Sheathing A Roof Layout

To minimize waste and to simplify cutting the sheathing courses should begin either with full or half sheets.

Sheathing a roof layout.

It spans the rafters to support the roofing and in the case of panel sheathing such as plywood or osb it acts as a diaphragm with the walls to resist horizontal loads. During a hurricane the strength of the sheathing on the roof can greatly impact the homes ability to weather the storm. When one slope is completely sheathed pop a chalk line down any slope edge as in a hip roof that needs to be cut at an angle. Roof sheathing attaches to the surface of the rafters or trusses to form the structural skin of the roof.

Keep these tips in mind when roofing in hurricane areas. But laying out the rafters isn t as simple as duplicating the stud layout on the wall below. Sheath one slope of the roof at a time ripping the top course to the needed width at the ridge. Use a 10d box 0 128 inch by 3 inch nail as a spacer to gauge 1 8 inch edge and end spacing between panels.

This video shows how some roofs fail under heavy winds in uplift situations. Roof sheathing is a lot more than just flat panels onto which shingles are attached. A good sheathing job begins with proper rafter layout. The roof s sheathing helps to keep the roof trusses or rafters properly spaced and is the strength that holds.

Spacer type panel edge clips are available from some manufacturers.