Which material is commonly used to sheath a roof?

Plywood is often used as a sheathing material for roofs due to its strength, durability, and ability to provide a solid base for roofing materials. It is typically installed in large sheets, making it efficient for covering expansive areas quickly. Plywood also provides excellent structural support and contributes to the overall stability of the roof, helping to distribute the weight of roofing materials and withstand various weather conditions.

In contrast, while wood shingles can be used as a roofing surface, they do not offer the structural support needed for sheathing. OSB is another type of sheathing that's commonly used in construction, and it serves a similar purpose to plywood but may not be as widely recognized or preferred specifically for roofing in some areas. Metal sheeting, while also a roofing option, typically serves as the final roofing material rather than a sheathing product beneath it. Each material has its specific applications in construction, but plywood is particularly favored for roof sheathing in many standard building practices.