Roof structures - they really rely on the decking boards you install. And eco decking is just one of the types that'll make a difference. But, what features come with this option?
Our experts, today, explore its essential features and its advantages.
Eco Decking: What is it?
Eco decking is a type of base for flat roofs with a material that looks just like natural wood, so this means it's just like traditional timber decking in its appearance, and it's also similar to composite decking boards since eco decking can feature similar materials such as recycled plastic materials and wood fibre.
For instance, eco roof decking has exterior plywood. But its makeup has more of an emphasis on sustainable benefits.
It's also available in other materials such as oriented strand board or (OSB). These types of materials can really give it a few fundamental features and advantages.
Features of Eco Decking Boards
Some of the top three features of eco decking boards, ideal for your outdoor space, are listed below:
Tough Exterior & Durable
The plywood that makes up eco roof decking provides a tough exterior - and this ensures that it lasts a long time due to its durability. Since it features plies, or sheets of wood that are glued together, it provides the structural integrity needed to support your roof.
For example, many can have anywhere between three and seven plies, depending on the thickness, and this will sure up the foundation to prevent buckling or warping on the roof, making it ideal for domestic and commercial applications.
OSB alternatives are slightly lower in terms of cost. But, they are still very durable and suitable for lower budgets. This means they are a popular choice for homeowners.
Moisture Resistant
These solutions are highly moisture resistant, particularly roof decking made of plywood, since the plywood material can resist extreme weather.
OSB 3 eco decking for roofs is also a water resistant alternative to plywood options, but to ensure the changing moisture levels do not affect the structural integrity of the solution, it's important to leave an expansion gap when fixing it.
Low Maintenance
Low maintenance is another feature of eco roof decking for roofing. It is easy to maintain because of its materials. For example, with wood fibres and recycled plastic, the decking tends to be rot-resistant and resistant to decay.
The roof's new deck material also will not require you to paint the decking - and this is because they are highly stain-resistant and colourfast. Any colours of the decking are integrated into the materials already.
What Are the Advantages of Eco Roof Decking?
Eco deck roof solutions can offer your project a range of advantages and meet specific needs:
Stable Foundation
It's able to provide a strong and stable foundation for the entire roofing structure. It will offer a base for the additional roofing materials you use as a roofing professional or homeowner.
With this base, it can even help with weight distribution to ensure further loads are evenly spread.
Minimised Environmental Impact
It can lead to a minimised environmental impact thanks to the materials it features. For instance, its wood fibres mean that the solution is sustainable and doesn't need new resources to craft it.
Its long lifespan contributes to this minimised environmental impact, too. Less replacements will be needed in the long run, so this means environmental costs linked to producing new eco decking are lower.
Enhanced Insulation
Energy efficiency improvement is one of the other advantages of eco roof decking, which is because of the extra insulation layer it provides. So, for commercial applications or domestic ones, the decking will keep the building warmer during the cooler months. And this benefit will mean that you can spend less on energy costs.
The Lifespan of Eco Roof Decking
When professionally installed and maintained effectively, the lifespan of eco roof decking can range between 20 and 40 years. This will also depend on a few factors such as the quality of the materials and climate.
How to Install Roof Decking
Ecowood decking is the optimum choice for a range of flat roofs and is easy to fix using traditional roofing techniques.
1. Check the Alignment of Framing Members
Check if there are any improperly installed framing members that may be crooked. They need to be spaced properly and straight. You will be able to check this alignment using level and square tools, and using chalk lines.
2. Ensure the Decking Has the Right Span
Looking at the span of the eco wood decking will show you the maximum spacing for supports in the roof application.
For example, if the decking has a thickness of 7/16 inches, it'll have a span of 24/16. This translates to a 24-inch maximum spacing distance for the supports.
3. Place the Plywood or OSB Boards
Leaving a 1/8 inch gap between each decking board, lay the plywood or OSB sheets in place. It's an important step to ensure that any expansion does not lead to buckling.
Use a systematic approach, working towards the roof's peak. With this method, you can ensure greater uniformity of each board.
4. Use Roofing Nails and Adhesive
Fasteners can determine the success of the roof decking installation, which is why roofing nails are important. Use a hammer to ensure the nails extend approximately one inch down into the supports through the decking.
Adhesives that are construction grade strength can also be ideal to strengthen the holding power of each board. It can work well if strong winds often affect your location.
Install Eco Decking for Roofing Projects with Supplies from Roof Stuff
Eco decking for roofing projects can really make a difference to the structural integrity of a roof. Installation is easy, and is even easier with the right supplies, which you can obtain from Roof Stuff - the preferred destination for high-grade roofing products.
Visit the Roof Stuff website to find more details about ecowood decking and eco decking. Get additional tips from the Roof Stuff blog to complete your project seamlessly.
FAQs
What's the cost of installing eco deck?
This will really depend on the size of the roof you want to install the decking onto. It'll also depend on the material you prefer to use. And options like OSB will work out to be cheaper than plywood. You'll also need to give some thought to the prices of tools and materials you'll need to install it.
Is plywood stronger than OSB?
Each offers a similar strength, but there's a difference in the stiffness, and plywood outcompetes OSB in this sense. It's stronger by a margin of 10%, which might not seem like much. Yet it can mean that the nails will stay more firmly in place with plywood boards for your project.
Is it okay to use OSB for roofing?
It's a sustainable option that is low-cost and still quite strong. The solution is stable and moisture-resistant, so it will defend itself against high humidity - and these features make it okay to use for roofing projects. Since it is also low-cost, this might be a more popular choice.