Ridgeline Roofers: What Homeowners Need To Know About Replacing Wood Sheathing

MD based Ridgeline Roofers Columbia is helping homeowners identify wood rot and whether their roof sheathing needs to be replaced. As an expert in all manner of roof-related services, the company has a long history of correcting such issues for their community. However, they say the first step to any remediation always lies in identifying the problem.

“Wood rot, like most roof issues, should not be ignored,” the company states. “The longer you wait to replace corrupted wood sheathing, the more costly the replacement will be and the more likely it is that your home will suffer from other types of damage as well. We encourage everyone in our community to learn about this phenomenon so they will know when the time is right to call a professional.”

Roof sheathing is also known as roof decking, and it refers to the thin boards of wood that span the trusses, supporting the rest of the roof. Like any wooden material, this decking is vulnerable to moisture, and it can place the entire roof in jeopardy when it rots. The issue is that roof decking lies beneath the shingles yet above the attic insulation, which makes it deeply unlikely for a homeowner to spot the damage during a regular day. However, this task may still be possible in certain circumstances, and the company says it is worth investing the time to head off more serious issues down the line.

“Typically,” the company says, “wood sheathing will not be exposed to more moisture than it is designed to handle, and a few stray incidents are unlikely to affect it. However, repeated exposure to moisture in a short period will increase the chances of wood rot developing, and this is why we always check this part of the roof when we come out for inspections regarding a suspected leak.”

Homeowners should be aware that there are two types of wood rot: wet rot and dry rot. Further, given the fact that the wood may or may not be infested by some sort of fungus (of which there are numerous varieties), the appearance of wood rot may change depending on how exactly it came to be. In most cases, however, wet wood rot may appear to be discolored, or it will seem darker than the surrounding wood. On the other hand, dry wood rot bears the hallmarks of a fungal growth, and it will appear cracked and dry.

Other signs may include wood that feels infirm or spongy to the touch, inexplicable spots across the surface, a damp or otherwise unpleasant smell and so on. A physical inspection may also lead to the wood crumbling when touched.

Unfortunately, given the position of the roof decking, it can be deeply inconvenient to check it regularly. As such, Ridgeline Roofers Columbia recommends that everyone have a professional check the decking when necessary. This may be when circumstances suggest wood rot may be present. The company says an examination may be due after the roof has suffered a leak or otherwise been damaged, moisture has repeatedly been noticed in the attic and so on. It may also be prudent to check the decking when the home in question is about to be sold or purchased,

When in doubt, the right answer is always to contact an experienced roofing contractor. Ridgeline Roofers Columbia has spent years correcting such issues for their community, and they comment that their experienced roofers can sometimes identify possible issues with the decking simply by walking over the shingles (if they give more than they should). Their customers have always reported a stellar experience with the company as well, lending credence to this claim.

“Our roofer, Ridgeline Roofers Columbia, replaced our roof and gutters a few weeks ago,” says a customer in their review. “The insurance claim procedure was hassle-free for us because of the staff's assistance. Ernest provided an estimate for the job and then kept us updated on progress every step of the way. This company provides excellent customer service and quality roofing services around Columbia, MD. They gave us options to choose from so we could find the best fit for our budget.”

Homeowners who believe they need a wood sheathing inspection or Kendall Ridge roof leak repair are welcome to contact Ridgeline Roofers Columbia today. The company will dispatch a team immediately to assess the damage and offer a suitable solution. Ridgeline Roofers Columbia can be reached by phone, email and social media.