Posts Tagged ‘roofing deck’

The Importance of Underlayment and Decking

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

When examining the success of a roofing job in Portland OR, most attention goes to the roof covering. As the only immediately visible feature of a residential or commercial roofing structure, residents typically consider this to be the indication of quality roofing.

In actuality, there is much more to a roofing system for your Portland home or commercial building. A qualified roofing contractor in Portland understands how the various components of a roofing system contribute to a sturdy, long lasting OR roof. Find out more about the importance of roof decking materials and roofing underlayment.

Roofing Portland OR — The Vital Elements of a Roofing System

Your roof may seem like a straightforward structure. However, in truth, proper residential and commercial roofing in Portland results in a complex system that works to provide shelter from the Portland weather and circulate air throughout your home or office building.

The roof covering is actually the last component of your roofing system. In order to construct a durable roof, each element must be properly installed.

Your roofing contractor in Portland can provide details about the necessary components of a quality roofing system. In general, the roof starts with a support structure, or frame, referred to as the truss. Following the truss comes the roof deck, which provides a watertight shield to prevent moisture from reaching the support structure.

The roofing underlayment sits atop the roof deck, followed by proper placement of shingles or tiles. Flashing is then installed to provide waterproof transitions between the roofing structure and roof protrusions, such as vents, chimneys and skylights. The roof covering is then secured in place with roofing nails.

Roofing Portland OR — Roof Decking Material

In residential and commercial roofing in Portland, the roof decking is a vital component to any roofing structure because it provides a waterproofing membrane to prevent moisture damage and ensure the longevity of your roof. Without a roofing deck, your home is vulnerable to the Portland weather, which is known for frequent rainfall.

Your roofing contractor in Portland may choose plywood or insulation panels for your roof decking, among other options. Generally, plywood is most widely used due to is versatility and resistance to rotting.

However, insulation panels can handle more weight and provide better insulation. The choice of decking materials for a roofing job in Portland OR largely depends on the type of roof installation. For example, heavier roofing materials, such as slate, will require more support from the decking structure.

Roofing Portland OR — Types of Underlayment

For residential and commercial roofing in Portland, the most common type of underlayment is builder’s felt. Once the builder’s felt is in place, the remainder of your Portland OR roofing job must be taken care of quickly, so as to avoid creases and tears.

Another type of underlayment is made of synthetic material, which is substantially lighter and easier to install than builder’s felt. Synthetic underlayment is also a preferred choice for preventing the growth of moss and algae, which can be a concern for Portland homeowners and commercial property managers.

Roofing Portland OR — Hire a Professional to Install Your New Roof

There’s a lot more to a quality roofing structure than laying a few tiles, hammering some nails and calling it a day. Hiring an experienced roofing contractor in Portland is the best way to enjoy the hassle free benefits of a long lasting roof.