Do you need new plywood for a roof replacement in Kitchener-Waterloo? This blog will answer just that and more. Roof plywood is a thin layer of wood under your roof’s shingles, which creates a flat, stable surface to attach the shingles. The process of installing the plywood is best known as “roof decking” or “roof sheathing”. In this blog, we’ll be diving into the use of plywood in roof decking and why you might need to replace it when getting a new roof in Kitchener-Waterloo.
Do I Need New Plywood to Replace My Roof in Kitchener-Waterloo?
Whether you need new plywood for a roof replacement depends on the state of the plywood. If it’s still in healthy shape and relatively untouched, you will probably be okay leaving it when attaching new shingles. However, as Kitchener-Waterloo roofing contractors, we find that most of the jobs we do require new plywood. Let’s dive into why that might be.
Deterioration is a Problem for Plywood/Roof Decking
Despite being an essential material in the making of your home’s roof, plywood is very susceptible to deterioration as your roof ages. On average, the plywood, or roof decking, can last up to 30 years, but this depends on the quality and thickness of the plywood, as well as the longevity of your shingles.
The reason for this is that plywood isn’t exactly waterproof, despite popular belief. Rather than waterproof, we would call it water-resistant. Waterproofing sealants can help the material adapt to water exposure, but as your roof ages, your roof decking will be exposed to water more often. Missing or damaged shingles lead to more water seeping under the outermost layer of your roof. This causes severe water damage, mold, and wood rot as time goes off, which makes the plywood weaker. If the plywood fails, you’ll practically need to re-do your roof, even if the shingles are still in relatively good shape.
That’s why roofing contractors like us are careful when it comes to deciding whether to replace your plywood. Usually, it’s better to be safe than sorry by starting fresh with brand new plywood, which will prevent you from needing to replace it earlier than necessary. We’ll always recommend new plywood if there are already signs of water damage and rot.
Major Signs That You Need to Replace Your Roof Decking
- Roof leaks: A leak indicates that water has already broken through the plywood roof decking.
- Wood Rot: Signs of wood rot include an unusually soft texture (the decking should be flat, hard, and unbendable), as well as discolouration and a strange odor.
- Sagging: Sagging indicates that the inner layers of your roof are not in good shape. The plywood underneath your shingles, which is meant to be a flat and stable surface, is probably wet and no longer structurally sound.
- Mold and Mildew: Mold and mildew is caused by excessive moisture. If your roof’s plywood has mold or mildew growth, that means it’s been exposed to too much water.
- Water Stains: Water stains in your attic and throughout your home indicate that water has broken through the plywood. Usually this would only occur if your plywood has been exposed to water for a long period of time and is severely damaged.
Get a Free Roof Inspection
Getting an inspection from a professional roofing company will tell you for sure if there are problems in your roof’s decking and if your plywood needs to be replaced. At Quality Care Roofing, we offer professional roof inspections free of charge.
We’ll not only assess the state of your roof decking, but also your shingles, flashings, gutters, and any other areas that could be a concern. A professional roof inspection will give you insight into the state of your roof and what changes are needed, including hidden problems not easily identified by an inexperienced eye.