Which is better OSB or CDX plywood?

Although some people will ultimately choose CDX, many experts argue that OSB is better overall for roofing. OSB is far less likely to expand and contract when exposed to humidity and moisture, even though it will take longer to dry. With wrapping, though, it can withstand the elements without issue.

Why is CDX cheaper than OSB?

Oriented strand board (OSB) combines wood chips, glue, and resin into the shape of a sheet of plywood and bakes them together. What is this? It is often less expensive than CDX plywood because this manufacturing process doesn't require the same costly veneers found on the front and back of CDX plywood.

What is CDX plywood used for?

CDX Plywood is used primarily by contractors to build exterior walls and roofs. CDX plywood has one side veneer grade “C” and one side veneer grade “D”. The two are bonded together with glue which can withstand a little moisture. The APA would recognize CDX Grade Plywood as C-D Exposure 1 plywood.

Is CDX plywood good for roofing?

CDX Plywood

Plywood gets it strength from multiple layers of wood bonded together. The wood grain alternates from layer to layer, adding significantly to the strength of the plywood sheet. A special grade of plywood called “CDX” is a popular choice for roof sheathing.

What is OSB vs CDX plywood?

The biggest and most fundamental difference between these two wood products is how they are made. OSB is made using small wood chips or wood flakes that are then glued together. On the other hand, CDX is a type of plywood that uses very long and thin wooden veneers that are oriented in a cross-grain pattern.

Which is better OSB or CDX plywood?

Is CDX plywood rated for outdoor use?

CDX plywood, a stock item at most lumberyards, is a utility grade suitable for most outdoor projects.

What is the best sheathing to use on a roof?

What Type of Sheathing Is Best for a Roof? Oriented Strand Board, OSB, is currently the best choice for roofs. It's durable, water-resistant, and very cost-efficient. It also has a very consistent thickness, so you don't have to worry about weak or uneven spots.

Is OSB OK to use on roof?

Both OSB and plywood panels can cut and installed on a roof using conventional roofing equipment. They have similar structural characteristics, and can be used interchangeably.

Is CDX plywood waterproof?

Keep in mind that this kind of plywood is water resistant, not waterproof, and can still be ruined from a leaking tub or toilet. CDX plywood is often used under shingles and roofing felt, on walls (just behind the siding and insulation), and as a sub floor just under the carpet pad or a tiled floor's durock.

What is stronger CDX OSB?

It is also used for roof sheathing. While CDX is strong and will give good results, it is important that you take care of it. Cover it on both occasions and maintain it regularly to ensure it does not get damaged. OSB is best for substrate underneath shingles or decking.

Is CDX plywood strong?

X stands for exposure, which is the type of glue used to bind the plywood together. However, note that the grading is not about the quality but the appearance of the wood because CDX is pretty strong and resistant to damage.

Is OSB stronger than plywood?

Osb is stronger than plywood in shear. Shear values, through its thickness, are about 2 times greater than plywood. This is one of the reasons osb is used for webs of wooden I-joists. However, nail-holding ability controls performance in shear wall applications.

Can you use CDX plywood inside?

CDX plywood is classified as an "exposure" type of sheathing rather than an "exterior." This means that CDX plywood should only be used inside or on surfaces that will not be exposed to water once the building process is complete.

What does CDX stand for?

The Credit Default Swap Index (CDX) is a benchmark index that tracks a basket of U.S. and emerging market single-issuer credit default swaps. Credit default swaps act like insurance policies in the financial world, offering a buyer protection in the case of a borrower's default.

How long can CDX plywood be exposed to weather?

Repeated or prolonged exposure to rain (or ice and snow) will eventually compromise the integrity of this material. The threshold for this is about four months.

Is OSB more water resistant than plywood?

Plywood is porous and is susceptible to damage when exposed to water for longer time. OSB is not water resistant and hence cannot be used for exterior projects.

What is the best plywood for exterior use?

For exterior projects or projects exposed to weather conditions, you need to use plywood that is suited for those conditions. Your best choices are either ACX or marine grade plywood.

What is OSB plywood used for?

OSB is a material with favorable mechanical properties that make it particularly suitable for load-bearing applications in construction. It is now more popular than plywood, commanding 66% of the North American structural panel market. The most common uses are as sheathing in walls, flooring, and roof decking.

Is OSB board waterproof?

As a general rule, most OSB are water resistant. Due to their construction process using wood strands, resins and wax they come fairly water resistant. However, if you're looking for a truly waterproof OSB you need to make sure it is stamped stating so.

What thickness OSB should be used for roofing?

Standard roof sheathing thickness is ½” to ⅝” thick. If you are using OSB for your roof deck, then ⅝” is the recommended thickness. For plywood, which is slightly stronger than strand board, ½” thick is appropriate. Another factor is how far apart your trusses or rafters are spaced.

What type of plywood should be used for roofing?

CDX is the grade of plywood most commonly used for roofing (CDX plywood means it is Construction Grade for exterior purposes).

What side of OSB goes down on roof?

Answer. OSB roof panels should always be installed with the grade stamp facing into the attic and the screened surface (with the nail guide lines) facing up.

Is it better to nail or screw roof sheathing?

Nails are often preferred for structural joining, including framing walls, because they are more flexible under pressure, whereas screws can snap. Nails are also called upon when securing plywood sheathing for exterior walls, installing hardwood floors, and attaching siding and roofing.

Is 7/16 OSB OK for roofing?

OSB is the most-used sheathing material for new roofs and roof replacements. You can use 7/16-inch thick OSB sheets without support for areas where the snow load is 30 pounds per square foot because it's durable and maintains building integrity much longer than other sizes.

Which wood is best for roofing?

Cedar has earned a reputation for being strong, flexible, and weather resistant – qualities that make for an effective roofing shingle. Among roofing shingle manufacturers, cedar is the go-to material, all thanks to its durability.