What is the minimum thickness for a residential roof sheathing?

The minimum thickness for residential roof sheathing is 5/8 inch. This measurement is crucial because it provides sufficient strength and support for the roofing materials, as well as the weight of potential accumulated snow, ice, or other environmental factors. Roof sheathing must be thick enough to resist bending or breaking under load, and 5/8 inch thickness effectively meets these structural requirements according to building codes and industry standards.

A thickness of 1/2 inch may not provide adequate strength for certain conditions, particularly in areas with heavy snowfall or high winds. Thicker materials, while potentially beneficial in some scenarios, do not represent the minimum requirement and may not be economically necessary for standard residential applications. Thus, 5/8 inch is established as the most acceptable minimum thickness for residential roofs.