Can my roofer use Orientated Strand Board (OSB) as a roof deck under a tile roof?
In 2000 a major study was undertaken by the Engineered Wood Products Association (APA) to determine the structural integrity equivalency to similar thicknesses of plywood. In most building department jurisdictions outside of Florida, the structural performance characteristics allow OSB to be used in place plywood. Due to Florida’s extreme climatic conditions different building departments do not allow OSB due to the fastener withdrawal values, so please check with your local building department for their requirements or the APA at http://www.apawood.org.
