Replacing your roof can be a daunting task when you do not know what to do with the plywood, whether to replace it or leave it.
It then becomes important that you recognize faults in plywood and decide if you would replace the whole roof decking or just a part of it.
In this article, we will be looking at plywood as a roof decking material, its lifespan, defects that you can notice, and when it needs to be replaced.
Here’s If Plywood Is Included While Replacing A Roof:
Plywood is included in replacing a roof as it is the commonest material used for roof decking and to support the entire roof structure. Plywood acts as the backbone of the roof because it helps to distribute the weight evenly.
Hence, when replacing a roof, it is important to include plywood.
What Is The Lifespan Of Plywood As Roof Decking?
Roof decking is a process of reinforcing the roof with another material such as plywood. It provides additional support and helps to spread the roof’s weight evenly. Although this process is tagged decking, that is, reinforcement, it is still a very important part of the roof that you cannot neglect.
Plywood is commonly used as the material for the roof decking process because it is strong and considered durable. Plywood is made of different sheets of wood glued together by strong adhesives. There is also the question of the lifespan of plywood as a material for roof decking.
This is a quality concern that you should consider in the construction process of your home.
It is not an easy task to accurately determine construction material life expectancy of construction material, but you can make a rough estimate.
On average, plywood should last between 30 to 50 years as roof decking. Plywood is a reasonably strong material. If not exposed to moisture or overly harsh conditions, it can last forever without any need for replacement or reconstruction.
Various factors might be responsible for the short lifespan of plywood as roof decking material. These include:
- Exposure to moisture
Plywood is wooden material. Despite its durability, it is still susceptible to water and air moisture. Moisture is the biggest enemy to the durability of plywood or any wooden material used in building constructions.
Houses that are constantly exposed to rainfall and situated in humid environments are expected to have a shorter lifespan of plywood as the decking material. At least every 15 years, there would be a need to replace the roof decking.
- Quality of plywood
Plywood is an engineered wooden material, and different companies across the states are processing it. You need to note that the quality of plywood differs. The thickness matters, the quality of the adhesive used matters, and the quality of the sheets joined together.
You should watch out for low-grade plywoods. They are usually characterized by space between the sheets and lumpy and uneven surfaces. These deformations lower the plywood’s length of time and can be useful as roof decking. You should patronize a good supplier to get your plywoods. Quality plywood equals strong plywood, which means a longer life span.
- Chemicals used for the treatment process
The engineering process of making plywood would require some chemicals used on it. Even in its preservatives, there are chemicals there. The type of chemical and treatment process used on wood determines its strength, durability, and life expectancy.
Plywoods are not designed to be constantly exposed to water and air moisture, as much as you can keep them away from water and cover the exposed part of the roof decking with iron sheets. You can improve the lifespan of your roof decking by paying attention to the plywood.
Do You Need To Replace All Plywood When Reroofing?
Re-Roofing happens when you need to change your roof and the roof decking. This can happen because you notice that the woods are getting either weak, rot, or are about to collapse.
However, in some cases, you might not even be able to tell if anything is wrong with your roof. Signs that your roof needs to be replaced include:
- Spot on the ceiling
- Leaking roof
- Cracked wall
- Peeling wall
- Sagging ceiling
- Cracked paint
These signs are pointers that something might be wrong up there with your roof. When you have discovered the fault in your roof, your thoughts might be clouded with doubt. Whether you should replace all the plywood or change the visibly affected part.
Yes, you need to replace all of your plywood when you want to carry out reroofing. You can’t just replace the visibly faulty part and leave the rest. The rot or moisture will continue to spread in the woods until it collapses. A patchwork cannot be done with the roof decking.
You must pay attention to your roof and the roof decking. Check out the roof decking at least once a year, even if you do not notice any visible fault.
Do not let the problem get out of hand before you move to arrest the situation. A weak roof tends to collapse eventually, and it is usually disastrous.
How To Know Which Plywood To Replace?
You might be worried about knowing which plywood to replace and the one to be left alone on the roof decking.
It is not tough to recognize woods that are faulty already. There are visible deformations on plywoods that are to be replaced. The rotten ends, swollen veins, and color change are obvious signs that can be used to easily recognize deformed plywood.
However, it is advised to change all the plywood at once when deformities are noticed in some parts. It might be an expensive project to take on, but it saves the day in the long run.
Does the quote Include Plywood Cost In Their Price?
The cost of plywood is usually calculated based on the size and thickness of the wood. Across different regions, there are different metrics for calculating the size. However, the metrics used are usually stated.
The average plywood price is between $12 and $55 for size 4’X8’. The price of plywood is usually included in the offer.
Summary
Plywood is an important material for roof decking. It supports and evenly distributes the weight of the roof. Faults and deformations are noticed in the plywood when it is constantly exposed to moisture and harsh elemental conditions.
Patchwork can no longer suffice once deformities are noticed on the plywood for roof decking. It is expected that the whole roof decking is removed and replaced.
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