There are two types of plywood for roofing construction: structural and general. The former is stronger and has passed the building regulations while the latter lacks these qualities. Shuttering plywood is another type used for roofing, where it is nailed to hold the concrete while it sets. There are pros and cons to both types. Here are some of them. Which one do you choose? Here are a few things to consider before buying a sheet of plywood. roofing nails
When selecting a sheet of plywood, consider the size. A standard sheet is 4′ x 8′, which covers approximately 32 square feet of roof surface. You can use this size as a guide to determine how many sheets you need for your roofing project. When purchasing plywood, make sure to buy extras – preferably a few extras! Oriented strand board is made by gluing together small pieces of wood. It is easy to identify by its distinctive wood strands.
Thickness is also important. Plywood should be at least half an inch thick to protect the roof from damage. A half inch thickness is considered standard in many places and is appropriate for roofs with spacing of twenty-four inches between rafters. In most cases, a half-inch or 5/8-inch thick sheet will do the job. If you plan to install the roofing system yourself, you should make sure to select plywood with an exterior grade.
Another type of plywood to consider is CDX plywood. This type of plywood is commonly used to cover the roof. Half-inch CDX plywood is the standard, and is commonly used for roof sheathing. For heavier loads, you should choose 3/4-inch CDX. It is more sturdy than half-inch and does not require roofing felt. You can also find a plywood that is pressure-treated or kiln-dried.
OSB is an inexpensive alternative to CDX plywood. It is made of wood chips and resin that is mixed together. However, its strength is significantly lower than CDX, and its drying time is longer. The edges of OSB may swell when water penetrates them, creating visible ridges on the roof. For this reason, it’s best to avoid OSB if you plan on roofing your roof with it.
Another option for plywood is Marine Grade Plywood, which is used for boats and airplanes. Marine Grade Plywood is a special type of structural plywood that is used for marine applications, including boats and boat parts. General Plywood, on the other hand, does not have a high strength performance and is only suitable for interior applications. If you want to use plywood for roofing, be sure to do a thorough research first.
Choosing the right type of plywood for roofing is a vital construction decision. It will determine how long your roof will last and whether it will provide adequate protection. There are pros and cons to both types of plywood, so consider both before making your decision. The advantages of plywood over OSB should be enough to help you choose which one is best for your project. There are many types of plywood available, so you can use either one to build your roof.