Roof Deck Requirements For A Steep Slope Roof – A roof deck is a structural substrate to which an asphalt shingle roof system is applied. A roof deck must be capable of safely supporting dead loads, including the weight of an asphalt shingle roof system, and design live loads, including any additional loads that may be required by the applicable building code. A roof deck also must be able to provide adequate withdrawal resistance for fasteners used to attach a roof system. Before applying roofing materials, an Inspector, general contractor, deck contractor, architect/engineer or designer, and owner’s representative— need to make a visual inspection of a deck surface to verify it is clean, dry, smooth, and ready for roof system application. A deck should be broom-clean, reasonably smooth, free of voids or depressions, and adequately attached.
A deck should remain rigid so as not to deflect excessively under live loads. It should be understood a roofing contractor only can inspect the surface of a roof deck and can not assume responsibility for the deck’s slope, structural integrity, method of attachment, erection of any conduit or equipment below the deck, or any other conditions beyond his or her control. If a roofing contractor discovers defects in the surface of a deck during the inspection, visible defects in the deck should be noted, and corrections should be made before beginning roofing work. Then, a second inspection should be made before roofing work begins. This inspection should be attended to by the same parties who performed the initial inspection.
