Roof decking is not just a “substrate” for the covering. Continuous sheathing works as a diaphragm that stiffens the entire roof structure, improves airtightness, acoustics and durability, and speeds up roofing works. That’s why structural plywood is increasingly the first choice — especially Paged DryGuard and Paged DryGuard FR, solutions designed specifically for demanding roofing applications.
Continuous sheathing is particularly recommended (and often required) for roofs covered with asphalt shingles or bitumen felt, for low pitches, under standing-seam metal/panels, and for green roofs, warm flat roofs and terraces over occupied spaces. In these cases, continuous support for the covering limits deformation, waviness (oil-canning) and the risk of wind uplift. At the same time, higher fastener density and proper anchorage in the panel improve the load-bearing capacity and stability of the entire roof.
Compared with alternative materials, plywood offers strength in two directions, superior fastener-holding (even near edges), higher panel stiffness for the same weight, and reduced edge swelling when exposed to moisture, as it typically returns to its original shape upon drying. Importantly, it’s a certified material with documentation to Eurocode 5 (CE2+, DoP), which speeds up site approval.
Paged DryGuard is a structural softwood plywood with a hydrophobic, vapour-permeable coating that reduces water uptake during manufacturing, transport and installation. Its coating shows resistance to mould (tests per EN 927-3), while the panel itself meets CE2+, bonding class 3 (EN 314-2) and E1/½E1 emission — making it suitable both for offsite prefabrication and traditional on-site construction. In practice it’s valued for secure fastener holding and good machinability/CNC performance. A density of ~585 kg/m³ equates to approx. 10.5 kg/m² at 18 mm thickness, aiding ergonomic handling on the roof.
In the roofing variant, DryGuard is available in large formats 2500×1250 mm and 2440×1220 mm, optionally with tongue-and-groove edges, which speeds up laying the sheathing and helps achieve a flat plane for the covering (e.g., standing-seam metal). Larger boards mean fewer joints, faster logistics and lower susceptibility to installation errors.
In roofing — especially for public buildings or higher-risk zones — it’s crucial to combine moisture protection with a high reaction-to-fire class. Paged DryGuard FR combines class B-s1,d0 with a hydrophobic coating and the core attributes of DryGuard. A suite of coating durability tests per EN 927-3/-5 confirms the solution’s performance in external conditions. The result is a sheathing that limits fire development and extends the time available for occupants to evacuate.
Continuous plywood sheathing works as a stiffening diaphragm that transfers wind loads and improves the cooperation of the entire roof frame — fewer deformations and cracks. Continuous support for underlays/coverings reduces wind uplift, and the ability to tighten fastener spacing (with proper anchorage into the panel) makes it easier to meet wind resistance and stability requirements. Moreover, sealed joints — especially with tongue-and-groove — limit incidental leaks, e.g., where the covering is locally damaged.
Decking also means fewer point damages to insulation, safer foot traffic on the roof and easier local repairs. The effect? Better whole-life economics — longer covering lifespan, less servicing, and often a higher residual value of the building. In terms of comfort, the higher mass and continuity of the sheathing significantly reduce “drumming” from rain and hail and improve the performance of the mass–spring–mass system (covering–insulation–sheathing).
A flat, stable panel gives better aesthetics and durability for flashings at parapets, eaves, skylights and service penetrations. Plywood reduces waviness/oil-canning of metal (both traditional standing-seam and click-lock panels) and provides reliable anchoring of accessories: PV systems, AC units, snow guards — all with a reduced risk of leaks at fixings.
Lay panels perpendicular to rafters, with staggered joints, tongue facing up. Fix with nails or screws, tightening the spacing along edges (eaves, ridge), at end supports and intermediate supports. Cut openings for penetrations (chimneys, vents) allowing for clearances and following flashing best practices. Thanks to large formats and tongue-and-groove, installation progresses quickly and the resulting plane simplifies the final covering installation.
DryGuard plywood aligns perfectly with the offsite trend: it can cut project delivery time by up to 50%, reduce site waste by ~90%, and enable year-round construction with less weather dependency. In prefabricated roof modules, dimensional stability and vapour permeability are key — strengths of DryGuard/DryGuard FR in roof assemblies.
By choosing Paged DryGuard or Paged DryGuard FR for roof decking, you gain diaphragm stiffness, fast project delivery and peace of mind for years — based on a research-driven, standards-verified solution. It’s an investment that genuinely improves roof quality and durability in Polish climatic conditions.