Roof Repair in Prince George is essential for keeping your home safe and secure. Your roof decking or sheathing is made of thin wooden boards that hold up the roof. If the decking gets soaked, it can develop rot and weaken your whole roof. This issue often goes unnoticed because damaged decking hides under shingles and attic insulation. Since sheathing is not visible, homeowners may not notice problems before they get worse. However, you can avoid costly repairs by checking for wood rot, spotting damage early, and fixing issues quickly. This guide will help you understand how to protect your roof from wood rot.

What Makes Rotted Roof Decking a Major Concern?

Most roof decking, also called sheathing, is made of plywood or OSB (oriented strand board). These thin wood sheets soak up moisture if exposed to leaks or condensation. When decking absorbs moisture repeatedly, it starts rotting. A single water exposure may not cause damage, but frequent exposure can.

Damaged Roof Decking

If the decking rots, it may develop fungus that weakens the wood. Whether it’s fungal growth or just normal decay, rotting decking can lead to big problems, such as:

Bowing or bulging: Water damage can cause decking to sink or swell. This makes the roof look uneven, and the shingles on top may not work properly. In extreme cases, the decking may collapse.

More mold and fungi: When wood rot spreads, it can cause mold growth. This can lower air quality in your home and make respiratory issues worse.

Damaged insulation: Moisture from rot can ruin attic insulation, making your home less energy-efficient and increasing heating or cooling costs.

Damage to other wood: Dry rot can spread to structural wood, leading to costly repairs.

Electrical system issues: If moisture from rot spreads, it can damage wiring and other systems in your home.

How to Identify Wood Rot in a Roof Deck

There are two main types of wood rot: wet rot and dry rot. Different types of fungi cause these rots, so they may look different. Wet rot often appears darker than surrounding wood, while dry rot causes cracking and fungal growth.

• Replace damaged roof decking
• Look for these wood rot signs:
• Darkened patches on wood.
• Growths in black, white, yellow, brown, or gray colors.
• Wood feels soft, spongy, or weak.
• Wood crumbles or cracks easily.
• A damp, musty odor.

A professional roofer may suspect rot just by stepping on affected shingles and feeling a weak spot.

Signs of dry rot:

• Gray, white, or brown fungal growths (may look like mushrooms).
• Wood dries out and develops cracks.
• A strong musty smell.
• Signs of wood rot

When Should I Check My Roof for Wood Rot?

You don’t need to tear up shingles regularly to check your decking. Instead, look for rot when:

• Buying a home and checking the roof’s condition.
• Selling your home and ensuring the roof boosts value.
• Your roof has had a leak, ice dam, or tree damage.
• Replacing your entire roof.
• Attic insulation or ventilation needs an upgrade.

A skilled roofing contractor in Prince George can inspect the decking without removing shingles. They can also check for rot from inside the attic.