Are you building or replacing a roof and wondering how reliable OSB actually is? Do you want to avoid costly repairs caused by hidden issues with OSB roof decking?
At RoofSmart, we repair and replace hundreds of roofs every year. Before installing new shingles on your roof, we make sure that your roof deck is in good condition and replace any damaged boards.
During this process, we have seen the extensive damage caused by OSB from one little water-damaged spot to entire attics that are covered in mold and rotting all over.
In this article, you’ll learn about the common problems caused by OSB roof decks and how to identify them. You’ll also learn how to avoid problems with OSB in the future.
By the end, you’ll understand the risks of using OSB and be able to decide if OSB is right for your roof .
What is a roof deck and why is it important?
A roof deck is the base of your roof where your shingles sit. Roof decks are also sometimes referred to as “sheathing”. They can be made of a variety of different materials, but most of the time, sloped roofs use either plywood or OSB for the roof deck.
It’s important to make sure that your roof deck is in good condition because it helps to protect your home . Without a durable, fully functioning roof deck, your shingles can only do so much to protect your roof from leaks.
What problems do OSB roof decks cause?
OSB meets the code requirements and is approved for use on a roof deck . However, before you make your final decision on which material to use, it’s important to understand the risks of choosing OSB .
It might be cheaper than plywood, but here are all the problems you might encounter with an OSB roof deck :
- They absorb and spread water very easily : If a leak forms or water somehow gets through to your OSB roof deck, it will immediately begin to absorb water. As the sheet of OSB absorbs more water, it will spread to the wood around and below it, causing widespread damage.
- They’re susceptible to mold growth : If you have poor ventilation in your attic that prevents it from drying properly, then you are at a high risk of getting mold . Damp OSB sitting in your dark attic is the perfect environment for mold to grow —not to mention that the glue used in OSB is also susceptible to mold growth. The more mold there is in the attic, the more difficult it is to get rid of. You cannot simply get rid of the moldy OSB; you have to treat the attic for mold to fully get rid of it.
- They swell and warp when wet : Absorbing water makes the OSB swell up and warp. This is especially noticeable around the edges of the board, which swell up the most. If the OSB shifts enough, it can warp or damage the shingles above it, leading to further leaks and other problems.
- They can rot and cause structural damage : When OSB gets wet, it takes a very long time to dry out. If there’s water constantly leaking onto it or your attic is improperly ventilated and cannot dry out, then it’s almost definitely going to stay wet long enough to begin rotting. Because of how quickly water spreads through OSB, you can easily have rotting wood all across your roof .
All of these issues can be traced back to leaks and excessive moisture. The bottom line is that OSB does not perform well in humid, damp conditions. For homeowners in the Greater Seattle area, this is important to consider because we live in a humid, rainy area.
Leaks are very common here, and we see a lot of water damage on OSB roof decks that are rotten or moldy (or both).
How can I tell that my OSB roof deck has water damage?
Sometimes, it’s difficult to tell when your OSB is damaged or rotting, and you won’t know for sure where the damage is until your roofing contractor begins to take shingles off.
But, there are signs that indicate that something is wrong. If you or your roofing contractor identify signs of a leak, then it’s possible that your OSB is damaged in that area .
Here’s what to look for :
- Mold in the attic
- Water stains or drip marks on your ceiling or in the attic
- Rusty nails in the attic
These are all signs that water is coming through from the outside. Make sure to check for these signs in areas where something sticks up through the roof (ex. the chimney or an exhaust vent). These are easy access points for water.
When is OSB the right fit for my roof deck?
Knowing if OSB is a good fit for your situation requires awareness of your preferences, your budget, and the environment you live in .
Because of its poor water resistance, OSB is mainly ideal in dry areas. It can be used anywhere, but there is always the risk that it will get wet and become damaged.
This generally means that OSB is not the best option for Greater Seattle area homeowners. However, if you find a qualified, experienced roofing contractor to install your roof, they can help to prevent leaks from happening for longer .
What’s Next? Protecting Your Roof from OSB-Related Issues
OSB is an affordable and commonly used material for roof decks, but its susceptibility to moisture damage makes it a risky choice—especially in humid or rainy climates like Seattle’s . If you’re dealing with leaks, mold, or attic condensation, your OSB roof deck could already be compromised. Once moisture gets in, it spreads quickly, leading to swelling, rot, and even structural damage.
The best way to protect your home is by working with an experienced roofing professional who can inspect your deck, identify potential issues, and recommend the right materials for your roof’s longevity.
If you’re worried about your roof deck’s condition, contact us at RoofSmart today to schedule an inspection and get expert guidance on your next steps .
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