What Size Plywood for Roof and Construction

‘What size plywood for roof’ is such a common question for roofing installation. A lot of homeowners prefer to use plywood as the main roofing material.

Plywood has many advantages, including the beautiful and rustic look, more flexibility of its usage, and surely the more affordable size. Find out information about the size of plywood for roofing below.

Understanding Standard Size for Roofing Plywood

When choosing plywood as a roofing material, you need to know the standard size for sure. However, you also need to figure out the thickness as well. Figure out the answer of what size plywood for roof and its thickness on this particular list.

What Size Plywood for Roof

1. The Standard Size

In most manufacturers and brands, plywood sheet for roofing comes in the size of 4×8 inches. This is like the very common size, and you will find many different types of plywood adapt to this particular size. So, the answer to the question of what size plywood for the roof is around 4×8 inches.

2. The Standard Thickness

If you purchase the 4×8 inches plywood, the thickness will be around 5/8 to 3/4 inches. It will all depend on the grade of the plywood. As we know, plywood grade is divided into four kinds: grade A, grade B, grade C, and grade D.

The finer the grade, the thicker the plywood is. A-grade plywood sheet usually has that standard ¾ inches flat roof plywood thickness.

3. Factors to Consider

These are some factors to consider when you are choosing the plywood size for the roofing. Consider them before buying any plywood sheet.

  • The Design of the Roof

There are two common designs for roofing: flat roof and steep roof. Each design requires different types of plywood sheets as well. The steep roof has to be filled with smaller plywood sheets with tighter gaps. The flat roof is great enough for the standard-sized plywood, and it requires regular gapping as well.

Read also: Flat Roof Types – Guide

  • Rafter Spacing on the Roof

Of course, there will be a rafter on every roof, and the spacing between the rafter and the roof will determine the size of the plywood sheet. The closer gap between the rafter and the roof requires a larger plywood size to prevent leaks.

  • Expected Roof Load

The roof will have a load at some points. Build-up snow, dirt, debris, and dry falling leaves will pile up and become a burden to the roof. If this load is expected to be very heavy, select a bigger plywood sheet and the thickest one.

Read also : How To Install Snow Guards

You know it is when to replace plywood on the roof if the burden is heavier and heavier.

It is never easy to install your own roof, even when you use the lightest, most flexible material like plywood. This is why professional helps are always needed here.

To cover 1,500 square feet of roofing, you will need many, many of the plywood sheets. This is why after understanding ‘what size plywood for roof’, you better call someone professional to do the installation.

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RoofLast is an experienced author and roofing expert. With years of practical experience in the field authored several informative articles on various aspects of roofing, including installation, maintenance, and repair