FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

T&G plywood for roof sheathing??

| Posted in General Discussion on October 20, 2000 01:18am

*
I’ve been a builder for almost 25 years and have yet to use I&I plywood for roof decking, and haven’t seen it on other jobs either. I know it’d be a pain, but with the decreasing thickness and quality of construction grade plywoods today, it seems it might be worthwhile on higher end jobs. And no -clips!! Anyone out her have any experience with I&I on roofs. I’m thinking of trying it on a 9/12 pitch truss roof, 2′ o.. that I’m doing now. Appreciate any input. Thanks, from Tennessee. Travis

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Crusty_ | Oct 02, 2000 06:20am | #1

    *
    I'm not a contractor, but wouldn't T&G give you problems with expansion? Seems like it's going to get awfully hot.

    1. The_Machine | Oct 04, 2000 06:19am | #2

      *Mr. Turner,Mr. Crusty might just be onto something. Any PEs out there know anything about that?The Machine

      1. Ryan_C | Oct 04, 2000 12:44pm | #3

        *I had a stack of T&G delivered in error once. So, I decided to just go ahead and put it on. Hard to use on a roof. Of coure, I think it's hard to do anything when you're up on a roof.

        1. Travis_Turner | Oct 08, 2000 03:04am | #4

          *Crusty: Thanks for the input; I'd thought about the pos. expansion problem, but don't seem to have it with the T&G Sturdifloor subfloor I use. The heat you mention would tend to make the plywood shrink, and proper attic ventilation should keep the roof plywood dry. I try to never jam T&G plywood completely together anyway. As irregular as plywood is now that's not a problem after a few runs. I always lay my first run to a chalk line, and have to reestablish a straight line after several runs because of variances in plywood dimensions and in the slight differences in the expansion crack I leave between each sheet. But still, the thought of T&G on a 9/12 pitch sounds aggravating. Would be nice and sturdy between the trusses tho...

          1. Michael_Eckert | Oct 08, 2000 04:30am | #5

            *Travis,If expansion was not a concern with roof sheathing there would be no manufacturers offering roof clips. As far as heat shrinking the plywood are you considering air humidity volume in relation to heat? The large heat/cool/dry/humidity changes that roofing goes through mean expansion/contraction rates that are wider than T&G used in a conditioned space.Why not call one of the Reps. for the T&G products? They should have the specs as to why or why not T&G would/would not work.

          2. Boss_Hog | Oct 08, 2000 01:18pm | #6

            *I helped a cousin frame an addition once, and he insisted on using 3/4" T&G on his roof. It was a big pain keeping a sledge up there to drive the sheets together with. It was a hip roof, and we had to be dang sure we oriented the sheets correctly when we cut them to fit the hip ridge. I really thought it was a waste of time, effort and money.

          3. arrowshooter_ | Oct 08, 2000 03:20pm | #7

            *I bought a stack of 3/4 plywood real cheap and used it to deck my roof. To make the job easier I stacked the plywood and ripped it lengthwise into 16 inch pieces, this was a lot safer and easier to handle,also it's thick enough so you don't need clips or the toung and groove, also you have less waisted material going into hips and valleys.

          4. blue_eyed_devil_ | Oct 08, 2000 04:33pm | #8

            *Michael, I sense that you are attributing a reason for clips that isn't valid. Clips are not used to create a space for expansion and contraction. They are not intended for expansion management in any way. Clips are a mechanism to "fasten" the edges of the sheet together. This "attachment" causes the sheets to ride up and down, in usnison, while being walked on. A snow load on one sheet will essentially bring both sheets down. This unified movement prohibits the tearing of the finished roofing products. It also prevents nailpops that would occur if one sheet was allowed to drop, then spring up again, while it's neighbor stood pat.blue

          5. blue_eyed_devil_ | Oct 08, 2000 04:42pm | #9

            *The use of t&g certainly falls into the "Boogerin' Blue" category of overkill. Yes, it would provide stable horizontal joints, but why do you care? Are you planning on having a dance party up there?If you want to continue the comparison, you certainly can get a much stiffer roof using 2x6 material. They make a nice 2x6 t&g and it is far stiffer than the "weak" t&g ply. You can also get thicker ply materials. So why stop at 3/4"?the alternative roofing materials were developed to save resources. In most cases, the minimum is probably a little light, but adequate, the next step up is fine, and any step higher is probably overkill. Remember, we are the stewards of our grandchildren's resources. My grandfather (a carpenter) used to "sheath" roofs with clear 1x12 pine. I've stripped roofs that contained virgin pine that you wouldkill to receive in a pile of select. Basically, they thought that resources were there to be used, instead of rationed. If we continue with that mentality, in the face of higher demand, we are only dooming ourselves to having less nice products in out children's future.Don't mortgage our grandchildren's resource future on un-needed extra strength. Build it strong, build it right, but don't be wasteful.blockless and still saving owls, blue

          6. Michael_Eckert | Oct 09, 2000 02:35am | #10

            *Blue,Clips do help prevent bowing but they are also designed for spacing the sheets. With both plywood and OSB the APA recommends that panels be gapped 1/8" at all end and edges joints. Their primary reason is expansion and contraction. This subject was covered (for OSB only) in FHB's More Frame Carpentry 1993.Lots of good information at the APA site:http://www.apawood.org/

          7. blue_eyed_devil_ | Oct 09, 2000 03:06am | #11

            *Michael, I've never seen a clip that was even close to 1/8". Most are half of that. Don't believe everythng you read, even if it's a FHB publication. I've seen more than my share of flawed information.I'll peruse the apa site. Thanks for the link.blue

          8. arrowshooter_ | Oct 09, 2000 12:48pm | #12

            *Blue:We must stop driving cars and trucks at once. No more air conditioning. Back to the way it was. All the ice is melting and we are doomed. Vote for Algore and the tree huggers.

          9. blue_eyed_devil_ | Oct 09, 2000 02:32pm | #13

            *Don't panic arrowshooter. I've got several boats. Let the ice melt. I prefer living near water and there will be more water when all that cold pesky ice disappears.Which boat do you want to borrow, the fiberglass duck boat with the small leak, or the canoe?blue

          10. James_King | Oct 14, 2000 05:56am | #14

            *Travis, I always use 5/8" plywood (5-ply) on a roof that is framed 24"o.c. I am a builder in Eastern Oregon where we experience a 25 PSF snow load on our roofs and have never had a problem. You don't need to use clips either. Good luck.

          11. jim_pelot | Oct 19, 2000 03:00am | #15

            *Hey Travis - We just built a new house in Northern Ontario, and the architect spec'd no roof sheathing to same materials. The trusses are strapped with 2x4's 2'oc, and a metal roof bolted to the strapping. Sorta off topic, but sure saves lugging a lot of material. DIY Jim

          12. Phill_Giles | Oct 19, 2000 06:04am | #16

            *How far north Jim ? PS, I saw a similar roof system at the Home Show: all the builders were asking about condensation problems in our climate and the potential to rust out the roof from below. Unfortunately, the booth was mostly staffed with people hired for the show (didn't you ever wonder why most show booths are staffed with at least one women who looked like she could have been a model in her youger days; well, she probably was) and the boffin was on his break while I listening for the answer.

          13. jim_pelot | Oct 19, 2000 04:27pm | #17

            *Phil - Burk's Falls, 40km north of Huntsville. The roof was covered with Tyvek before it was strapped, to leave a ventilation space below the roofing, above the insulation. The architect has used this design several times, and has never had a problem (although there was an interesting discussion between the builder and the architect at that point!)

          14. Travis_Turner | Oct 20, 2000 01:18am | #18

            *SHEATHING DISCUSSION... THANKS Thanks for all the input; I decided to skip the misery of T&G on a 9/12 roof and am using 3/4" cdx. I've use it in the past and it sure feels good. We used 1/2" cdx on 24" centers during the FHA days 20 years ago, but back then, you really got 1/2". I remember stripping a roof one time years ago that was decked with 3/8", but 16" centers as I recall. About like what we still call 1/2" noways. Thanks to all.

  2. Travis_Turner | Oct 20, 2000 01:18am | #19

    *
    I've been a builder for almost 25 years and have yet to use I&I plywood for roof decking, and haven't seen it on other jobs either. I know it'd be a pain, but with the decreasing thickness and quality of construction grade plywoods today, it seems it might be worthwhile on higher end jobs. And no -clips!! Anyone out her have any experience with I&I on roofs. I'm thinking of trying it on a 9/12 pitch truss roof, 2' o.. that I'm doing now. Appreciate any input. Thanks, from Tennessee. Travis

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans

Hover's smartphone app offers an easier way to get precise 3D scans.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data