When building a new home, one of the most important decisions is what thickness plywood to use for the roofing material. Typically, you will need at least 7/16-inch plywood to cover the entire roof. However, if you are using it as sheathing, you should use a thicker grade. Most homes today are built with 3/8-inch plywood, which was once commonplace in some jurisdictions. Regardless of the type of plywood you use, it’s important to understand the differences between these two materials. roofing companies
The ideal thickness of plywood for a roof is between 1/2 and 3/8-inch, but some types are thicker or thinner. A typical roof will be sheathed in a half-inch or five-eight-inch sheet, but you will have to determine the exact thickness depending on the amount of load that will be placed on the roof. You should also be sure to check the grade of the plywood, since different grades have different strengths. For roofing, it’s best to get a grade that is designated as Exposure 1 or Exterior.
If you are worried about how much sheathing you’ll need to cover the roof, consider using OSB instead of plywood. Some manufacturers now make larger sheets of OSB, ranging from four-foot-square sheets to four-foot-square panels. You’ll need to check if your local retailer carries larger panels. Using a thicker sheet of plywood will shorten the life of your tar paper or shingles. In either case, you should always replace 3/8-inch plywood, and if you’re able to, go to the ridge area of your roof, as that’s where most stress will be placed.
Another major reason to choose plywood for roofing is its strength. Since the roof structure bears the weight of the whole structure, it must be strong enough to support the rest of the roofing system. As a result, plywood is made from multiple layers of wood bonded together by glue. Plywood’s grain runs alternately through each layer, which makes it strong and resistant to expansion and shrinking. Furthermore, it makes the plywood less likely to split when nailed.
When selecting a plywood for roofing, you should consider the grade. There are three types of plywood available in the market: construction grade, marine grade plywood, and CDX. Construction grade plywood is best for multi-purpose uses, while marine grade is designed for boats, sailboats, and other marine applications. CDX plywood is a good compromise between cost and functionality. Its cost is lower than A-grade plywood, but it still works well for roofing.
Compared to plywood, OSB is much stronger. Its shear value is two times higher than plywood. Because of this, it is often the best choice for roofing. Its natural water resistance is another advantage. However, there are also advantages to choosing OSB over plywood. It is more environmentally friendly and has higher levels of strength and support for heavy loads. Although it’s not commonly used, it offers much better protection against the elements.
