Is 7/16 OSB OK for roofing?
Emily Sparks
Published Jan 20, 2026
OSB is the most-used sheathing material for new roofs and roof replacements. You can use 7/16-inch thick OSB sheets without support for areas where the snow load is 30 pounds per square foot because it's durable and maintains building integrity much longer than other sizes.
What thickness OSB should be used for roofing?
Standard roof sheathing thickness is ½” to ⅝” thick. If you are using OSB for your roof deck, then ⅝” is the recommended thickness. For plywood, which is slightly stronger than strand board, ½” thick is appropriate. Another factor is how far apart your trusses or rafters are spaced.What is the proper thickness for roof sheathing?
Sheathing ThicknessThe typical thickness of roof sheathing is about 7/16-inch, which is just under 1/2-inch.
Can 7/16 OSB span 24 inches?
Wall panels 7/16 Category may be used on studs spaced up to 24” o.c.What is the difference between 1 2 and 7/16 OSB?
It depends on where you live. 7/16 is generally considered the absolute minimum where rafters/trusses are spaced 24" O.C. Around here, 1/2" isn't common, or even stocked at the lumber yard. If you get snow, 1/2" is barely even an upgrade from 7/16".Plywood vs OSB Roofing Debate | Roofing Insights | Roof materials
Is 7/16 OSB strong enough for roof?
OSB is the most-used sheathing material for new roofs and roof replacements. You can use 7/16-inch thick OSB sheets without support for areas where the snow load is 30 pounds per square foot because it's durable and maintains building integrity much longer than other sizes.Can you use 7/16 sheathing on a roof?
Standard types of wood designed for roof sheathing are oriented strand board, known as OSB, and plywood, the most popular being OSB. Sheets of 7/16-inch thick, without edge support, can be used in an area where the snow load is 30 pounds per square foot.What type of sheathing is used for roofing?
Sheathing is normally made of plywood. While it is pretty strong and durable, it is heavy and also expensive. Recently, roofers have made more use of a new sheathing material called oriented strand board (or OSB). It is more lightweight and affordable than plywood.Which side goes up on OSB roof sheathing?
Answer. OSB roof panels should always be installed with the grade stamp facing into the attic and the screened surface (with the nail guide lines) facing up. When the grade stamp is covered by roofing, the building inspector will not be able to confirm that the correct OSB roofing panel was used.What size plywood should be used for roofing?
Most Common ThicknessThe most common rafter spacing is 24 inches, and 5/8-inch plywood is recommended for that. It will support roof loads for most situations and is the standard for most roof applications. Roofs with very heavy loads may require 3/4-inch thickness.
Is 7/16 OSB good for exterior walls?
Wood frame exterior walls must be fully sheathed, including areas above or below wall openings, with minimum 7/16-in. wood structural panels. Interior shear walls must be fully sheathed including areas above or below wall openings with minimum 7/16-in.Can you use OSB on flat roof?
The material used for the roof deck must be moisture resistant and will usually be plywood, OSB or timber boards although concrete and woodwool slab or profiled metal can also be used.What kind of plywood do you use for a flat roof?
Plywood. Plywood used for roof decks is generally 18mm thick, but it is possible to specify a minimum 15 mm if the supporting structure is more closely spaced. The plywood is normally square-edged. Longitudinal joints should occur on the centre line of supporting joists.Can OSB roof sheathing get wet?
OSB won't be completely destroyed by water, unlike MDF or similar interior laminate materials; however, like any wood product, it will swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases water, so you should typically avoid more than casual contact with water.What boards are used for roofing?
Sheet deckingOSB (oriented strand board) is the most common type of decking used on roofs today. It's made up of wood chips/strips compressed together to form a flat 7/16” sheet. Plywood comes in several different thicknesses (⅜”, ½”, ⅝”, and ¾”) depending on the span of the rafters.