Or are you in the middle of one? Your email address will not be published. All Rights Reserved. If you choose to omit the plywood from a residential construction, install a vapor barrier between the purlins and the metal roof, or plan to spray closed-cell foam insulation between the rafters to eliminate the temperature differential between the air in the building and the metal. Just make sure you use a primer on top. Plywood is made with an odd number of layers for optimal strength and performance. We will be able to give you more information and provide insight on your roofing project. Because the pieces are smaller, the sheets of OSB can be much larger than sheets of plywood. The sole exception to this is pressure treated CDX, which can survive for decades without even a protective coating. Should they go with OSB vs. CDX plywood for the roof? Plywood is a pretty flexible material. Oriented Strand Board Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is a material Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is a material with high mechanical properties that make it particularly suitable for load-bearing applications in construction. Not all decking is the same. Fortunately, performance has been increased exponentially. So let’s get started by getting to know everything about OSB and plywood. In reality, CDX plywood can only withstand water for a short period of time. How To Get Insurance To Pay For Roof Replacement. OSB and CDX do not only look different, but they have unique characteristics that make one better than the other in specific applications. The 3/4″ OSB and 3/4″ Tongue & Groove are primarily used as a subfloor. You can get it for up to 16 feet and even more! Especially in relation to OSB or Plywood use for Roofs, Walls & Floors. The differences, such as moisture resistance and cost and even how CDX and OSB are manufactured lend them unique characteristics. For a decking, or substrate underneath shingles, you can usually use either material. Building codes, the Engineered Wood Association, architects and most builders rate plywood and oriented strand board (OBS sheathing) equal in strength and durability. 2. It’s considerably weaker and lighter than other materials. This makes the material perfect for roofing and other types of use! Alternatively, OSB is created from wood chips, resin, and adhesive that is baked and formed into the shape of a sheet of plywood. 7/16 in. What are the differences? OSB is widely used as roof decking material. Secondly, OSB panels have a higher shear rating than plywood panels and are thus often installed with greater spans than plywood of the same thickness. Should I use CDX or OSB for roofing plywood? Understanding the differences between CDX and OSB is important because you want your home to be protected from the elements throughout the year. Unfortunately, an OSB is less resistant to water compared to plywood. However, OSB is generally considered less resistant to water (it swells in thickness when exposed to moisture) and some people prefer plywood for roofs and subfloors. This can result in visible deflection of the panels between the supports and can telegraph through causing a wavy appearance to the roof. Roy Gingrich of Ellicott City has a 40-year-old house with an asphalt shingle roof surface. Oriented strand board (OSB) OSB used for flat roof decking should be type OSB/3 or OSB/4, conforming to BS EN 300: Thickness and fixing recommendations are similar to those for plywood. Earlier types of OSB were known as waferboard, which is now considered a sub-standard version of oriented stand board. Plywood by itself is water and moisture resistant. Secondly, OSB panels have a higher shear rating than plywood panels and are thus often installed with greater spans than plywood of the same thickness. Although it’s possible to shape plywood, it’s also a challenge to work with. ft. Elasto-Barrier® and embed Contouring Roof Fabric™ into wet coating. Market data show that conversion from plywood to osb among builders is irregular, but clearly moving toward osb and away from plywood. Estimate the amount of plywood or OSB needed for sheathing a roof. If the price is your number one consideration, OSB wood panels provide sweet deals. There are even variants of OSB that come with building wrap already in place, so installation is as easy as taping the seams together. You won’t have a hard time cutting, marking, or measuring the material! Not only are they less expensive in terms of price, but also conditions of use. As mentioned earlier, OSB is usually much cheaper than CDX and is also easier to locate in stores and lumberyards. Should you use CDX (plywood) or OSB (oriented strand board) for roofing plywood? They may look thicker but doesn’t necessarily mean they’re more durable than plywood. Roof Replacement Cost: Ways to Save Money. One thing is certain: osb is in our future. It’s a leg up than plywood, which comes in limited sizes. The contractor can choose an oriented standard board (OSB) or plywood to create the decking of the roof. Wood particle board (chipboard) To begin with, let us try to understand more about each of these four types of wood. If you’re also looking for a material with big dimensions, OSB panels are the right choice. Most homeowners opt for OSB because it is cheap, while others may prefer sturdier CDX. Typical types of wood used for roof sheathing are oriented strand board, known as OSB, and plywood, the most popular being OSB. Going back to the X in CDX, you may recall that it means ‘exposure.’ Many people think the X stands for ‘exterior,’ but that’s a common misconception. It is often less expensive than CDX plywood because this manufacturing process doesn’t require the same costly veneers found on the front and back of CDX plywood. It can withstand any load, thanks to its design. On the other hand, CDX is hardly waterproof and will absorb water readily, but it also will shed that water quickly and reverts to the original shape and thickness effortlessly. It’s the perfect material to use in places with chemical works. Now, even though OSB is thought to be waterproof, there is a downside to its resilience. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) in Rosemont, IL and the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) in Rockville, MD both recommend the use of APA performance rated osb and plywood panels. Blue Ribbon® OSB sheathing panels contain no core voids, knots or splits and provide a quality base layer for wall and roof sheathing applications. They’re 10% stiffer than OSB sheathing. CDX is very stable, since the manufacturing process is built upon the idea of checks and balances. We’re here to help you find the best material for your job site. Whether you are building, remodeling, or just doing some repairs, many times you need a type of sheathing or underlayment for the project. There is often a debate on which is better- plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). A 4×8 sheet of plywood is 32 ft 2. Oriented strand board (OSB) combines wood chips, glue, and resin into the shape of a sheet of plywood and bakes them together. You won’t expect the material to corrode anytime soon. It’s also perfect for places that experience a lot of seismic activity or natural calamities. When you cut it open, the insides won’t be water-resistant! What Is The Average Cost Of An Andersen Window? How Much Does A Bundle Of Roofing Shingles Weigh? This is one of the reasons why some people prefer using plywood for their roof or subfloor. OSB is so strong in fact that it is now used for about 70% of all floor, wall and roof sheathing in North America and there are two different types of OSB, OSB2 and OSB3. The material is very pliable, which means that it moves with your step! You’ll need to apply these separately to keep the interiors water-resistant. OSB is lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and strong enough to resist bending or breaking should someone walk on the roof. We’ll discuss plywood vs OSB more later. Earlier types of OSB were known as waferboard, which is now considered a sub-standard version of oriented stand board. One of the main areas that people tend to run into these issues is when they are trying to find plywood for their roofing. x 8ft. Although some people will ultimately choose CDX, many experts argue that OSB is better overall for roofing. The next thing on our list is discussing the common notable features that both plywood and standard board OSB have. Comparatively, CDX covered in shingles will still be exposed to too much moisture and will eventually delaminate and warp, increasing the chances of water damage elsewhere in your home. Once you have the area you can divide by the area of a sheet of plywood to find the number of sheets needed. Recommended Replacement Windows For New Jersey Homes, Roof Replacement Companies: Here’s What To Look For, Pros and Cons of Architectural Shingles vs. Three-Tab Shingles. Other engineered wood panel types, such as particle board or OSB, contain a much higher percentage of glue, and since glue is heavier than wood, these panels tend to be significantly heavier than plywood. OSB is made by combining glue, resin, and wood chips and pressing them into the shape of a plywood sheet then baking everything together. Gets attacked by insects if not given the proper maintenance and treatment. Unfortunately, it isn’t the same for plywood. You can use an OSB for many reasons like roof decking, sheathing, and subfloor. In this OSB vs. Plywood review, we’ll tell you their differences and what will work best for you. Item #70213 Model #22486.0 Hard to paint, but possible! Thankfully, there are OSB materials today that are designed to be moisture-resistant. Don’t let the size of OSB sheathing deceive you. They’re typically mixed with adhesive and wax, and hot-pressed to turn them into thin sheets. It’s the perfect material for your sheathing or flooring! One of the nice things about plywood is the variety of options you can buy. Though it will resist water for a few months, it will need to be covered with a sheath for long term use (and that sheath is oftentimes OSB). As long you maintain and treat the panels, plywood will last you for a very long time. Plywood Holds the Moisture Advantage Over OSB. When building a house, OSB makes for excellent sheathing. In this vs. challenge, we’ll put the Oriented Stand Board (OSB) and Plywood against each other. Address any edges that are of concern to make the roof level and flat before installing the finished roof material but this should not be done until the panels have had time to dry. Because of this manufacturing process, OSB is at least half the cost of CDX plywood. OSB is now used for about 70 percent of all floor, wall and roof sheathing in North America. Plywood is an engineered wood from the manufactured boards family, which also includes particle board and oriented strand board (OSB). This can be done with a straight piece of lumber (6 feet to … Do you have an upcoming roof replacement? If you are looking to cut some corners, then you will want to select OSB for more applications than CDX. Finally, the notable distinction between the two materials is the size. What Type of Plywood is for the Roof? The types of wood species that are used in engineered plywood include ash, oak, birch, maple, cedar, spruce and pine. Huber manufactures the premium OSB products such as Advantech sheathing, which many builders prefer over plywood, due in part to quality problems they were seeing in plywood. Required fields are marked *. This basically calculates the number of sheets needed for a Gable roof. Speaking of OSB, it’s a top choice of homeowners looking for something more affordable than plywood. OSB, plywood, what should you choose? Luckily, Plywood isn’t one of them. When planning to redo your roof or repair some damages, you might come across different grades and types of wood, such as OSB and CDX and start wondering what those abbreviations mean. For plywood, it is like $5 to $10 more expensive. You’ve come to the right place. Now, let’s have a look at some of the main differences between CDX and OSB as roofing plywood. Cover sheathing as soon as possible with roofing felt for extra protection against excessive moisture prior to roofing application. OSB Sheathing 15/32 CAT PS2-10 OSB Sheathing, Application as 4 x 8. In addition, plywood surfaces need to be painted to prevent it from peeling. Plywood panels are created when sheets of veneer are peeled from a log and cross-laminated together with a hot press. You want a trusted and reliable material. Generally, an OSB sheathing or wood panels are water-resistant. Two features stand out between Plywood and an OSB Board. Roof sheathing products like GP's Thermostat OSB roofing boards and Plytanium plywood roof sheathing provide heat and moisture resistant properties. Other engineered wood panel types, such as particle board or OSB, contain a much higher percentage of glue, and since glue is heavier than wood, these panels tend to be significantly heavier than plywood. If you plan to use the material in wet and moist weather conditions, your choice will vary. Compared to CDX, oriented strand board (OSB) is made very differently. Is a TPO roof better than a fluid applied roof? Here are some things to consider when choosing your decking material to install on a roof. In the process of constructing a roof, there are typically two different roof decking materials. Undeniably, both materials are excellent in themselves. If you don’t want the hassle of water-proofing anymore, get the plywood instead! New homes will usually see a few rainfalls before a roof is on, and as noted above, OSB doesn't handle moisture well. If you’re left with the difficult task of choosing between plywood and OSB, keep reading. You can buy it per sheet, use it for sheathing, and more! Have been told to use 18mm sterling board OSB to cover a small flat roof prior to felting. With wrapping, though, it can withstand the elements without issue. In short, CDX has better dimensional stability, which is why it is used for integral interior sections of a structure. OSB win against plywood when it comes to shear strength. Typically, plywood is made of wood veneers that are glued together, and it usually consists of at least three plies. Speaking of OSB, it’s a top choice of homeowners looking for something more affordable than plywood. What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Commercial Roof? OSB is far less likely to expand and contract when exposed to humidity and moisture, even though it will take longer to dry. A homeowner recently wrote and asked me the following regarding OSB roof decking: Q. OSB is now used for about 70 percent of all floor, wall and roof sheathing in North America. You can consider this as an advantage, but it can also have some drawbacks. Both plywood and OSB are used for sheathing roofs, walls and subfloors. Many contractors will use OSB for roofing and subfloors. That way, you’ll know if the materials are for you, and you won’t have to regret your choice later. Huber manufactures the premium OSB products such as Advantech sheathing, which many builders prefer over plywood, due in part to quality problems they were seeing in plywood. Plywood is made with an odd number of layers for optimal strength and performance. Your email address will not be published. Whereas, the plywood comes in limited sizes. Because of this, OSB struggles to revert back to its original state. OSB is incredibly more cost-efficient than plywood. One sheet = 32 ft². Item #85795 Model #S-16596PC Oriented Strand Board, commonly referred to as OSB, is a type of engineered lumber similar to particle board, formed by adding adhesives and then compressing layers of wood strands. They’re a lot easier to use thanks to the pre-printed grid lines. You can have an OSB that’s larger than your plywood. Plywood vs MDF vs Particle Board vs OSB – Pros & Cons. The biggest difference is how both react when exposed to large amounts of moisture over an extended period of time. If you don’t, then the OSB wood panels will absorb the water and moisture. When it gets wet, the sheathing could swell and thicken up because of the moisture. CDX is a type of veneer plywood that is fabricated by gluing then pressing sheets of wood together to strengthen them. We look forward to hearing from you. TABLE 2304.7(5) ALLOWABLE LOAD (PSF) FOR WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL ROOF SHEATHING CONTINUOUS OVER TWO OR MORE SPANS AND STRENGTH AXIS PARALLEL TO SUPPORTS (Plywood Structural Panels Are Five-Ply, Five-Layer Unless Otherwise Noted) a, b Unlike other materials, an OSB has a squarer and smaller dimension. The calculation is based on that the Plywood or OSB (Oriented Strand Board) sheets are of a 4' x 8' size. The grains run in the opposite direction of the layer below. OSB2 is great for structural, non-load bearing projects in dry conditions whereas OSB3 performs better for structural, load bearing use and for use in humid conditions. Strand Board is gaining popularity as a material used for roofing. Plywood panels are created when sheets of veneer are peeled from a … Flooring 23/32 CAT PS2-10 Tongue and Groove OSB Subfloor, Application as 4 x 8. Also, with that amount of rain, plywood and OSB may have some swelling at the edges and a thorough inspection of the panels should be done after the panels have completely dried. Generally, you can use both plywood and OSB for different uses. It is generally believed that OSB is cheaper than plywood. x 48 in. However, when it is penetrated by water, it takes a very long time to finally dry out compared to CDX plywood. Be sure to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option before you decide which way to go for your new home or your updated roof. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Both OSB and plywood panels can cut and installed on a roof using conventional roofing equipment. While plywood is generally limited to 8 to 10 feet lengths, OSB panels can be manufactured in lengths up to 16 feet. Applicable to Underlayment grade, C-C (Plugged) plywood, and Single Floor grade wood structural panels. Up until 2000, plywood held the majority of the market for wall, roof, and floor sheathing when it was surpassed by OSB, which as of 2018, held about 75% of the market share. They work equally well for these uses, are just as easy to drill into and have equivalent ability to hold nails. Luckily OSB doesn’t have this, unlike plywood. Makes a squeaky sound if you use it for flooring. Both are rated Exposure 1 for temporary exposure to the elements, have equivalent nail withdrawal resistance and are installed using like methods and construction details. That is why OSB is sometimes used to secure houses when a hurricane draws near. If it is, then OSB should be your choice. So, dividing the area of the roof by 32 will give you the number of sheets needed. OSB is made by combining glue, resin, and wood chips and pressing them into the shape of a plywood sheet then baking everything together. It has multiple uses, and the material is very flexible! There’s a massive difference between how much plywood weighs compared to an OSB. To find the amount of plywood needed to cover a roof start by finding the area of the roof. Copyright © 2020 RGB Construction Services. Osb products will improve. OSB boasts a more consistent density. The 3/4″ T&G TOP NOTCH 350 has became a … In the U.S., roof sheathing is almost always composed of wood—usually OSB (oriented strand board) or plywood. Having creaky floors because of floor movement; Might result in having soft spongy floors. For the curious – 7/16” OSB has a span rating of 24/16 and with supports every 24 inches is good for a roof live load of 40 psf (pounds per square foot) with a 10 psf dead load. It’s the perfect material to use for shearwalls, webbed beams, and flooring! Timberline Ultra High Definition® Shingles. Talking about plywood or OSB for roofing, you cannot miss the information of the cost. Not just that, but most an OSB is manufactured in different sizes. Lets learn the differences between CDX and OSB so you can make a more informed decision when it comes time to choose one or the other for your roofing project. But, while plywood is still more widely used, OSB likely will overtake it in the near future as the favored sheathing. OSB is much more waterproof than plywood and CDX plywood. Let us know what you ended up choosing! OSB Sheathing 15/32 CAT PS2-10 OSB Sheathing, Application as 4 x 8. Suitable for use with all Bauder systems. There isn’t much difference when we talk about the strength and durability of plywood and oriented strand board OSB. One of the nice things about plywood is the variety of options you can buy. OSB has a greater shear strength than plywood panels; OSB is less expensive than plywood and, when its utilized for sub-flooring, wall and roof sheathing, the savings to builders are significant; Plywood panels. Notwithstanding that fact, a lot of people still prefer using OSB. Are Renewable By Andersen Windows Worth The Money. OSB panels can be manufactured in lengths up to 16 feet (or sometimes even higher), while plywood is generally limited to 8 to 10 feet. However, ARMA, NRCA and representatives from at least 2 roofing manufacturers, Cellotex and TAMKO, prefer plywood roof decks. The 7/16″ OSB and 5/8″ OSB are ideal for roof and wall sheathing. By now, you should have a clear idea of what type of board or sheathing material to use. You can get up to 16 feet in size, per sheet. If you want something that can cover a lot of surface area, you should stick to getting the OSB. While some people do prefer to go with traditional plywood, many construction experts make the argument that OSB is better for roofing. Osb is unceremoniously pushing plywood aside as the structural panel of choice. Each material has its similarities and differences. Look no further! Thankfully, there are OSB materials today that are designed to be moisture-resistant. Some materials don’t work well under chemical exposure. Always Check for a Level Nailing Surface. The best rated oriented strand board - osb product is the Subfloor Membrane Panel 3/4 in. You can use it to tailor your needs, the perfect material for any project! But, if you cut them up, the exposed material will require some waterproofing. You can trust that plywood will remain durable through time. The new plywood will have to be nailed to the rafters or roof trusses. Plywood vs. A viable alternative to plywood, this OSB Board is engineered to prevent any cupping, warping or splitting. This can result in visible deflection of the panels between the supports and can telegraph through causing a wavy appearance to the roof. The thickness required by Josh’s circumstances are good for roof snow loads of up to 70 psf (again spanning 24”). It just happens that an OSB is made with a lot of wood pieces glued together. Regardless of where you use it, you won’t have any regrets. It’s ready to use! When it gets wet, the sheathing could swell and thicken up because of the moisture. These are its water-resistant feature and size. Although plywood is traditionally used to create the roof deck, it’s becoming more popular for contractors to use OSB. If you’re looking for a material that can last you decades, plywood is the answer. Get in touch with us by filling out the contact form. Developed in the late 1970s, OSB is made of rectangular wood strands glued and pressed together. Item #193552 Model #31122.0 If you want a material that comes in different sizes, we recommend using OSB instead of plywood. It's cheaper than plywood, yet still very strong--rating agencies don't differentiate between OSB and plywood for strength. An example is when CDX is used for subflooring. At face value, you might think that both materials seem the same. OSB is made by combining glue, resin, and wood chips and pressing them into the shape of a plywood sheet then baking everything together. Roof sheathing (or decking) is one of those elements. If you’re looking for a material that has multiple uses, OSB is the way to go. A few other downsides to plywood: It becomes soft and weak when it delaminates. Typical types of wood used for roof sheathing are oriented strand board, known as OSB, and plywood, the most popular being OSB. Both OSB and plywood absolutely hate water, Lipinskiy mentions, going on to say that the most important part, regardless of which decking option you choose, is that all penetration points on a roof are sealed. While a sheet of plywood might be 5 to 7 plies thick, a sheet of OSB is made from as many as 50 strand layers packed and compressed into the same thickness. OSB is made of small and fairly rectangular-shaped wood chips from small resinous trees, which are bonded into a panel form with wax and synthetic resin. Both types of reconstituted wood panels come in different sizes and thicknesses. This shouldn’t be a cause of concern and is a matter of preference. While plywood is often 6 feet per sheet, OSB may be much larger, up to 12 feet per sheet. As a warning, it’s considered by some to be inferior in quality as compared to plywood. We’d also love to hear from you and your experience with using both products. Step 2: Apply 2 gallons per 100 sq. Our varied selection of building supplies include engineered wood products suitable for subfloors and underlay structures. Should I use CDX or OSB for roofing plywood? You can use an OSB as a subfloor for sheathing, roof decking, and more! Oriented Strand Board, or OSB, is made from thin wood strands. The biggest you can get it for is 10 inches! Building codes, the Engineered Wood Association, architects and most builders rate plywood and oriented strand board (OBS sheathing) equal in strength and durability. Plus, with shingles, OSB gets enough protection. Is one better for roofing than the other? Oriented Strand Board. One of the major differences between OSB and CDX plywood is how well each holds up against water. Roll excess Elasto-Barrier® over top of the Contouring Roof … It eliminates the problem of moisture absorption! Plywood is better than OSB for subfloors: Despite its common use as such, we don't recommend using OSB for subfloors, but that's really just for aesthetic reasons. It is extremely resistant to moisture. Customers are choosing OSB to be installed as their roof decking because it can lower the cost of their overall roof installation. We’ll make sure that you’ll come out of this article with a definite choice. 1104 Parliament Way However, the time it will take to install or remove screws on OSB and plywood sheets are the same. They work equally well and hold still to wherever you attach them. You have a vast range of options, ranging from the smallest up to largest. If you’re looking for something lightweight, consider plywood! They have similar structural characteristics, and can be used interchangeably. But, we can’t help but notice that each of them have their own merits and drawbacks. Only use CDX plywood for the interior of a house, where water damage is far less likely. With all previously stated information in mind, let’s answer the biggest question people usually have when faced with choosing between OSB and CDX plywood: Which is better for roofing? Generally, their size is limited to 10 feet at most. C and D stand for the grades on either side of the plywood while X means ‘exposure.’. For example, if your roof is 1,500 ft 2 then it will take 47 sheets of plywood to sheath it. Find the Area of a Roof. Sheets of 7/16-inch thick, with no edge support, can be used in an area where the snow load is 30 pounds per square foot. Sheets of 7/16-inch thick, with no edge support, can be used in an area where the snow load is 30 pounds per square foot. What Is The Difference Between Andersen Windows And Renewal By Andersen? Plywood is composed of approximately 92% - 97% wood, with the remainder made up by primers, sealants, and adhesives such as phenol formaldehyde resin. Although we did mention that there is an OSB today, which is manufactured to be resistant to wet conditions. Had it delivered and when I saw it felt it was poor material would I not have been better off using 18mm ply even it it cost a few quid more. Poor long-term exposure to wet or moist weather conditions. Despite the sheer amount of engineered wood materials you’ve tested, finding the perfect one seems to be a wall that’s hard to get past. Unfortunately, an OSB is less resistant to water compared to plywood. In 2001, oriented strand board surpassed plywood in terms of square footage produced. This is one of the reasons why some people prefer using plywood for their roof or subfloor. Plywood is suitable for all Bauder waterproofing systems. Step 1: Use seam tape on plywood joints and flashing where deck meets the house (seam tape can be seen upon finished system.) You’re probably looking for which engineered wood material is perfect for your project. 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