What Wood Is Used for Roofing?
Roofing is part of the building process. The roofing system involves the proper laying of wood planks or sheet to form the frame. With careful planning and orchestration and by choosing the right wood material for the deck, roof stability will be achieved. During construction, before placing roof tiles as the top covering of a structure, layers of work are involved, and this included building the roof foundation. Pillars, beams, rafters and ridges are joined together to form the frame.
Rafters are wood materials that are integral in finishing the decking. Here, decking or sheathing is laid before underlayment and tiles can be placed. The wood type for the decking will depend on tiles used. Tile materials have different weight specifications, and it takes smart engineering to build a sturdy roof deck.
Wood types used for roofing: which is the best?
- The oriented strand board (OSB)—This board type of layers and strands of wood, adhered together to form a board. Invented in 1963 by Armin Elmendorf in California, the OSB is the cheapest board used in roof decking. The strands, which are compressed and bonded form like a plywood in three or five layers and waxed to ensure waterproofing. OSB are preferred for non-heavy tiling. OSB panels can be placed side by side and locked using tongue and groove. The downside of OSB is that since the board is made of strands, it cannot withstand a heavy pressure and is prone to puncture from extreme pressure.
- The Plywood—Unlike the OSB, the grains in the plywood are alternately placed. The plywood is made of layers of thin wood, sometimes 3 or 4. Different layers of thickness are available for plywood and it is made in sheets. The sheets are practical solutions to cover roofs as they are flexible and can withstand pressure and are puncture proof compared with OSB. The plywood is the more popular choice because of its price and flexibility in installation.
OSB. 
Plywood. 
Wood board.
When choosing the thickness of plywood for roof decking, you have to consider the following:
- Weight of tile materials, including the underlayment
- Spacing of rafters
- The climate in your area
- The slope or pitch of the roof
3. Wood boards―Wood boards made from lumber are solid wood that can be used for decking. Boards are placed side by side and meet other adjacent boards on the same rafter. Wood boards should be fastened efficiently with nails to avoid buckling, giving away due to pressure
Achieving roof deck stability
The stability of the roof deck does not begin from the top, it starts from the base. The correct thickness, grade, and wood type ensure a roofing system that conforms to local building codes. For local laws and building regulations on roof matters, consult the experts from Roofers Birmingham.
The following qualify a reliable roof deck:
- Highly resistant to impact (weight of tiles, loads, weather elements, builders)
- Consistently can hold ice or heavy snow
- Resilient against winds and storms
- Effective along with the expected lifespan of the roof
How to avoid roof deck problems
Roof decking problems cannot be avoided but they can be reduced or eliminated. Moisture absorption is the prime culprit for roof damage. It is where all roof failure begins. When moisture penetrates wood surface, the panels would start swelling. Moisture buildup could only be prevented if deck installation keeps the wood movement from happening and when buckling is avoided. Through this, moisture has no place to enter unless the underlayment and the roof tiles have been compromised.
Additional tip: keep the wood panels dry by immediately installing the underlayment. The longer the decks are exposed to the weather, the more they become the first target of heat and rain.
For what type of wood you need for your roof mainly depends on all the different roofing materials you need for your home, your location and the weather, and local and building codes. For more helpful and specific information, call your reliable roofing contractor. At Birmingham Roofers, they can help you in deciding for the best wood panels used for roof decks. Whether plywood or OSB that fits your home, call them now.
