop Deck Design Ideas Project Portfolio” and start designing your dream rooftop deck.

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How To Install & Build A Porch Roof

A porch roof is essentially composed of layers of specialized materials that are designed to last for many years of natural exposure. Above the structural trusses or rafters, your roof will be covered in 3/8 or 1/2 tongue and groove plywood. The plywood for the roof comes in 4×8 sheets and will hold the roof members together much like decking secures the deck frame. The next layer will be a minimum #15 roofing felt, which can be stapled in place over the plywood to create a water tight barrier for the shingles to cover. Install drip edge flashing to the lower edge of the roof and step flashing at the house wall.

9.Roof Felt

Screw The Panels To The Purlins

Starting at one end, attach the first fiberglass panel to the purlin with the roofing screws. Place the screws in every other valley. Snug the screws enough to compress the washer slightly. Overlap the next panel onto the one you just installed and attach it the same way, this will make waterproof deck systems. When you get to the end, the last panel may be too long. You can just overlap it a bit more or cut it to fit. It’s simple to cut panels to length or width with a circular saw and a carbide blade.

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How To Install Radiant Barrier Roof Decking

Radiant barrier roof decking is a material installed in roofs to reduce the heat gained in summers and the heat lost in winters. Radiant barriers usually consists of a thin sheet of reflective material applied to one or both sides of the roof. They are durable, as well as easy to use or apply. They are widely used in residential, commercial and industrial buildings and can enable you to save up to 17 percent on your energy bills.

Installing radiant barrier roof decking is only a moderately challenging project. Using the tools and equipments below, as per the steps explained, you can go about the task with little difficulty.

How To Build A Gable Roof Over An Existing Deck

How to Install Roof Sheathing // Roof Framing Part 8

Building a gable roof over a deck is similar to building a slanted roof, with a few differences. First, you will need two more beams that attach from the house framing to the new beam youve installed that is supported by the new posts that will support the ends of the gable roof.

The new beams will be two or three 2x pieces of lumber laminated and supported by joist hangers on the new beam and the ledger board on the house side. These new beams will support trusses, which will be held in place by brackets.

Tying the new gable roof into the existing house may require you to remove some of the old roofing from the existing house. In some cases, the gable roof will be flush with a wall and not a roof, and this will make your life easier. Using flashing to join the house wall and new roof will help waterproof that joint, provided the flashing goes up and under the house siding.

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Tips Reducing The Problem Of Wooden Deck

Properly ventilate the attic. This eliminates the amount of moisture absorption by deck panels and thereby reduces the amount of swelling and shrinking of the wood. This wood movement often causes the the buckling problems with shingles.

Leave the roof sheathing panels to acclimate to local humidity levels before installation. This reduces swelling after the panels are installed and avoid buckling problems with shingles.
Space deck panels 3 mm apart on all sides when fastening them to the roof framing.
Immediately cover the roof panels with an underlayment after installation in order to keep the wood dry.

Roof Drain Sump Pan Description

The roof drain sump pan lowers or sumps the roof drain 2 below the roof surface. This effectively prevents rainwater from pooling on the flat roof.

It can be used on all thicknesses of roofs, with or without insulation. Some major roof material manufacturers recommend this style sump pan.

Roof drain sump pans are not supplied with your roof drain but can be purchased on this website.

If you know the pipe size you would like to use, then you are almost done. If you need to size your roof drain, please skip to the bottom of this page.

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Side Lap Connections & Tools

If you are responsible for the metal roof deck installation, then its your responsibility to make sure you purchase the correct metal roof deck type and correct side lap type. When you go to attach the side laps you don’t want to be surprised to find out that you purchased the wrong type.

For instance, if you purchased Type B-36 with a standard interlocking side lap and need to stitch screw the side laps, you will learn that it simply wont work. The side lap for stitch screw is different from a standard interlocking side lap.

If you find that you need a side lap connection tool such as the Button Punch tool we can loan you a tool so long as you purchased the metal deck from us. Or if you need to rent or purchase a button punch tool we offer that as an option as well. If your job calls for a PunchLok II tool, then you will need to contact your metal deck supplier to rent the tool from them. This tool can only be loaned out to you if you have purchased PunchLok II metal decking.

Whats The Difference Between Sheathing And Decking

Before we dig deeper into this posts main topic, we should first discuss the difference between roof sheathing and decking. The shortest possible answer on the difference between the two? There isnt any. Even though contractors call it differently, sheathing and decking are the same.

As we mentioned above, its an integral part of the roofing structure. Depending on the structures needs, sheathing can be open, closed, or with gaps between the boards.

In todays roofing industry, sheathing or decking is now widely used as an essential component of a stable and sturdy roof. It provides a solid, continuous layer that sits right underneath the top layer of your roof.

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How Much Does It Cost To Install Roof Decking

The price of roof decking can vary significantly based on many factors. The thicker the sheet is, the more expensive it is. Again, considering that one sheet covers 32 square feet, you can expect to pay anywhere from $60 upwards to $100 per single sheet of plywood.

For an average-sized home with a roof of 2000 square feet, this overall estimate ranges between $3600 and $6000. Also, its essential to keep in mind that the cost of the installation itself will also vary depending on your location.

With all of this in mind, plywood is the more expensive choice than OSB. If youre working on a tight budget, you can also use regular wooden boards. They are a viable decking option but are more susceptible to leaking and water damage.

Roof Drain Replacement Or Changouts

This is when you have existing roof drains in place that need to be removed so as to install new drains.

Get the manufacturers brand name if possible.

Measure the bowl size and the pipe size

Determine if it is a bottom or side outlet roof drain.

Determine what type of piping is in place.

Generally, replace the existing roof drain with one that is comparable. If you have plans, use those and it is good practice to size the roof drains anyway as conditions may have changed since the property was built.

Provide the local building dept with your findings for approval. Take pictures and dimensions of not only the roof drains but the ponding areas in question and the exterior of the building as well. Take the spec sheets for new proposed drains and piping with you.

Keep in mind that existing roof drains may not have been installed correctly and a sump pan may not have been used at all or a bona fide, code approved roof drain. We have found everything from shower drains to floor sinks installed on flat roofs as well as sheet metal scupper drains and flashings turned upside down. So you may have to start from scratch with the right drains. The good news is that the roof drain systems on this website have made it EASY to resolve the issue.

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Installing The First Section

Position deck boards on each pie shaped section, starting at the lower edge. Fit the first board parallel to the fascia, overlapping it evenly, according to plan dimensions.

Fasten the board in place so that both ends overhang the edges of the triangular section. Use two fasteners into the top edge of each joist through the deck board.

Add decking boards, moving toward the peak of the roof. Cut each board so that the ends overlap the edges of the triangular area between the main rafters and fasten them down.

Set a circular saw to a depth just barely deeper than the thickness of your deck boards. Cut along the chalk lines on both sides and remove the cut away pieces.

How To Install Plywood Roof Sheathing

How to lay decking for a roof

To achieve the clean straight lines that we all love about a home with asphalt shingles, the roof must be perfectly straight before the plywood deck is installed.

This is especially important when youre designing something like a Hampton-style home. The clean, straight lines of the roof are an essential factor in the houses aesthetic, and wonky lines are going to stand out like a sore thumb.

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Stitch Screw Side Lap

This type of sidelap connection is similar in strength to button punching. It requires a different side lap than the standard interlocking side lap. You will have to have purchased the metal roof deck with the stitch screw side lap. The side laps interlock and are connected with screws using a screw gun. On larger jobs, the cost of the fastener screws can begin to add up quickly. Be sure to put money in your budget for this item.

Blocking Your Roof Drain: What Does It Mean And Should You Do It

Blocking your roof drain means installing blocks on the ends of the sump pan that are not over the joists. Often the plywood on the roof is thin and when someone steps between the joists, we have what is referred to as deflection. The plywood bends away from the pan and roof drain. This can and will cause leaks. Placing blocks will provide support and prevent this situation. Do this if you have excessive deflection. This photo demonstrates

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Roof Deck And Roof Replacement

If youre wondering, Is it necessary to replace the roof decking when youre replacing the roof?, then the answer usually depends. Your roofing experts will inspect the decking for rot, dry rot or flexing of the boards. If those conditions are present, then its best to replace the affected sections. Any parts of the decking that are in good condition will remain.Texas Traditions Roofing is a leading source of professional roof repair and replacement services for residential and commercial properties. When youre ready to get started with a project, give our team a call at 415-4590. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a no-obligation consultation. We serve clients in and around Georgetown, TX.

Prep House For New Roof Framing

If you install a slanted roof over your deck, your deck roof rafters will have to attach to your existing roof rafters or trusses. To do this, youll have to remove a section of existing roofing materials and sheathing, plus soffit, fascia, and any gutters that are in the way.

If your new deck roof connects to a flat, vertical face such as a homes exterior wall, youll need a ledger board fastened to a rim joist. Youll need to remove the siding to fasten the ledger. Once in place, the ledger can support beams or joists that will support rafters or trusses for gable or hip roof construction.

When installing the ledger board, youll need to put flashing over the top edge of the board. This flashing should go up and under your siding. You should use an adhesive to affix it to the sheathing beneath the siding.

Youll need to bend the flashing to sit flush over the top ledger board edge. The flashing should cover the top half of the ledger board. Once the flashing is installed, the rafters will sit on top of the flashing.

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How To Build A Deck Roof: Attach The Purlins

Plan to space the 2×4 purlins parallel to the house and 3 ft. on center. To provide drainage, the panels should slope toward the outside edge of the deck about 1/4 in. per foot. If the span under your deck is 12 ft., for example, the purlin at the outer end of the deck should be 3 in. lower than the purlin along the house .

First, mark all the purlin locations on the deck joists. Install the purlin along the house and the outer purlin. Then stretch a string between them. Measure down from the deck joists to the string at the other purlin locations. Those measurements will give you the widths of the spacer blocks.

Cut the spacer blocks and screw them to the bottom of the joists at the marks. Then attach the remaining 2×4 purlins by screwing them to the spacers.