While shingles and tiles are the stars of any roof, it’s what’s underneath that truly keeps your home safe. Roof decking—the layer between your home and the roofing materials—is one of the most overlooked components of a roof system. In Florida, where moisture, storms, and heat are a constant threat, roof decking must be strong, stable, and secure. Here’s what every homeowner needs to know.
1. What Is Roof Decking?
Roof decking (also called sheathing) is typically made of plywood or OSB (oriented strand board) and lies directly on top of the rafters. It’s the foundation that supports your entire roofing system, providing a base for underlayment and the outer materials, like shingles, tiles, or metal panels.
2. Why It’s So Important in Florida
Decking not only bears the weight of your roofing materials—it also withstands the pressure of wind uplift during tropical storms and hurricanes. If the decking is compromised, your entire roof system is at risk. In coastal areas, moisture and salt air increase the chance of wood rot and corrosion of fasteners.
3. Common Causes of Decking Damage
- Leaks that go undetected for months
- Improper ventilation that traps humidity
- Insect infestations like termites
- Mold or mildew growth due to poor attic airflow
- Low-quality materials were used in past installations
4. Signs Your Roof Decking May Be Failing
- Soft or “spongy” spots when walking on the roof
- Sagging or uneven rooflines
- Musty odors inside the attic or home
- Staining or discoloration on the ceiling or attic wood
- Visible mold or water damage in the attic space
5. What Happens During a Roof Replacement
When Jamco Roofing removes your existing roof, we perform a full inspection of your decking. Any soft, rotted, or warped sections are replaced immediately. We never install new roofing materials over compromised decking—that’s a recipe for early failure and structural risk.
6. Types of Roof Decking Materials
- Plywood (CDX): Durable, widely used, and moisture-resistant.
- OSB (Oriented Strand Board): More affordable, lighter weight, but more sensitive to water exposure.
- Tongue and Groove or Plank Decking: Found in older homes and may require reinforcement before new roofing.
7. Building Code Requirements in Florida Florida Building Code (FBC) has strict requirements for roof decking attachment, especially in high-velocity hurricane zones. Decking must be properly nailed or fastened with specific spacing, and in some cases, re-nailed during replacement to meet code.
8. Upgrades That Boost Strength and Longevity
- Use of high-performance sheathing with moisture barriers
- Synthetic underlayment over decking to prevent future leaks
- Hurricane clips and enhanced fasteners for wind resistance
Roof decking may be hidden, but it’s the backbone of your roofing system. Ignoring it can put your entire investment at risk. At Jamco Roofing, we treat roof decking with the attention it deserves—from inspection and code compliance to quality replacement.
🔍 Don’t risk your safety or your roof. Call Jamco Roofing today at 954-998-ROOF for a free inspection and professional decking evaluation.
