Financing & Insurance Options
Roof sheathing is an integral component of a roofing system, but it’s often overlooked by homeowners. Understanding what sheathing is and how it works can help you make informed decisions when constructing or repairing your roof. Read on to learn what roof sheathing is, why it’s important, and the different available types.
What Is Roof Sheathing?
Roof sheathing is a type of material that is placed over your home’s rafters or trusses before shingles are applied. This material can be made from different types of wood, OSB (oriented strand board), plywood, or other materials such as metal or plastic. The main purpose of roof sheathing is to provide additional structural support for your roof, but it also acts as a barrier between the weather and your home’s interior.
Types of Roof Sheathing Materials
When choosing a type of material for your roof sheathing, you should consider both its performance characteristics as well as its cost-effectiveness. Plywood is one of the most popular materials because it’s strong yet lightweight and relatively inexpensive compared to other options like OSB or metal sheets. OSB is another alternative that provides good structural strength but isn’t as lightweight as plywood; however, it tends to be less expensive than plywood in most cases.
Lastly, metal sheeting is also a possibility if you want maximum durability and don’t mind the extra expense. Metal sheeting tends to be more expensive than either plywood or OSB but will provide superior protection against moisture penetration over time.
The Benefits of Roof Sheathing
Roof sheathing serves both a structural and protective purpose while also providing insulation and sealing properties. Let’s take a closer look at the key benefits of roof sheathing.
Structural Support
The most obvious purpose of a roof sheathing system is to provide structural support for your home’s roof. Without it, you would have nothing but open rafters holding up your shingles or other exterior material. The sheathing helps distribute weight evenly across the entire span of your roof, ensuring that it can resist heavy wind loads and snow accumulation without collapsing or warping. Additionally, many building codes require homeowners to install at least one layer of sheathing before applying their new shingles or tiles.
Weather Protection
In addition to providing structural support, a properly installed layer of roof sheathing also serves as a barrier between your interior living space and the elements outside. By helping keep water out, it helps prevent moisture damage to both your interior walls and ceilings as well as any vulnerable electrical wiring within them.
Insulation and Air Sealing
A layer of roof sheathing will also help insulate your home from outside temperatures. This insulation helps reduce energy costs by keeping inside air warm during winter months when heating bills tend to skyrocket. Furthermore, when combined with a vapor barrier such as tar paper, it can also help reduce air leakage through tiny cracks or gaps in between rafters that could let air escape during summer months when air conditioning bills tend to be highest.
Aesthetic
Roof sheathing doesn’t just serve practical purposes; it also has aesthetic appeal! When properly installed with neat rows and minimal gaps between pieces, it gives your home’s exterior a polished look that will make you proud every time you pull into the driveway!
When Should You Replace Your Roof Sheathing?
Most homeowners don’t think twice about their roof sheathing unless they notice signs of damage or deterioration. However, if your roof sheathing has been in place for more than 10 years and has not been replaced since then, it might be time to consider replacing it. Signs that you should watch out for include sagging or buckling areas and visible signs of water damage, such as mold or rot. If left unchecked, these issues can lead to costly repairs in the future.
Call Professionals Today!
Are you worried about storm damage to your residential roof? Are you in Little Rock, Arkansas and in need of reliable financing services for roofing repairs? Then call Big Rock KangaROOF today! We offer a wide range of services for all of your roofing needs, from storm damage repair to installations. Our expert technicians can help you make sure your residential roof is secure and ready for whatever mother nature brings. Call Big Rock KangaROOF now to protect your home from damaging storms!
