These terms mean the SAME THING when it comes to roofing. Perhaps you have heard that Indiana building code requires roofs to be attached to "solidly sheathed decks".. but what does that mean?
The condition of the wood sheathing (or decking) must be a nail-able surface, with no structural compromise like rot, and with no spaces or gaps, as present in "spaced decking" or spaced lumber.
Building code has evolved to advance safety and building standards over time; if you have a historic or older home, chances are you may need to install new sheathing, or decking before your new roof.
Indiana building code specifies in section R803.1 that the minimum requirement of new sheathing is 5/8" thickness. This may be a surprise to some that hear about 7/16" OSB or plywood, thinking that is sufficient. If a total re-sheet is needed, building code asks that your contractor install 5/8" thickness OSB or plywood sheathing to abide by modern code. Nails involved should be corrosion-resistant, and penetrate this sheathing no less than 3/4".
What are the pros and cons of OSB vs. Plywood Sheathing? Stay tuned for our next blogÂ