Knowledge Builders

what size roof sheathing should i use

by Lew Hermiston Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How Thick Should Roof Sheathing Be?

  • There Is No Standard Roof Sheathing Thickness You should keep in mind that roof sheathing thickness isn’t standardized. ...
  • The Gaps Between the Framing Matter Too The average roof sheathing thickness is also heavily dependent on the spacing distance between rafters or trusses. ...
  • Roof Sheathing Code Requirements The minimum requirement for roof sheathing is ⅜” thick. ...

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. Another factor is how far apart your trusses or rafters are spaced.

Full Answer

Can I use 7/16 osb for roof sheathing?

OSB is fine I wouldn't hesitate to use OSB for roof and wall sheathing. Typical framing details are to use 7/16" OSB for roof framing on 24" centers. I only use 1/2" OSB on roof sheathing, but the APA rating of the OSB does allow for 24" centers

What thickness of OSB should be used for roofing?

The roof needs to be able to withstand the weight of ice and snow which can add a considerable amount of weight. OSB isn't as strong as plywood, so it's important that you follow proper guidelines when making your decision. Generally speaking, it is advised that the OSB be at least .060 inches thick.

Why is my roof sheathing sagging between the trusses?

Undersized rafters also can cause sagging along the whole side, or plane, of a roof. If a roof dips in between rafters or trusses, it's probably because the sheathing is too thin for the span. You can simply have the old sheathing replaced with better material when it's time for new roofing. Remedies for a Sagging Roof

What size sheeting for roofs?

Roof sheathing comes in grid-marked 4-by-8-foot sheets, and should be installed perpendicular to the frame. Sheathing should be a minimum of 19/32-inch thick. Never attach roof sheathing with staples; 8d ring-shank nails should be used instead. The typical thickness range for sheathing is 3/8 to 3/4 inch.

What is Roof Sheathing?

Does Roof Sheathing Thickness Matter?

What is the Most Common Roof Sheathing Thickness?

What Is the Ideal Thickness of Shed Roof Sheathing?

What Kind of Fasteners Are Used for Roof Sheathing?

What is the most durable roofing material?

How thin is a roof sheathing panel?

See 2 more

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What size OSB is used for roofing?

7/16-inchStandard types of wood designed for roof sheathing are oriented strand board, known as OSB, and plywood, the most popular being OSB. Sheets of 7/16-inch thick, without edge support, can be used in an area where the snow load is 30 pounds per square foot.

Can you use 7/16 sheathing on a roof?

Although 7/16-inch paneling is considered the 'most common choice for roof sheathing, 5/8-inch roof sheathing is typically one of the best sizes to use when selecting roof sheathing. However, 7/16″ paneling is a bare minimum requirement and therefore increased thickness is suggested for heavier builds.

What size plywood do you use for a roof?

Most Common Thickness 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. Roofs with very heavy loads may require 3/4-inch thickness.

Can boards wider than 6 be used for roof sheathing?

WOOD BOARD DECK SHEATHING Wood boards must be a minimum of 1" thick (nominal thickness). and moisture levels change. Boards wider than 6" may need too large of a gap between them and may move more than the shingles can permit.

What is the best thickness for roof sheathing?

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 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.

How Far Can 3/4 OSB span?

Span is permitted to be 24 inches on center where 3/4-inch wood strip flooring is installed at right angles to joist. Span is permitted to be 24 inches on center for floors where 11/2 inches of cellular or lightweight concrete is applied over the panels.

What is the best plywood to use for roofing?

CDX PlywoodCDX Plywood A special grade of plywood called “CDX” is a popular choice for roof sheathing.

Is OSB OK for roof sheathing?

Using OSB For Roof Sheathing You can use an OSB body for the exterior roof sheathing on your home. The OSB material is different from plywood. But it has become increasingly popular for roofers. It's all thanks to how well the OSB material can stay strong and secure for long-term use.

Can you use tongue and groove OSB for roof sheathing?

OSB Combo Roof/Wall Tongue and Groove Sheathing is a 1-of-a-kind structural roof and wall system with a built-in energy-efficient barrier that keeps moisture out and reduces air leakage, while still allowing panels to properly dry. Plus, it installs in 2 easy steps: 1. Install the panels, 2. Tape the seams.

What is skip sheathing?

Skip-sheeting, or spaced sheathing, is just as it sounds: sheathing with gaps between. Traditionally, skip-sheathing consists of 1 inch by 4 inch boards nailed to the rafters with gaps between the boards. Spacing between boards is optimal for wood shakes but cannot support asphalt composite shingles.

Does a roof need plywood?

Aside from shingles and underlayment, plywood decking is one of the most important components in your roof. The plywood decking is integral in keeping your home free of unwanted water and mold. If the plywood has gotten wet, it can have a disastrous effect on the rest of your roof, especially the shingles.

What grade of plywood is used for roof sheathing?

CDX PlywoodCDX 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.

How many sheets of plywood do you need for a roof?

Divide the total roof area by 32 to get the number of sheets you will need to cover the roof. A typical 4 foot by 8 foot sheet of plywood covers 32 square feet. If your roof area is 1,600 square feet, 1,600 divided by 32 will mean you need about 50 sheets to cover the roof.

What is better 3 ply or 4 ply plywood?

Overall Strength and Durability Perhaps one of the biggest differences here is that 4-ply plywood is much stronger and more durable overall than 3-ply plywood. The reason for this is because it has one extra layer that is perpendicular to the others.

How much does a sheet of roofing plywood cost?

between $70 to $100Your price could vary depending on how much the roofing company charges for labor, but generally, you can expect to spend between $70 to $100 for each sheet of plywood. A 4 x 8 sheet of plywood covers about 32 square feet of roof area—and the average roof measures about 3,000 square feet.

What is Roof Sheathing?

Before diving into the juicy details of roof sheathing thickness, here’s a brief description of what roof sheathing is and what it does.

Does Roof Sheathing Thickness Matter?

Now that you have a better idea about the roof sheathing and its importance to the roof structure, it’s easy to assume that the thickness of the sheathing plays a significant role in the quality of the build.

What is the Most Common Roof Sheathing Thickness?

You should know about average roof sheathing thickness because it can vary depending on the material used and the level of durability you’re after.

What Is the Ideal Thickness of Shed Roof Sheathing?

If you’re roofing a shed, you might consider a sheathing substrate of about 5/8 inches. This thickness is considered the sweet spot at which the roof sheathing won’t cost you as much, remain easy to install and provide you with a pretty decent level of durability.

What Kind of Fasteners Are Used for Roof Sheathing?

Substrates are usually fastened using either nails or screws. Since they are responsible for holding the entire thing together, it’s always critical to choose the right type of nails depending on the thickness of the boards you’re using.

What is the most durable roofing material?

OSB is currently the most popular option for roof sheathing because it’s incredibly durable, all the while being relatively affordable. About 60 to 75% of all roof sheathings in North America are currently made of OSB.

How thin is a roof sheathing panel?

Ideally, the thinnest roof sheathing panels on the market are usually about 3/8 inches. They usually also happen to be the cheapest on the market, especially if they’re made of strand board.

What is Roof Sheathing?from plasticinehouse.com

Before diving into the juicy details of roof sheathing thickness, here’s a brief description of what roof sheathing is and what it does.

What is the Standard Roof Sheathing Thickness?from plasticinehouse.com

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.

Does Roof Sheathing Thickness Matter?from roofcritics.com

Now that you have a better idea about the roof sheathing and its importance to the roof structure, it’s easy to assume that the thickness of the sheathing plays a significant role in the quality of the build.

What Is the Ideal Thickness of Shed Roof Sheathing?from roofcritics.com

If you’re roofing a shed, you might consider a sheathing substrate of about 5/8 inches. This thickness is considered the sweet spot at which the roof sheathing won’t cost you as much, remain easy to install and provide you with a pretty decent level of durability.

What Kind of Fasteners Are Used for Roof Sheathing?from roofcritics.com

Substrates are usually fastened using either nails or screws. Since they are responsible for holding the entire thing together, it’s always critical to choose the right type of nails depending on the thickness of the boards you’re using.

What is the most common type of sheathing?from plasticinehouse.com

Today the most common types of sheathing are plywood or strand board. Plywood is more expensive but slightly stronger. Dimensional lumber is not used because it would be much more expensive and provides a lesser surface for nails or screws due to gaps between all the boards.

What is the max gap between rafters?from plasticinehouse.com

Therefore if you pick up some ⅜” sheathing that is 12/0, that means the max gap it can bridge between rafters or trusses is 12”. If you get ⅜” panels that say 24/0, it can span up to 24” between framing members. Therefore, there are many options available.

Why Use Plywood For The Roof?from homeeon.com

Despite the roof structure being taken by its brunt, plywood is naturally strong and can be relied on to support the entire roofing system. Its strength is from the make and the materials used for the plywood. It is made up of wood that is layered together. These layers run in an alternate direction, making them more compact and firm.

Is Roof Sheathing Necessary?from homeinspectioninsider.com

Roof sheathing makes your roof strong, and that makes it necessary for almost any home construction. A building can only be complete when it has a roof over it, but a roof is not quality if it is not strong.

How Much Does Roof Sheathing Cost?from homeinspectioninsider.com

During roofing, roof sheathing is priced cumulatively with the rest of the roof ing wor k. You cannot have one contractor lay down the skeleton and another layout the roofing material.

Is Roof Sheathing the Same as Roof Decking?from homeinspectioninsider.com

Many people wonder what the difference is between the roof sheathing and the roof decking on a house. T hey are the same because roof sheathing is also known as roof decking.

What Are Some Of The Comparisons Between Plywood And The Oriented Strand Board?from homeeon.com

On the other hand, Oriented Strand Board (OSB) consists of 3 to 4-in ch wood strands also layered in a crossing pattern, glue attached and pressed. OSB is cheaper and, with time, has surpassed plywood as a material for construction.

Is Sheathing the Same as Plywood?from homeinspectioninsider.com

It is a very valid question in all respects, but roof sheathing cannot be the same as plywood .

What is OSB board used for?from homeinspectioninsider.com

OSB boards are commonly used in roof sheathing and subflooring but are much cheaper than plywood.

How thick should roof sheathing be?

Sheathing should be a minimum of 19/32-inch thick. Never attach roof sheathing with staples; 8d ring-shank nails should be used instead. The typical thickness range for sheathing is 3/8 to 3/4 inch. Advertisement.

What type of wood is used for roof sheathing?

Typical types of wood used for roof sheathing are oriented strand board, known as OSB, and plywood, the most popular being OSB. Sheets of 7/16-inch thick, with no edge support, can be used in an area where the snow load is 30 pounds per square foot. With edge support and the same snow load, 3/8-inch OSB can be used.

How many square feet are in a 4x8 sheet of plywood?

One 4-by-8-foot sheet of OSB or plywood is 32 square feet. Take the roof's total square footage and divide by 32. You should be prepared to have about 15 percent waste, so multiply your figure by 1.15. This will give you the total number of sheets to buy.

Who wrote the book "Structural Design in Wood"?

Tables with important factors can be found in a book called "Structural Design in Wood," written by Judith J. Stalnaker and Earnest C. Harris. It is important to check the local building codes for your area as well.

Who is Kimberly Hawthorne?

Kimberly Hawthorne has been writing since 1980, currently contributing to various websites. She specializes in human and animal health issues, gardening and crafts. With over 11 years experience she is an expert in home improvement, remodeling, repairs and the tools used to get the job done right.

Is Roof Sheathing Necessary?

Roof sheathing makes your roof strong, and that makes it necessary for almost any home construction. A building can only be complete when it has a roof over it, but a roof is not quality if it is not strong.

How Much Does Roof Sheathing Cost?

During roofing, roof sheathing is priced cumulatively with the rest of the roof ing wor k. You cannot have one contractor lay down the skeleton and another layout the roofing material.

Is Roof Sheathing the Same as Roof Decking?

Many people wonder what the difference is between the roof sheathing and the roof decking on a house. T hey are the same because roof sheathing is also known as roof decking.

Is Sheathing the Same as Plywood?

It is a very valid question in all respects, but roof sheathing cannot be the same as plywood .

What is roof decking made of?

In the beginning, the roof sheathing consisted primarily of wood boards, then plywood took over, and wood boards became a thing of the past. In the recent past, however, roof decking has seen the universal use of OSB, which is slowly replacing its predecessor.

What is the best sheathing material for a roof?

Builders and homeowners consider plywood as one of the best and most popular roof sheathing materials. That is because it is way stronger and lasts longer.

Why do builders use OSB?

It is because OSB offers the same quality as plywood and at a much lower price.

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 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.

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.

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 use 10D nail?

Use a 10d box (0.128-inch-by-3-inch) nail as a spacer to gauge 1/8-inch edge and end spacing between panels. Spacer-type panel edge clips are available from some manufacturers. If necessary, trim panel ends to center on framing.

How many square feet of ceiling area is required for net free ventilation?

A minimum net free ventilation area of 960 square inches for each 1,000 square feet (1/150th) of the ceiling area is required. Net free ventilation area may be reduced to a minimum of 480 square inches for each 1,000 square feet (1/300th) when certain building code provisions are met (see Section R806.2 of the 2012 International Residential Code or Section 1203.2 of the 2012 International Building Code for more details). Note that these are minimum code requirements, which have been found to be adequate under most normal circumstances.

How much space between panel end and edge joints?

7. A 1/8-inch space between adjacent panel end and edge joints is recommended, unless the panel manufacturer indicates otherwise. Check building code requirements for installation of panel edge clips. Edge clip requirements depend on the relationship of the panel Span Rating to the actual distance between roof framing.

Can you postpone shingle installation?

If using asphalt or fiberglass shingles, postpone shingle installation as long as possible. This will provide time for roof sheathing to adjust to humidity and moisture conditions.

What is Roof Sheathing?

Before diving into the juicy details of roof sheathing thickness, here’s a brief description of what roof sheathing is and what it does.

Does Roof Sheathing Thickness Matter?

Now that you have a better idea about the roof sheathing and its importance to the roof structure, it’s easy to assume that the thickness of the sheathing plays a significant role in the quality of the build.

What is the Most Common Roof Sheathing Thickness?

You should know about average roof sheathing thickness because it can vary depending on the material used and the level of durability you’re after.

What Is the Ideal Thickness of Shed Roof Sheathing?

If you’re roofing a shed, you might consider a sheathing substrate of about 5/8 inches. This thickness is considered the sweet spot at which the roof sheathing won’t cost you as much, remain easy to install and provide you with a pretty decent level of durability.

What Kind of Fasteners Are Used for Roof Sheathing?

Substrates are usually fastened using either nails or screws. Since they are responsible for holding the entire thing together, it’s always critical to choose the right type of nails depending on the thickness of the boards you’re using.

What is the most durable roofing material?

OSB is currently the most popular option for roof sheathing because it’s incredibly durable, all the while being relatively affordable. About 60 to 75% of all roof sheathings in North America are currently made of OSB.

How thin is a roof sheathing panel?

Ideally, the thinnest roof sheathing panels on the market are usually about 3/8 inches. They usually also happen to be the cheapest on the market, especially if they’re made of strand board.

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1.What Size Sheathing For Roof - RoofingProClub.com

Url:https://www.roofingproclub.com/what-size-sheathing-for-roof/

24 hours ago  · The most common thicknesses for roof sheathing are ½ inch or inch. Some older houses may have -inch roof sheathing, but this has been banned in many areas due to its …

2.How Thick Should Roof Sheathing Be? - Roof Critics

Url:https://roofcritics.com/what-is-the-best-roof-sheathing-thickness/

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4.What Size Plywood For Roof Sheathing

Url:https://www.roofingproclub.com/what-size-plywood-for-roof-sheathing/

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Url:https://homeinspectioninsider.com/what-is-roof-sheathing/

24 hours ago Roof sheathing comes in grid-marked 4-by-8-foot sheets, and should be installed perpendicular to the frame. Sheathing should be a minimum of 19/32-inch thick. Never attach roof sheathing …

7.Roofing Best Practices: How to Install Roof Sheathing

Url:https://www.probuilder.com/5-steps-proper-roof-sheathing-installation

21 hours ago  · Usually constructed of 4’x8′ pieces of plywood or OSB, roof sheathing is critical for the roof’s structural integrity and provides an uninterrupted surface for installing the outer …

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