When it’s time to replace your roof, you have a decision to make regarding the decking. Will you keep what you have, or upgrade it? We recommend replacing your roof deck with OSB.
Roof decking is the workhorse of your roof. This is the material covering the rafters and under the shingles or another roofing material. It keeps out water, provides a surface for nailing, and braces the entire roofing system against heavy winds.
What is OSB?
OSB, or oriented strand board, is a widely used, versatile engineered wood panel made using waterproof heat-cured adhesives and rectangularly shaped wood strands that are arranged in cross-oriented layers. It is similar in strength and performance to plywood, resisting deflection, warping, and distortion.
Approximately 50 layers of strands make one sheet of OSB. This has greater sheer strength. And it tends to hold nails better because there are no core voids or knots in the panels.
To help your shingles last 50 years, you need a sturdy deck.
Muth & Company Roofing recommends that older 3/8-inch plywood roof decks be replaced with 7/16-inch OSB when it’s time to install a new roof. This is especially true if the attic is not properly ventilated. The 3/8-inch plywood will delaminate and not provide a good surface for nailing.
Replacing 3/8-inch plywood will also help your home meet the IBHS FORTIFIED Home™ standards. These standards call for 7/16-inch OSB or plywood. OSB is far less expensive than plywood and is the most frequent choice for roof decks.
This roof decking won’t cup, warp, split or delaminate as easily as plywood. OSB is environmentally friendly because is it made of wood from small, fast-growing trees. That means less waste and better use of our natural resources.
We’re happy to help you make the best decisions for your home.
For questions about roof replacement, give your local Columbus roofers at Muth & Company a call at (614) 882-0900.