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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.

A roof replacement can take anywhere from one to 14 days. For most homes, a full replacement that includes tearing off old materials takes about one to two days, though the average project can last up to 12 days. The exact timeline depends on several factors, including the roof's size and complexity, the type of roofing material, the crew size, and weather conditions. Certain materials take longer to install; for example, metal roofs can take seven to 14 days because the material is more difficult to work with than asphalt shingles, wood, or tile. A re-roofing project, where new shingles are installed over old ones, can take half the time or less. It's also important to factor in the time needed to obtain necessary permits. A professional roofing contractor will typically complete the job faster than a DIY approach.

If the bay window extends beyond your existing roofline, you must add a roof or a small “skirt” to divert storm water and prevent water damage. The window roof can match your existing house roof, or be finished with copper or other decorative materials. Most bay windows have a roof with complete flashing regardless of their placement to prevent leaks into the home.

In some cases, yes, you can put a second roof layer over architectural shingles, but it depends on your home’s structural stability and the local building codes where you live. Architectural shingles are thicker and heavier than standard asphalt shingles, so you may need structural reinforcement or a structural engineer’s inspection before proceeding. Additionally, some building departments don’t allow for two roof layers, regardless of the roof type. You should ask a professional if ripping the old roof off before installing the new one is the best option for you.