The Problem
Having the right roof decking matters. Something that is overlooked when getting a new roof installed is the type of wood decking under the shingles. In this scenario this customer had 1×6 planking under the shingles which is typically seen in older built homes. The wood planking is not an ideal roof deck for modern asphalt shingles. As the planking ages, the wood shrinks which causes gaps between the planking. When gaps in the wood decking are greater than ¼ inch the shingle warranty becomes void. The shrinking of the wood causes the roof deck to not be even causing a “bumpy” looking service. Over time, the nails from the individual planking could “pop” through the shingle, causing leaks and drastically shortening the life expectancy of the new roof.
The Solution
This is why when we come across this type of decking, we shoot a 3/8 plywood sheathing overtop of the wood planking. This gives the new roof a nice smooth, secure surface to lay on and eliminates the nail gaps from the planking.
