Understanding plywood vs. OSB for roofing is probably very important when renovating or remodelling. The roof can be made from several common materials, including plywood. As someone who has directly overseen numerous roofing projects, I have consistently observed the importance of choosing the right material for roof decking.
Plywood and OSB each have unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to understand these differences before deciding.
However, roofing can be made out of OSB or Oriented Strand Board. So, which one is better, the old-fashioned plywood or the OSB? Find out the answer down below.
OSB vs. Plywood Cost
Every comparison should start with the cost. This plywood vs. OSB roofing comparison will also give you information about the overall cost of plywood and OSB. You will learn which one is cheaper and which one is more expensive.
Here is the full information about that for you to read. Having dealt with various roofing materials over the years, I can confirm that the cost differences between plywood and OSB are significant and often influence the final choice of material.
Read also: What Size Plywood for Roof and Construction
Which One is Cheaper?
You cannot miss the information on the cost of plywood or OSB for roofing. It is generally believed that OSB is cheaper than plywood. This is true, as the price of every OSB board is around $15 – $20 per sheet (4×8 sizes).
Plywood is about $5 to $10 more expensive. Overall, installing a whole roofing area with OSB will cost you $700 to $1,000 cheaper than plywood.
Why is OSB Cheaper?
OSB is cheaper because it is engineered. It is made out of strands of different types of wood, added by glueing and strengthening material. It can be made in larger sheets, and of course, it covers a larger area than plywood.
In my experience, OSB’s lower cost is primarily due to its efficient manufacturing process. The use of fast-growing trees and the ability to utilize the entire tree make OSB an eco-friendly and more cost-effective option.
OSB vs. Plywood Strength
Roofing is an important part of the house. It is basically the part that protects the house from the weather. That is why roofing is all about strength. Any material used for roofing must be durable and sturdy. It has to be able to endure the weather, too.
Which is stronger, plywood vs. OSB, for roofing? Find out the answer over here.
OSB for Roofing
OSB is made of strands of wood chips and chemically engineered materials glued together. As a result, it is stronger and waterproof. When used in roofing, OSB can perfectly retain heat and water. However, the board lacks natural moisture and won’t dry as quickly as plywood.
Plywood for Roofing
Overall, plywood is slightly better for roofing. Even though the wood is porous, it is more natural and can dry quickly. When the roofing material dries quicker, it can be used to ensure that the roof will stay firm for a longer time.
From my direct involvement in roofing installations, plywood’s quick-drying properties and resilience have proven vital, especially in climates with significant rainfall. Its ability to return to its original shape after getting wet makes it a reliable choice.
OSB vs. Plywood Screw Holding
Screw-holding ability is a critical matter in roofing. When the roofing material cannot hold nails and screws properly, of course, it cannot hold its shape very well. This is why you need to know the screw-holding ability between plywood vs. OSB for roofing.
The full information will be displayed below so that you will know which one is better.
Screw Holding Ability of OSB
Both OSB and plywood have great tolerance to keep nails and screws together. OSB is engineered, and they can hold screws quite well. However, when the screws are removed, it may damage the strands of wood on the OSB and makes it a bit weaker.
Screw Holding Ability of Plywood
Plywood has better performance in holding the screw. It can be used easily when you need to install and remove the screws. Plywood is also still more natural, and the screws will stay intact on the wood, even when they get rusty.
Read also: How Much Weight Can a Roof Hold
I have found plywood’s screw-holding capacity superior to OSB, especially in applications requiring repeated fastening and removal.
Based on those explanations, it is clear that plywood and OSB have their own strengths and durability. Both are great for roofing, but plywood performs better in terms of overall durability.
However, OSB is a lot cheaper and more affordable to buy. Ultimately, it will be your consideration to choose between performance and cost. Eventually, you can decide which one to use, plywood vs. OSB, for roofing.
