Superior Roofing

The terms “decking” and “sheathing” are often used interchangeably in the context of roofing systems, but you might notice that some roofers or consultants make a distinction between the two. In today’s post, the roofing contractors at Superior Roofing share insight on these two terms.

Are Decking and Sheathing the Same?

The quick answer is no — at least, not exactly. Both decking and sheathing serve the same function: a rigid substrate where the rest of the roof — the underlayment, flashing and roofing — are attached to. One or the other can be part of a roof, depending on the build specifications.

However, there are some key differences between the two. Decking is the flat surface, typically made of OSB (oriented strand board) or plywood, and is installed over a sloped surface. Both OSB and plywood are required because roof fasteners are essentially specially-designed nails, which means any other material would require screws or pre-drilled holes to ensure installation efficiency. On a standard asphalt shingle roof, the boards used for decking can be used twice — the installation and the subsequent replacement.

In comparison, sheathing is a broader term that encompasses all roofing substrates, including those used on flat roofing systems. It could be made from a wider range of materials, from concrete to solid wood boards.

Which One Is Best for You?

The building type mostly dictates whether you need decking or sheathing for your roof. For example, a commercial building may require sheathing because the substrate is usually concrete, which is needed for BUR (built-up roofing) or roofing systems of similar weight. It is possible to combine both if the property owner wishes to reinforce the roof for heavy materials like tile or slate, or if they need to increase the roof’s resistance to wind and impact damage.

If you are considering having one or both, give our team at Superior Roofing a call at (334) 298-5253, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We serve Phenix City, AL, and the surrounding communities.