When you are roofing a structure, you need to select the right kind of plywood. Various types of plywood have various qualities that determine their viability for roofing. Constructing or repairing a roof is no small task – it can be dangerous and very time-consuming. That’s why it’s critical to know what you’re doing before getting started. One of the most important judgements you’ll make when roofing is which kind of plywood to use. Each type of plywood has its own set of pros and cons, so choosing the wrong one could lead to disaster. In this article, we’ll teach you what to search for when deciding on plywood for your roof and give you a few tips on how to get the most out of your investment decision. Let’s get started!
1. Being familiar with Plywood Grades There are three main types of plywood: interior, exterior, and marine. Interior plywood is meant for indoor use only and is not suitable for roofing. Exterior plywood is designed for outdoor use and is often used in construction ventures. Marine plywood is a specialized type of exterior plywood that is designed to withstand rot and moisture. It is often used in boatbuilding. When selecting plywood for your roof, you need to make sure that it is rated for exterior use. Otherwise, it will not be able to hold up against the elements and could break down over time.
2. Take into consideration The Fullness Of The Plywood The size of the plywood you select will depend on the pitch of your roof. A pitch is the angle of the roof, and it is measured by the number of inches the roof rises for every 12 inches it runs. For example, a 3/12 pitch roof has 3 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run. A steep-pitched roof will need thicker plywood than a low-pitched one. Generally speaking, you will require at least 1/2-inch thick plywood for a low-pitched roof and at least 5/8-inch thick plywood for a steep-pitched roof.
3. Select The Right Type Of Plywood There are two types of exterior plywood: CDX and OSB. CDX plywood is made from layers of cross-laminated veneer and is held together with waterproof adhesives. It is the most common kind of plywood used in construction and is suitable for most roofing projects. OSB, or Oriented Strand Board, is made from smaller sized pieces of wood that are oriented in various directions and then pressurized and glued together. It is less common than CDX plywood but is growing in popularity due to its affordability.
4. Take into account The Cost Of The Plywood Plywood comes in a variety of prices, so it’s critical to look at your budget when choosing a sheet. CDX plywood is typically the most expensive, followed by OSB, with marine plywood being the most expensive kind of all. That said, the price of plywood can vary depending on the thickness, grade, and kind of wood used. Be sure to review prices from various suppliers before making your final decision.
5. Get The Right Tools For The Work Once you’ve chosen the perfect plywood for your roofing project, it’s time to get the right resources for the job. Make sure you have a strong ladder that can support your weight, as well as a helper to assist you with the project. You’ll also need a saw and some basic carpentry resources to cut the plywood to size. If you’re not confident in your skill to install the plywood yourself, it’s best to hire a professional roofer to do the work for you.
So, what is the best plywood for roofing? The answer to that question really depends on your specific demands and choices. If you are looking for an reasonably priced selection that will get the job done, then standard construction-grade plywood should work just fine. However, if you are searching for something with a bit more of a premium feel, then you may want to give some thought to using higher quality plywood like birch or oak. Whichever type of plywood you choose, be sure to contact us so that we can help you install it properly and ensure its longevity. Quality Roofing Virginia Beach