In recent days, there are a lot of buildings that have made use of Plywood roofing. Even most interior designers would advise you to use Plywood.
Plywood has become so popular because of its flexibility and features. It has an awesome look that comes with durability. It works well in making your home elegant and keeping you safe.
It is also cheap and in abundance; using it in construction will save you a lot of money. It is water-resistant. The rain will be kept out of your house.
Now to our question, what type of Plywood is used for roofing? Here is the response.
There are many options of Plywood available in the market. The type used for roofing is FRT plywood. This means Fire- Retardant Plywood.
Their resistance to fire is what makes them best for roofing. In case of a disaster, they will not escalate the situation like normal wood. Other types of Plywood can also be used.
What To Look For In Plywood For Roofing
The roof is a critical part of any building. When selecting Plywood for your roof, there are some important factors you need to look into. If you are looking for professionals to provide you with roofing services, check Quality Roofing Virginia Beach.
The Plywood’s strength
It should also be able to support its weight and that of the remaining roofing. This will mean that it won’t be bent or twisted by the weight.
Selecting a weak product will be an inconvenience to you. You will have to replace the roof since it will have leaks constantly.
Resistance to water and the weather
The whole point of a roof is to protect you from the rain and other weather conditions. The type of Plywood you select should be able to keep the water away.
Several plywood types are waterproof. This would be best to ensure that rainwater does not get into the wood. If the wood gets wet, then it will rot, and your roof will fall apart.
Shrinking and expansion rates
Uneven expansion and contraction may cause a crack or breakage. The Plywood you select should have even expansion of its layers to ensure it doesn’t break.
The roof is a very exposed part of a house. Using a board that resists shrinking and expanding will help it last longer. With the heat and cold together with rain, this is a crucial factor.
When it gets wet, it should swell up evenly. When it dries, it ought to dry all layers at the same rate.
The thickness of the Plywood
The thickness has a relation to the whole structure’s stability. The thickness of Plywood you use should be construction grade.
Most sheathing done with Plywood is at least 3/8 inches depending on preferences. Most roofs with rafter spacing of above 20 inches have a recommended thickness of 5/8 inches.
Types of Plywood
When it comes to Plywood, there is a long list of different types to select from.
The selection may differ depending on the intended use, budget, or terrain. You need to understand the sizes, ply, and other factors.
This will help you select the best kind for your roof. There are many different types of Plywood, and they have different uses. Some of the most common types of Plywood include;
1. Softwood
As suggested by the name, this is Plywood made from softwood trees. The trees are mostly pine, cedar, and redwood.
They can be used for exterior roof sheathing and frames. They can also work well for subflooring. You can make sheds or temporary floors with softwood ply.
Softwood ply is not advisable for roofing or any other outdoor use. This material is strong, but it is not weather resistant. If it is exposed to the elements, it will waste away and rot.
Using it for a roof is bound to be disastrous. The wood will get weaker due to the harsh weather conditions. You will have to repair or change your roof constantly.
2. Hardwood
This type of Plywood is made out of a variety of hardwood trees. They have between three to seven layers of maple, birch, walnut, oak, and other hardwoods.
They are glued together at 900. This ensures that they have a lot of strength. This makes them usable in packing cases, furniture, sporting equipment, and other uses that need durability.
Their strength and durability mean that they can be used on roofs. They can withstand the conditions, therefore, can be used outdoors.
3. Exterior Plywood
This is a type of Plywood that is specifically designed for outdoor usage. It can withstand hot sun, wind, and heavy rain. The design and materials used to make it ensure durability.
They are made using weather-resistant glue. This is what gives it durability. It has several plies to increase its strength. It can therefore support more weight without getting deformed.
It could be made out of good hardwoods such as oaks. This is to ensure that they can withstand harsh weather conditions.
4. Aircraft plywood
This is the most durable type of Plywood. It works well in building, and it has even been used as a substitute for steel. It is made out of hardwood trees.
The boards are made strong enough to resist heat and water. This type of Plywood is made out of really thin veneers. This makes it very light and flexible. The flexibility makes it easy to work while it retains strength.
It is, therefore, good for making boats, airplanes, and furniture. It can support a lot of weight without breaking, which means it is safe the uses.
5. Marine Plywood
Marine Plywood is meant to be used in or around water. It is therefore made with water-resistant exterior glue that will help repel water.
It is not entirely waterproof, but it can hold off a moderate amount of water. It is also very high quality and durable. Marine Plywood is made of Douglas fir or western larch, which gives it the quality.
Marine Plywood has no knotholes. It is good for outdoor décor or furniture. You can make benches or planters that will last long.
6. Lumber Core Plywood
Do you have a project that needs you to use screws? This is the choice for you. This Plywood is made of a solid slab of wood. The slab is made by gluing together smaller strips of wood.
The slab is then sandwiched inside two thin sheets of hardwood. The slab inside the Plywood allows it to grasp screws.
The only issue is that the core might have gaps. The gaps will make it weaker, and the screws will get loose.
7. Structural Plywood
This is a type of Plywood that can be used to strengthen buildings. It will be covered afterward. Structural Plywood is also referred to as sheathing plywood.
It is flexible in use. The strong adhesive used to make it allows you to use it indoors and outdoors. It can manage even though it is not a durable as other types.
Advantages Of Using Plywood In Construction
Plywood is very popular in construction; this indicates that it is a good product. Here are some benefits of using plywood.
Increased stability
It increases stability due to its lamination. The sheets of Plywood remain stable even under fluctuating temperature and moisture. This is because of the cross lamination of the Plywood.
This will be a particular advantage in flooring. Your floor will be smooth without any bumps.
Increased strength
Plywood can support a lot of weight without getting deformed. The veneers are held together by strong adhesives to ensure that they don’t separate.
The strength makes it good for floors, shear walls, plane bodies, and boats. Its panel shear is almost twice that of timber. This increases its applications and durability.
Chemical resistance
One of the biggest concerns in construction is corrosion. Plywood is resistant to most corrosive chemicals. It does not corrode even if used in chemical works.
This makes it even more cost-effective. This is because it will reduce your need to repair or replace it. It is also easy to polish and maintain.
It is easy to work with
Plywood is flexible. In working, it is easy to shape or join. That allows for it to make boats and airplanes. They are resistive to shrinking o they won’t detach from each other with time.
Plywood also comes in large sizes. This makes it easy to use in construction since it removes the need to make joints. The reduction in joints also increases the building’s strength. Aside from building or remodeling parts of your home with this material, rough sawn lumber can be cut for other applications as well. The natural look makes these planks perfect for outdoor furniture like picnic tables and chairs or even swing sets.
Conclusion
Plywood is an amazing construction material. When it comes to roofing, there are several options to select from. They are water-resistant and durable.
They work as well as standard roofs and are more appealing to look at. Plywood will provide you quality and elegant finish. It can even be used for décor both inside and outside the house.
All these advantages come at a small price. Compared to other roofing options, Plywood is cheap. Plywood is definitely a product worth considering for your house.