Waterproof metal plate

There are two types of residential roof decking that are prevalent. The first category is known as plank decking. Prior to the invention of plywood, most roofs were decked with planks because they were readily available and functional. Plank decking is typically constructed from long, rectangular wood boards. Most are either 1 x 6 or 1 x 8 in size. If your home is older, it's possible to find plank decking underneath it. Typically, it appears as though wood flooring boards are laid adjacently.

Sheet decking is the more prevalent choice. This type of roofing decking is sometimes referred to as sheathing and is composed of flat sheets of wood. On roofs, you will typically find one of two types of sheet decking.

The primary material is referred to as OSB or oriented standard board. This is the most common material used for residential roofs. The sheet itself is composed of compressed strips and pieces of wood. Typically, they have a thickness of 7/16″ and are sold as flat sheets that are applied to the surface. This type of sheet decking is commonly utilized because it is more cost-effective.

The alternative is plywood. It is available in a variety of thicknesses ranging from 3/8″ to 34″ Your roofer will select the proper size based on the span of your home's rafters. Plywood is commonly used in many homes and is readily available for most applications. It is typically more expensive than OSB, however.