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The four types of roof sheathing are plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), planks, and tone-and-groove boards. The overwhelming majority of homes use the first two (especially OSB) and the other two are not often seen outside of special use cases. Methods of sheathing include solid sheathing, open sheathing where there are gaps, and plank sheathing. Most roofs are solid sheathing.

You should plan on replacing architectural shingles every 20 to 25 years in most cases, although you could see up to around 30 years of useful life. Replacing your roof before it reaches the end of its life is a good idea because it reduces the risk of roof failure and roof leaks, which can contribute to extensive property damage and hefty repair costs. Your shingles’ life span can be shorter if you live in an area that sees a lot of extreme weather, so plan on getting a roof inspection done every few years to identify the best timeline for replacement.

EPDM roofs have a few common problems, most of which can be resolved with regular maintenance. This type of roofing is laid down in sheets with seams, which can be a starting point for leaks. Proper installation and roof sealing can often avoid seam issues. 

The material is also susceptible to tears and punctures from falling branches or other sharp objects. There are black and white versions of EPDM, and the black version is more prone to fade and succumb to UV damage. Regular roof inspections can protect the costs of rubber roof installation and extend the life of your roof.

Gaps between tiles are necessary to help with weatherproofing, allow for thermal expansion, and increase wind resistance. In general, a small gap no larger than 3 millimeters wide will encourage proper drainage and limit cracking. Beyond that, tiles should overlap a minimum of 3 inches, except at the eaves where they should extend to the center of the gutter.