Roof appearance

• Minimizes "telegraphing" due to edge swell
• A visible outline of the panel under the shingles is common with OSB, but very rare with plywood.

Plywood for roofs

• Flatter roof
• Will deflect (sag) less between the rafters than OSB over time under high humidity, helping maintain a flatter roof longer than OSB

Less opportunity for shingle damage

• Pneumatically driven nails have a more consistent depth of drive into plywood than OSB resulting in less shingle damage.
• Holds shingles firmly

Higher load capacity than OSB

• The allowable uniform load and span rating for 15/32" plywood is higher than for 7/16" OSB, which means it can withstand heavier loads from snow and ice than OSB.

Durability

• Holds up better than OSB under incidental wettings, such as leaks through roofing material

Stiffer

• The stiffness design capacity for 15/32" plywood is 62% higher than for 7/16" OSB.
• Less deflection or sag over time
• Allows use of heavier weight shingles and other roofing without excessive sheathing deflection

Lighter panels

• 15/32" plywood sheathing weighs 15% less than 7/16" OSB
• Less stress on the roofing framing

Proven

• More than 40 years of reliable performance and certified APA quality

Lifetime Limited Warranty

• Original homeowner protection for floors and roofs as long as you own your structure (see actual warranty)

Plywood vs. OSB for Roofs