- Plywood. Builders and homeowners consider plywood as one of the best and most popular roof sheathing materials.
- Concrete Roof Sheathing. As the world grapples with climate change, industrial technology is beginning to lean on environmentally friendly construction alternatives, and concrete roof sheathing is an excellent option.
- Oriental Strand Board (OSB) In the beginning, the roof sheathing consisted primarily of wood boards, then plywood took over, and wood boards became a thing of the past.
- Exterior Gypsum Board. Exterior gypsum materials are not as famous as plywood or OSB, but several builders and homeowners prefer it for its versatility.
- Wafer Board. Wafer boards are made of wood flakes and are closely related to OBS but are made to incline more on the qualities of plywood.
Which roof shingles should I use for my house?
Roofing Color Selector by CertainTeed
- Atlantic Blue
- Birchwood
- Black Walnut
- Burnt Sienna
- Charcoal
- Cinder Black
- Cobblestone Gray
- Colonial Slate
- Cottage Red
- Driftwood
What should roof sheathing should be installed to?
Roof sheathing panel fastening hints:
- Position panel. Use temporary fasteners at corners if needed to square panel on framing.
- Install fasteners at one panel end.
- Remove temporary fasteners at corners.
- Install intermediate fasteners, starting at panel edge. ...
- Stand on the panel over the framing near the fastener location to ensure contact with framing while driving fasteners. ...
How thick should my roof sheathing be?
- What is the Purpose of Roof Sheathing?
- What Are the Different Types of Roof Sheathing? ...
- Roof Sheathing Bond Classifications Exposure 1 Exterior Grade
- How Long Can OSB Be Exposed to the Elements?
- How Long Can Plywood Roof Sheathing Be Exposed to the Elements?
- Effects of Sun Exposure on Sheathing
- Effects of Rain/Moisture on Sheathing
What is roof sheathing, and what does it do?
This is where roof sheathing comes into the picture. But what is roof sheathing, and what does it do? Roof sheathing is fixed to the joists and trusses; it is a secure layer of wooden boards that help to support the roof of a building. It can instead be known as roof decking; however, this is slightly different.
What materials can be used for roof sheathing?
Roof sheathing is commonly made from materials such as:Planks.Wood boards.Plywood.Compressed wood panels.OSB (Oriented Strand Board Decks)
What can I use instead of plywood for roof?
OSB is now the most-used sheathing and subflooring material for new roofs and roof replacements. OSB is currently selling for less than plywood by approximately $3 per sheet, meaning a savings of several hundred dollars per conventional home.
Can you use regular plywood for roof sheathing?
Most Common Thickness For rafters spaced 20 or more inches apart, 1/2- or 5/8-inch plywood is recommended. The most common rafter spacing is 24 inches, and 5/8-inch plywood is recommended for that. It will support roof loads for most situations and is the standard for most roof applications.
What kind of wood is used for roof sheathing?
Oriented strand board (OSB) – OSB is the most common type of material used for roof decking. It's durable and readily available, and has relatively low costs. OSB is made of interwoven strands of wood bonded with adhesive.
Is there a cheaper alternative to OSB?
All three types of rigid-foam insulation, to include expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS) and polyisocyanurate can be used as substitutes for OSB in sheathing exterior walls and roofs.
What is a good substitute for OSB?
Most builders are so comfortable with OSB wall sheathing that they never consider using an alternative material. In fact, a wide range of materials can be used to sheathe a wood-framed wall. In addition to OSB, builders can choose plywood, fiberboard, rigid foam, diagonal boards, and fiberglass-faced gypsum panels.
Is half inch plywood good for roofing?
Standard roof sheathing thickness is ½” to ⅝” thick. If you are using OSB for your roof deck, then ⅝” is the recommended thickness. For plywood, which is slightly stronger than strand board, ½” thick is appropriate.
What grade of plywood is used for roof sheathing?
CDX Plywood is used primarily by contractors to build exterior walls and roofs. CDX plywood has one side veneer grade “C” and one side veneer grade “D”. The two are bonded together with glue which can withstand a little moisture. The APA would recognize CDX Grade Plywood as C-D Exposure 1 plywood.
Is 7/16 OSB OK for roofing?
OSB is the most-used sheathing material for new roofs and roof replacements. You can use 7/16-inch thick OSB sheets without support for areas where the snow load is 30 pounds per square foot because it's durable and maintains building integrity much longer than other sizes.
Which is better OSB or plywood?
Wood fiber is used more efficiently in osb. Osb is stronger than plywood in shear. Shear values, through its thickness, are about 2 times greater than plywood. This is one of the reasons osb is used for webs of wooden I-joists.
What is the standard thickness of roof sheathing?
Sheathing Thickness The typical thickness of roof sheathing is about 7/16-inch, which is just under 1/2-inch.
Can I use screws for roof sheathing?
Screws can be used for even greater withdrawal strength, but should be sized by the building designer. Staples are not recommended for roof sheathing attachment in high-wind areas.
What size nails should I use for roof sheathing?
Fasten panels with a minimum of 8d Common (0.131-inch by 2-1/2-inch) nails spaced a maximum of 6 inches on center at supported panel ends and edges. At intermediate supports, fasten panels 12 inches on center. In high-wind areas, more fasteners may be required.
Should I use OSB or plywood for roof?
Plywood Holds the Moisture Advantage Over OSB When plywood gets wet, it tends to swell. OSB takes longer than plywood to get saturated, but also takes much longer to dry out. When used as roof sheathing, this tendency to hold moisture means it will degrade faster than plywood when exposed to chronic leaks.
Should roofing nails go through the sheathing?
A 1″ nail will fully penetrate through 3/8″ roof sheathing, but it won't fully penetrate 1/2″ sheathing. The other way to determine if the proper nails were used is to look in the attic; if the roof has 1/2″ sheathing, you should be able to see the nails sticking through in to the attic.
What is the difference between sheeting and sheathing?
Roof Sheathing ("Sheeting") Roof sheathing is any material that is used to provide a solid surface, decking or base to which roofing material is applied to. The roof sheathing is much more than simply just a surface to attaching roofing materials to.
Are H clips required for roof sheathing?
For the most common roof sheathing in our area, which is 1/2” nominal (7/16” actual) sheathing over trusses or rafters at 24” on center, there is no requirement for H-clips. One or two H-clips will often allow a longer span between roof trusses/rafters.
What is the best thickness for roof sheathing?
Most Common Thickness For rafters spaced 20 or more inches apart, 1/2- or 5/8-inch plywood is recommended. The most common rafter spacing is 24 inches, and 5/8-inch plywood is recommended for that. It will support roof loads for most situations and is the standard for most roof applications.
What is roof sheathing?
Roof sheathing attaches to the surface of the rafters or trusses to form the structural skin of the roof. It spans the rafters to support the roofing and, in the case of panel sheathing such as plywood or OSB, it acts as a diaphragm with the walls to resist horizontal loads. Roof-sheathing material must be coordinated with the roofing itself, since each type of roofing has special requirements.
Why is bracing not needed on hip roofs?
Bracing may sometimes be omitted on hip roofs because the shape of the roof provides the bracing. Spacing of open sheathing depends on the type of roofing it will support. The ability of the sheathing to span between supports depends on the spacing of both rafters and sheathing and on the type of roofing applied over it.
Does sheathing provide a diaphragm?
Since this sheathing material does not provide a diaphragm at the plane of the roof, other means of bracing the roof against horizontal loads must be employed. Let-in wooden bracing or metal strap bracing applied to the top or bottom surface of the rafters will suffice in most cases.
Can you put a moisture barrier over open sheathing?
In some regions, the common practice is to place a moisture barrier over open sheathing to keep out wind-driven rain. In very windy areas, solid sheathing is often used. Consult with local codes and builders for the accepted practice. Metal and tile roofing may be applied to either solid or open sheathing.
Can you use wood shingle over open sheathing?
Wood shingle and shake roofing is best applied over open sheathing because the spacing between the open sheathing allows the roofing to breathe from both sides, prolonging its life. Shingle and shake roofs may also be applied to solid sheathing at exposed eaves and rakes and similar locations.
Is tongue and groove sheathing a diaphragm?
Tongue-and-groove sheathing, however, does not act as a diaphragm, so other methods of providing lateral-load stability, such as diagonal bracing, must be employed.
Can you use open sheathing on metal roofing?
Open sheathing may also be chosen for economic reasons, but only if used with roofing systems such as metal or tile, which have the structural capacity to span between sheathing boards. Alternative methods of providing lateral stability, such as diagonal bracing, must be used with open sheathing.
Use the right tools, materials, and techniques to install a high-quality substrate for your home's roofing
Most buildings need roof sheathing to support the roofing material and add rigidity to the rafters or trusses. Working with plywood or OSB sheathing is a pretty straightforward process, but smart techniques can make the job easier, faster, and safer. We’ve collected our best articles and videos on the topic to help you out.
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What size roof sheathing should I use?
A “standard” size for sheathing thickness does not exist. However, you can look to your trusses (rafters) to help decide on the thickness of your roof sheathing. Reference the APA wood stamp on your roof deck and use it as a guide for determining the right thickness.
What is the minimum thickness of roof sheathing?
The minimum thickness for roof sheathing that many roofers use is 3/4-inches thick. There is no “standard” minimum, however, this is typically the ideal minimum for most roofers.
Types of Roof Sheathing
There are many types of roof decking that you can use for roof sheathing. Depending on your structural requirements and budget, different roof boards may be preferable to others. You should also take into consideration the location and intent of your build.
What is better for roof sheathing, OSB, or CDX?
Every board has its benefit when it comes to roof sheathing. Of course, OSB is a far more popular choice, but the easiest way to decide which wood is best for roof sheathing is to check out the benefits for yourself!
Is OSB better than plywood?
Depending on your budget and structure, plywood can be a better option for roof sheathing than an oriented standard board (OSB). Both types of paneling are made from wood and held together using strong adhesives. However, plywood is a more heavy-duty option and can support more weight.
Conclusion
It is important to find a type of board that will support your structure and maintains its integrity for life when it comes to the roof sheathing. Roof sheathing is not something you want to perform maintenance on, and therefore selecting suitable materials is crucial. From plywood to OSB, there are many options for your roof sheathing.
What is roof sheathing?
A roof system consists of several elements working together to protect the home. Roof sheathing (or decking) is one of those elements. In the U.S., it is almost always composed of wood—usually OSB (oriented strand board) or plywood. OSB is lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and strong enough to resist bending or breaking should someone walk on ...
How far should fasteners be from a pitched roof?
Fasteners should be 3/8 inch from panel ends and 3/8 inch from panel edges (see hints below). For pitched roofs, wear skid-resistant shoes. On panels with a screened surface or skid-resistant coating, install panels with the non-skid surface up.
How to install a panel fastener?
2. Install fasteners at one panel end. 3. Remove temporary fasteners at corners. 4. Install intermediate fasteners, starting at panel edge. Use a chalk line or straight edge to align fasteners on framing. Fasten panels in rows across the width, continuing this sequence along the length of the panel.
Do trusses need to be shimmed?
Trusses or rafters should be shimmed as necessary to provide a level nailing surface. If the top chords of trusses or rafters are warped or bowed, install blocking to straighten.
Can you vent exhaust air into the attic?
Do not vent exhaust air directly into roof cavity or attic.
Is OSB stronger than plywood?
OSB is lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and strong enough to resist bending or breaking should someone walk on the roof. Plywood is a bit more expensive, but is usually stronger and is often selected in cases where the roof covering is heavier, such as for slate, clay, or concrete tile roofs.
What does sheathing do on a roof?
The sheathing distributes weight evenly across the entire roof. Sheathing also provides a surface to which shingles are attached. Advertisement.
What is the best material for sheathing?
Plywood or oriented strand board, which is a type of engineered wood that’s similar to particle board, are the materials most typically used for sheathing, according to Bedford. Plywood is heavier and more durable, but oriented strand board, sometimes called waferboard, is less expensive.
Why is pressure treated sheathing preferred?
However, in some parts of the country pressure treated sheathing is preferred because of its resistance to termites. And some contractors appreciate the extra peace of mind its superior water resistance and durability offer. Advertisement.
How much pressure can a hurricane exert on a roof?
In contrast, a strong hurricane, like Hugo in 1989, could exert uplift pressures as high as 100 pounds per square foot in critical areas of the roof if your house is in an exposed location. Advertisement.
Why is roof sheathing important?
Unless you’re in the construction industry, roof sheathing isn’t typically a topic that enters everyday conversation, but it’s an essential component in protecting your family’s health and safety.
Do homes need reinforcement during a tornado?
Homes in areas where hurricanes or tornadoes are common certainly need extra care paid to the sheathing’s ability to withstand heavy winds. Homes in less windy areas, on the other hand, might not need the same reinforcement.
What material is used for roof sheathing?
Plywood. This is another popular material choice for roof sheathing. Plywood, similar to OSB, is made from several sheets of intertwined wood. The multiple sheets create thick to the sheathing that can help to reduce warping, shrinking and swelling over the long term. Plywood is also a very dense material.
What is roof sheathing made of?
In many homes that were built in the latter part of the 20th century, the roof decking was primarily made from wood boards. However, over the past few decades, plywood replaced the wood boards, and OSB is gradually replacing plywood. Roof sheathing is a crucial part of a structure’s roofing system.
What type of roof sheathing was used in the 20th century?
Wood Boards. As previously mentioned, this was the main type of roof sheathing installed in homes during the 20th century. They were used in conjunction with shingles and wood shakes. In order to speed up the drying process, they were shakes and shingles were placed over the wood-based sheathing.
Why were the wood shingles replaced with asphalt?
Spaces were left between each board to encourage air flow. After the original wood shingles and shakes failed, they were replaced with shingles made of asphalt. However, the asphalt shingles required the home to have durable and solid sheathing.
Is OSB a synthetic material?
OSB is a synthetic material that is made from fragments of wood.
Is concrete sheathing good for green buildings?
Concrete is also becoming a major material being used in eco-friendly and green buildings. Concrete sheathing is typically poured into several forms or set on a roof in a pre-cast board. When it is poured, it is reinforced with bars. Concrete sheathing is considered low maintenance because it is easy to clean, and it helps reduce the chances ...
Is roof sheathing needed for shingles?
This is also the time when plywood and later OSB were introduced into the construction industry. Most property owners think of roof sheathing as nothing more than a base that is needed for nailing shingles on a roof. However, roof sheathing is so much more than that.
