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OSB Thickness for Roof (Complete Guide)

Oriented Strand Board is a type of engineered wood that is almost similar to the particle board used in furniture and household properties. In today’s article, we will discuss the thickness required for the OSB board used in the roof and the complete guide to it. 

OSB thickness for roof

Generally, the standard measurements of OSB boards used in roofs range from half an inch to 5/8 inches thick. However, depending on the users of the OSB board, you can change the thickness. It is important to keep the OSB board thicker than the other boards such as the plywood board. 

The OSB board, which is also known as oriented Strand Board, is a type of engineered wood that is almost similar to the particle board.

It is formed by adding adhesive and then compressing the layers of wood strands together to make a durable and long-lasting wood that will be helpful to use in different types of projects.

Nowadays, people tend to prefer using different types of boards in their construction projects. However, the boards are mostly used on the roof.

That is why if you are looking for a cheap and convenient option for the household roof, you can try using the OSB board. The OSB board is considered much stronger than plywood in shear.

Generally, the OSB board is used for webs of wooden i-joists because the OSB board is two times greater and more durable than plywood. Generally, the mechanism of the OSB board makes it much stronger compared to the other wooden materials.

The OSB board is rated for load-bearing applications. That is why it is an ideal solution to use in waterproofing systems so they can be used as a roof, subfloor, or wall.

When you determine the thickness of the OSB board for the roof, you need to keep a few factors in mind.

Generally, the standard measurement of the thickness of the OSB board should be around half an inch to 5/8 inches thick for the rooftop.

However, when the OSB board is being used for the roof, 5/8 inches is the recommended thickness to make it more durable and long-lasting.

Below is a brief discussion on what is the best thickness of OSB board when used in a variety of types and locations:

Type: 

Metal roof: 

Generally, the thickness of the OSB board which is used in the metal roof should range from half an inch to 5/8 inch thick. The appropriate thickness for the OSB roofing is 5/8 inches when it is being used for the roof deck as well.

Warm roof: 

In most cases, the experts recommend maintaining a thickness of 5/8 inch exterior grade OSB board for a warm roof. In addition to that, this thickness is recommended by the international residential code as well.

Flat roof:

Generally, the standard thickness for an OSB board which is used for a flat roof should be 18MM. In addition to that, when using the product, you need to check if the product has a certificate before its use.

Location:

Garage roof: 

The thickness of always be bored that is being used on the garage roof. Should be 9MM thick.

Garden room roof: 

If you are looking to use the OSB board for your garden room roof, you should keep the thickness to 11 to 18MM for better roofing.

Shed roof: 

The recommended thickness of OSB board when it is being used as a shed roof should be around half an inch to 5/8 inch thick.

Is 7/16 OSB OK for roofing? 

Roofing is one of the most essential parts of a construction project. Generally, people prefer to look for cheap and convenient solutions for their roofs so that they can be durable and long-lasting at the same time.

The commonly popular type of board that is used in roofing projects is the OSB or oriented strand board. Generally, the oriented strand Board has a variety of thicknesses based on the using purpose.

However, the OSB board is the most used sheathing material for new roofs and roof replacement. When using the OSB board for Roofing, you need to keep a few factors in your mind.

Generally, you can use the 7/16 inch take OSB boards without any support for areas where the snow load should be around 30 pounds per square foot.

The reason why you do not need any support is that it is durable and maintains building integrity much longer than other sizes of boards.

That is why it is completely fine to use the 7/16-inch OSB board for your roof as well as other construction projects.

What is the minimum thickness for OSB roof sheathing? 

Working on a construction project, you need to keep a few factors in your mind. Generally, Sheathing is one of the most important parts of a construction project.

You need to have the right type of sheathing material that will be suitable to use as the roof for the construction project of your roof. Generally, people prefer to use OSB board for roof sheeting.

However, the minimum thickness for the OSB board that is being used on the roof sheathing should be around 3/8 inches thick.

You should not go lower than this thickness, otherwise, the roof will not be able to provide you with better support and integrity.

Generally, the OSB board is highly used in roofing projects because it is completely waterproof and much more durable compared to plywood. That is why it is quite easy, cheap, and convenient to use in roofing projects.

3 factors that determine OSB thickness for roof 

Is considered one of the most complicated parts of a construction project. Generally, the roofing requires high-quality material so that it can support the overall structure and ensure proper integrity.

Generally, people prefer to use cheap and efficient roofing materials for the roofing of any construction project so that it can be convenient at the same time.

There are several types of roofing materials available in the market, but not all of them are cheap or convenient to use on a construction project. That is why you can try using the OSB board.

Generally, the OSB board is an engineered wood that is almost similar to a particle board.

The OSB board is formed by adding adhesives, then compressing layers of wood strengths together to make a durable and long-lasting roofing material that will provide you with maximum support.

However, when choosing the OSB board for your roofing project, you need to keep a few factors in your mind. Below is a brief discussion on a few factors that are needed to keep in consideration before determining the thickness of OSB board used on roof: 

Rigidity: 

It is very important to ensure the rigidity of your OSB board so that it can provide you with maximum support and integrity on the construction project and make it long-lasting. 

Area: 

When choosing the right type of OSB board for your construction project, you need to keep the area into consideration. The larger the area, the larger and thicker the board will be.

That is why when choosing the OSB board for a larger area, you need to make sure that you use the thicker ones. That will provide you with maximum support and a better-looking finish.

Waterproofing: 

Since the OSB board will be used for a roofing project, it needs to have waterproof capabilities.

This will increase the longevity and efficiency of the OSB board significantly. Waterproof OSB boards will provide you with support from excess cold weather as well as rain.

How to install OSB as roof sheathing? 

The construction project is not as easy a job as it seems. You need to be very careful and have enough patience to install the OSB board in your construction project.

In most cases, the OSB boards are used in roofing because they are quite durable compared to the plywood and other wood material that is used for roofing solution. The OS B board is highly suitable for indoor and outdoor projects.

That is why people prefer to choose OSB board over any other type of material for their roofing solution.

The reason why people tend to use OSB board instead of plywood is that it is an alternative to plywood and engineered to prevent any copying, warping, or splitting. To install OSB as roof sheathing, you can simply follow the steps below: 

Check level nailing surface: 

The first thing you need to do when installing the OSB board for the Roofing solution is to check a level nailing surface. 

Provide roof ventilation: 

It is very important to follow the International residential code and provide ventilation as per the rules. 

Fast and the panels properly 

Finally, you need to fast panels properly with 8D common nails spaced a maximum of 6 inches on center at supported panels and edges. 

Final thoughts

People prefer to use OSB boards in their construction roofing projects because they are hard compared to plywood. The standard thickness measurement of OSB board for roofing construction projects should range between half inches to 5/8 inches thick to provide support and integrity.