Roof sheathing is a supportive and protective layer of framing for roofing materials
Roof sheathing is the definition of the structural board layer between your rafters and shingles that supports your roof's weight and protects against leaks.
Plywood sheathing costs $1.40 to $5 per square foot, while OSB material runs $0.65 to $2.40 per square foot for your roof replacement project.
Your roof needs immediate attention when you notice sagging sections, wavy rooflines, or water leaks that signal damaged or compromised sheathing underneath the shingles.
Hiring a local roofing professional provides reliable support for sheathing inspections and roof replacement, helping you address structural issues before they lead to costly damage.
A sturdy roof needs a good foundation, which is where roof sheathing comes in. Roof sheathing, also known as roof decking, consists of sheets of board material that support shingles and other roofing material. Learn more about roof sheathing, why it’s so important, and how to make sure it’s in good condition.
A roof’s structure consists of multiple layers, from the rafters that frame and support the entire roof to the shingles that sit on top. In between these layers, you’ll find roof sheathing, also called roof decking. Roof sheathing is a solid board material that’s attached to the rafters and provides a solid surface to attach additional parts of the roof.
Roof sheathing not only helps support the weight of the roof but also acts as an additional layer of protection against leaks and water intrusion. Roof sheathing can also provide some fire protection—some sheathing materials have a fire-retardant treatment applied.
Roof sheathing comes in two materials—plywood and oriented strand board (OSB). Both are wood-based and contain adhesives or resins, but there are key differences between them.
Plywood is made by gluing and compressing thin sheets of wood to form a strong, rigid sheet of material used for roof sheathing. Plywood will absorb water, but unlike OSB, it dries very quickly and retains its original shape once dry. Plywood isn’t quite as strong as OSB, so the size of sheathing made from this material is often thicker, ranging from 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch thick.
OSB is a durable sheathing material made of wood fibers compressed with resin. It’s stronger than plywood and comes in thicknesses ranging from 7/16 to 5/8 of an inch. While its strength is an advantage, it doesn’t have the same water resistance as plywood. OSB dries much slower and can warp out of shape once wet.
Damaged roof sheathing can lead to serious roof problems. As soon as you identify a problem, hire a roofer to fix the issue before it causes serious safety risks and costly repairs. Signs of damaged roof sheathing include:
Roof leaks: Any water coming through the roof is a sure sign something isn’t right. Damaged sheathing can cause roof leaks, so always call a local roofer to investigate leaks as soon as you notice them.
A sagging or rippling roofline: Sections of saggy roof or roofing that appear wavy can signal a problem with the roof sheathing. Your roof should have an even, uniform appearance, so you should check on anything unusual. If you see these kinds of problems right after a roof replacement, it can indicate that your roofers may not have built your roof correctly.
Mold or mildew formation: Compromised sheathing can allow moisture to build up under the roof, leading to mold or mildew growth. If you notice visible signs of mold, mildew, mustiness, or a sour smell in your attic, your sheathing may be damaged.
If you’re only replacing your roof sheathing, the cost will depend on the square footage that needs replacing. Plywood is more expensive than OSB, at an average of $1.40 to $5 per square foot compared to $0.65 to $2.40 per square foot for OSB.
Roof sheathing is often replaced during a full roof replacement. The cost to replace a roof averages between $5,800 and $13,000, with larger roofs or those made with more expensive materials increasing the price.
D1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision
Division 1 Roofing LLCThis place took $25,000 for a flat roof job with a five-year warranty and never returned to fix the leaks that were caused by their work. These people are not professionals and should not be doing this type of work. They incorrectly changed the pitch of the roof, and caused more damage than...
The technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimneyI am really impressed with their timeliness and turnaround. Mitchell came out, and we decided to move forward with their pricing. Our roof was on within a week, and we could not be happier with their team! Amazing company, great prices and honest, dependable craftsmanship. I highly recommend...
Window Depot USA of Central OhioManuel Calvillo is the best option in the area for roofing and you won't be disappointed.
They damaged multiple items on my property, including a marble slab used as a table top, tried to hide it, and refused to pay or replace. Arrived day one without a ladder to access roof & delayed a day. Left a mess in back yard; didn't wear face masks; no show by owner to property to see damages
Grants Tree ServiceI've hired Gary/Cherokee Roofing for two different homes, work quality, responsiveness, and completion have been great both times. And the prices quoted were very competitive. I would definitely hire again.
Lyle did a great job removing asbestos shingles from our front porch roof. They worked together with our roofer to make sure that the new roof was able to be installed on the same day that Lyle removed the asbestos shingles.
Lyle EnvironmentalBradley Builders did a good job replacing the roof on our front porch. They color-matched the existing shingles on the rest of the house and installed a metal ridge roll since we live in a historical neighborhood. They did the job while we were out of town. When we got back, everything was...
Bradley Builders, Inc.I would absolutely recommend this business. They offer a variety of services, including: painting, roofing, and refinishing wood flooring. I hired them to refinish the original hardwood flooring in my home built in 1874. The job was quite challenging, as the floors were extremely aged and...
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