How To Choose The Right Kind of Plywood For Roofing

When you are roofing a design, you need to select the right type of plywood. Various types of plywood have various traits that figure out their viability for roofing. Constructing or restoring a roof is no small job – it can be unsafe and very time-consuming. That’s why it’s crucial to know what you’re doing before getting started. One of the most critical selections you’ll make when roofing is which type 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 blogpost, we’ll guide you what to search for when selecting 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 undertakings. Marine plywood is a specialized kind of exterior plywood that is designed to endure rot and moisture. It is often used in boatbuilding. When choosing plywood for your roof, you need to be certain that it is rated for exterior use. Otherwise, it will not be able to tolerate the elements and could break down over time. 2. Think about The Fullness Of The Plywood The fullness of the plywood you choose 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 demand for thicker plywood than a low-pitched one. Generally speaking, you will need 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 Kind Of Plywood There are two types of exterior plywood: CDX and OSB. CDX plywood is made from levels of cross-laminated veneer and is held together with waterproof adhesives. It is the most common type of plywood used in construction and is suitable for most roofing projects. OSB, or Oriented Strand Board, is made from small 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 cost. 4. Think about The Price Of The Plywood Plywood comes in a variety of prices, so it’s significant to give some thought to your budget when selecting a sheet. CDX plywood is typically the most pricy, 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 tools 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 equipment to cut the plywood to size. If you’re not confident in your ability 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 requirements and choices. If you are searching for an inexpensive method 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 think about using higher quality plywood like birch or oak. Whichever kind of plywood you choose, be sure to contact us so that we can help you install it properly and ensure its longevity. roofing service Virginia Beach