poor venting was the real culprit, not the decking itself. So yeah, regional factors and proper installation probably outweigh the OSB vs plywood debate overall.
Yeah, ventilation's underrated for sure. Had a buddy whose OSB decking lasted decades in Arizona heat, but here in Florida, I've seen the same stuff warp in just a few years. Definitely climate-dependent, but proper airflow's the unsung hero in all this...
Interesting points about ventilation, but I'm wondering if we're giving decking materials a bit too much of a pass here. Sure, airflow matters a ton, but isn't the quality of the decking itself still pretty important? I've seen plywood hold up way better than OSB in similar conditions—even with decent ventilation. Maybe it's just my experience, but OSB seems to soak up moisture like a sponge if there's even the slightest leak or condensation issue. Could it be that plywood's natural grain structure gives it an edge in durability, especially in humid climates?
Not knocking OSB entirely—I know plenty of folks who've had good luck with it—but maybe it's worth considering how forgiving each material is when things aren't perfect. After all, how many roofs stay perfectly vented and leak-free forever...?
I've seen plywood hold up pretty well too, but honestly, I've also had OSB last just fine for years—even in humid areas. Thing is, OSB quality can vary a lot depending on the brand and grade you pick. The cheaper stuff is definitely thirsty (like you said, sponge city), but higher-grade OSB with proper sealing can surprise you. Might be worth checking into better OSB options before totally writing it off. Still...you're right, nothing stays leak-free forever, unfortunately.
Yeah, totally agree about OSB quality varying a ton. I've had decent luck with higher-grade OSB myself, but honestly, plywood still feels like the safer bet long-term. Had a neighbor who went with cheaper OSB and regretted it big-time after a leak—turned into mush pretty quick. Whatever you pick, proper sealing and good ventilation make all the difference. Nothing's bulletproof, but investing a bit more upfront usually saves headaches down the road...
