As a homeowner, you may have encountered the terms sheeting and sheathing used by roofing contractors or other construction professionals. These words sound so similar that you’ve probably asked yourself if they mean the same thing.
The short answer to that question is: it’s complicated! Technically speaking, the two terms do have different meanings. But you might sometimes come across construction professionals who say sheeting when they really mean sheathing.
In this article, we’ll clarify the difference between the two and explain why understanding the distinction matters for your home.
Let’s start with sheathing.
What is Sheathing?
You can think of sheathing as the layer of material that is installed over the framing of a building to create a solid, weather-proof surface. Typically, it rests on top of the trusses and rafters. On top of this surface, you can then install the outer layer of a roof, which includes elements like underlayment and shingles.
Historically, most of the sheathing in the US was plywood, but in homes built since the 1970s, oriented strand board (OSB) has become more popular. Occasionally, asphalt or felt sheathing is used as well. Whichever material you use, the most important thing is that you choose something thick and rigid that can bear the weight of the components on top of it.
What is Sheeting?
Confusingly, some roofing professionals use the term sheeting to mean what I described above as sheathing.
Technically, however, sheeting refers to any flat material in sheet form used to cover, wrap, or protect a surface. In construction, sheeting is commonly applied to roofs, walls, or floors as a barrier against natural elements such as moisture, wind, and dust.
Sheeting materials vary depending on their purpose. They include:
- Fiber cement board
- Plywood
- Plastic sheeting for temporary weather protection
- Metal panels
- Vapor barriers
- Composite sheets
Unlike sheathing, which always serves a structural role, sheeting may or may not contribute to the structural integrity of a building. Its primary function is protection: either as a permanent part of the building or as a temporary layer during construction.
Why does this distinction matter?
At this point, you might be thinking: well, this is just a question of semantics, so why does it matter? But be warned! There are some very real problems you can run into as a homeowner if you get these two words mixed up. Here are just a few examples.
Inaccurate quotes
Imagine you ask your construction company for sheeting, while in fact intending to ask for sheathing.
You might think that you’re asking for the structural wooden decking on your roof to be replaced, but when you say sheeting, your construction company understands that you want metal panels added to the roof.
Best-case scenario, you’re looking at materials that you’ve paid for needing to be scrapped, and a frustrating discussion for both sides. In some cases, this could even lead to disputes with your construction company that could end up in court.
Misunderstandings with insurance claims
A storm damages your roof and you need to make a claim to get the sheathing on your roof replaced. Unwittingly, you make a claim on the sheeting, instead of the sheathing.
Your insurance policy covers the sheeting and the sheathing in completely different ways. Your loss adjuster hears one thing, but you mean another.
If you have a good insurer, they’ve probably run into this misunderstanding before, so they might be lenient with you. But if they enforce the wording of the policy, your claim might get delayed – or even denied altogether, forcing you to pay out of pocket.
Purchasing the wrong materials at a hardware store
Let’s say you’re a homeowner who enjoys the satisfaction of DIY and fixing things yourself. Some sheeting in your home breaks, but you go to the hardware store and ask for sheathing instead.
You end up spending a small fortune on tons of OSB that you don’t actually need, and the store won’t refund your purchase. What you really needed was some simple, inexpensive plastic sheeting, but you lost some money because you couldn’t describe that accurately to the store assistant.
Issues with inspectors
An inspector visits your home and notes that “sheathing is damaged and must be replaced.” Since you’re envisaging the surface material, you don’t grasp the seriousness of the problem.
As a result, you push back against the inspector, thinking it’s just a cosmetic fix and a money-grab. Critical repairs to your home are delayed, and you get fined for a code violation.
How do you install sheeting?
Since sheeting is such a broad term that can refer to such different materials, installation methods vary based on the type of sheeting and its intended use. For instance, two common examples of sheeting are:
- Plastic sheeting: used to cover roofs temporarily after storm damage
- Metal sheeting: placed over sheathing to provide additional waterproofing and curb appeal
Here’s how you could go about installing them:
Installing Plastic Sheeting
Tools Needed: Utility knife, staple gun or roofing nails, ladder, gloves
Steps:
- Measure and cut the sheeting to fit the area you need to cover.
- Start at the roof ridge and lay the sheeting downward, overlapping each previous layer.
- Fasten the edges securely using staples or nails. In windy conditions, consider adding wood battens to hold it down.
- Overlap multiple sheets by 6–12 inches to prevent leaks.
- Check regularly to make sure the sheeting stays in place.
Installing Metal Roof Sheeting
Tools Needed: Tin snips, drill, metal roofing screws, ladder, chalk line
Steps:
- If required, install furring strips or purlins over the roof deck.
- Begin at the eave and lay the first panel square to the edge.
- Fasten panels using screws placed in raised ridges or as specified by the manufacturer.
- Overlap panels by one ridge (for corrugated types) and seal seams if needed.
- Cut panels to fit around vents, valleys, and ridges.
- Finish with ridge caps, edge trim, and sealant to ensure full coverage.
How do you install sheathing?
To install your sheathing, there are two approaches you can take: either do it yourself, or hire a professional to do it for you. Let’s explore both options:
Installing Sheathing Yourself
If you have solid carpentry skills and proper safety equipment, you may consider installing roof sheathing on your own. Keep in mind, however, that this is a labor-intensive and potentially hazardous project.
Tools & Materials Needed:
- OSB or plywood panels (typically 4’x8′, at least 7/16″ thick)
- Circular saw
- Measuring tape, chalk line
- Roofing nails or screws
- Nail gun or hammer
- Ladder or scaffolding
- Safety gear: fall protection harness, roof jacks, gloves, goggles
Steps:
- Remove old roofing: Strip off shingles, underlayment, and damaged sheathing.
- Inspect framing: Check trusses or rafters for damage and make any necessary repairs.
- Start at the eaves: Lay the first sheet perpendicular to the rafters.
- Nail it down: Use nails or screws every 6″ along edges and 12″ in the center.
- Stagger seams: Lay panels in a brick-like pattern to add structural strength.
- Allow for expansion: Leave a 1/8″ gap between panels to accommodate swelling.
- Cut panels to fit: Shape sheets to fit around valleys, ridges, and hips.
Hiring a Roofing Company to Install Sheathing
For most homeowners, the safest and most efficient option is to hire a professional roofing company. A licensed company can complete the job quickly and in compliance with local building codes. Here’s what you can expect:
- Inspection & Estimate: A contractor will inspect your roof framing and existing sheathing. If they find signs of rot, sagging, or water damage, they’ll recommend full or partial replacement.
- Tear-Off: The crew removes all old roofing materials down to the decking.
- Installation: New OSB or plywood sheets are laid and fastened using pneumatic nail guns.
- Code Compliance: Crews follow local codes, including proper spacing and nailing patterns.
- Next Steps: Once sheathing is installed, the crew moves on to underlayment, flashing, and roofing materials.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between sheathing and sheeting can help you make informed decisions about your roofing project. Whether you’re dealing with storm damage, planning a full roof replacement, or are simply curious about what’s beneath your shingles, proper materials and installation are key to a durable, weather-resistant roof.
While some homeowners may consider tackling sheathing or sheeting on their own, the risks and complexity often make professional help the smarter choice. For expert installation, code-compliant workmanship, and long-lasting results, trust the experienced team at Presidio Roofing.
Call Presidio Roofing at (210) 679-1065 today to schedule a free roof inspection for your home!
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