The decking is an essential structural component that every roof has, regardless of what type of exterior roofing system is installed on it.

Made from several different materials, roofing companies in Florida can use a range of products with a range of prices as the supportive decking beneath a roofing installation.

Learn more about decking as well as the pros and cons that residential roofers in Florida find with the different types of decking to decide which is the best option for a new residential roofing installation!

What Is The Purpose of Roof Decking?

The decking that covers all roofs is a crucial part of the roofing support structure over every home or building.

Affixed to the rafters, decking provides a secure surface onto which roofing companies attach exterior roofing materials while also stabilizing the rafters and trusses that make up the roof’s architecture.

Combined with those other elements, decking is a weight-bearing structural support that must be carefully chosen and well-maintained to protect the exterior materials and the entire roofing structure that sits on the top of the home or building.

What Are The Different Types of Decking That Roofers Use?

When doing a total roof installation that includes new decking, residential roofers have several suitable materials to choose from:

Plywood - The most commonly used choice by roofing companies due to its affordability and availability, plywood decking is moderately priced and versatile; however, it has limited durability when affected by moisture from leaks and condensation, both of which can lead to rot plus it is heavy.
Oriented Strand Board - Oriented Strand Board or OSB is a wood composite material made by overlaying wood strands and binding them together with adhesives and polymers. This construction makes it considerably stronger, lighter, and more moisture-resistant than plywood, but it is also more expensive.
Particleboard - Particleboard is made from wood chips and adhesives pressed into board sheets. Though it can be used as inexpensive roof decking as it is the cheapest option among the four, particleboard is also the least durable material, and much less moisture-resistant.
Metal - Typically used in commercial installations or those where the roof is to be used as a weight-bearing, structural surface, steel decking is the strongest and most expensive choice, though it is not often used in residential roofing.

Which Decking Do Roofing Companies Recommend Most In Florida?

The main decking concerns that residential roofers in Florida face when maintaining and repairing residential installations are moisture damage and structural failure.

Taking the high humidity as well as frequency of strong storms and hurricanes into account, the best decking options for Florida homes are the ones that can resist moisture the longest and stay structurally sound in extreme winds and heavy downpours.

Of the above choices, Florida homeowners would be wise to invest in OSB decking if possible or the highest-quality, thickest plywood.

With good ventilation to prevent condensation and proper maintenance, either of these options should last as long as the roof itself without issue.

Discuss Decking Options With An Expert Florida Residential Roofer

Strong, durable roof decking is critical for the structural soundness of every roof.

When properly selected with the help of a knowledgeable residential roofer and good maintenance is provided afterward, homeowners can have peace of mind that their roofing installation will be strong against the challenging Florida climate.

Hire an experienced roofing company to install and maintain a durable roof from the decking upward to protect Florida homes!