When you are roofing a design, you need to select the right kind of plywood. Various kinds of plywood have different traits that determine their viability for roofing. Building or restoring a roof is no small job – it can be unsafe and very time-consuming. That’s why it’s crucial to know what you’re doing before getting started. One of the most important choices you’ll make when roofing is which type of plywood to use. Each kind of plywood has its own set of pros and cons, so picking the wrong one could lead to tragedy. In this blogpost, we’ll guide you what to search for when finding plywood for your roof and give you a few tips on how to get the most out of your expenditure. Let’s get started! 1. Understanding Plywood Grades There are three main types of plywood: interior, exterior, and marine. Interior plywood is meant for indoor use only and is not suitable for roofing. Exterior plywood is designed for outdoor use and is often used in construction projects. Marine plywood is a specialized type of exterior plywood that is designed to withstand rot and moisture. It is often used in boatbuilding. When deciding on plywood for your roof, you need to be certain that it is rated for exterior use. Otherwise, it will not be able to endure the elements and could break down over time. 2. Think about The Thickness Of The Plywood The density of the plywood you choose will depend on the pitch of your roof. A pitch is the angle of the roof, and it is measured by the number of inches the roof rises for every 12 inches it runs. For example, a 3/12 pitch roof has 3 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run. A steep-pitched roof will require thicker plywood than a low-pitched one. Generally speaking, you will require at least 1/2-inch thick plywood for a low-pitched roof and at least 5/8-inch thick plywood for a steep-pitched roof. 3. Pick The Right Type Of Plywood There are two kinds of exterior plywood: CDX and OSB. CDX plywood is made from layers of cross-laminated veneer and is held together with waterproof adhesives. It is the most common kind of plywood used in construction and is suitable for most roofing projects. OSB, or Oriented Strand Board, is made from small pieces of wood that are concentrated in various directions and then pressurized and glued together. It is less common than CDX plywood but is growing in popularity due to its value. 4. Take into consideration The Cost Of The Plywood Plywood comes in a variety of prices, so it’s significant to take into account your budget when selecting a sheet. CDX plywood is typically the most pricy, followed by OSB, with marine plywood being the most expensive kind of all. That said, the price of plywood can vary depending on the thickness, grade, and kind of wood used. Be sure to compare prices from different vendors before making your final decision. 5. Get The Right Tools For The Work Once you’ve chosen the perfect plywood for your roofing project, it’s time to get the right resources for the job. Make sure you have a strong ladder that can support your weight, as well as a helper to assist you with the project. You’ll also need a saw and some basic carpentry tools to cut the plywood to size. If you’re not confident in your ability to install the plywood yourself, it’s best to hire a professional roofer to do the work for you. So, what is the best plywood for roofing? The answer to that question really depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for an inexpensive method that will get the job done, then standard construction-grade plywood should work just fine. However, if you are looking for something with a bit more of a premium feel, then you may want to look at using higher quality plywood like birch or oak. Whichever type of plywood you choose, be sure to contact us so that we can help you install it properly and ensure its longevity. roofing service Virginia Beach