This week we’re going to look at the components of your roof assembly.
Why it matters: Roofing is not a licensed trade in Texas, so homeowners need to educate themselves.
🖼️ The big picture: Building code considers the roof assembly to be the roof covering + the roof deck.
- Roof covering = shingles or other material like metal panels or clay or concrete tiles.
- Roof deck = the material (sheathing) that covers the framing of the roof and provides a solid surface for a roof covering.
🔬 Zoom in: Built to code, a roof deck consists of
- 7/16” or thicker plywood or OSB
- Installed with gaps between boards less than 1/4”
- Uses metal H clips to strengthen the horizontal seams (optional in some cases but always preferred)
- Nailed to the rafters every 6” at the edges and every 12” across the board with 8D common nails
🧰 Next level installation: Fortified roof decks go beyond code
- Nailed every 4” with 8D ring shank nails to provide DOUBLE the strength against high winds and tornados.
- Seams between boards covered with seam tape to keep out 95% of water compared to no tape.
🧐 Keep an eye out to make sure
- All damaged boards are replaced
- If you have obsolete penetrations — from a remodel where plumbing was moved or when HVAC or hot water heater were changed — those should be repaired with solid wood.
✅ For your Smart Homeowner list
- Follow me on Instagram this week as we demonstrate a FORTIFIED roof installation.
Best,
Travis