Oriented strand board (OSB) is a cost-effective type of lumber made up of wood chips aligned to maximize strength. It is used in construction as cladding, foundation, and footing pad. OSB comes in different varieties for different applications, but excessive moisture can cause problems. Despite this, OSB is considered environmentally friendly and offers consistent construction at a lower cost than plywood.
Oriented strand board, or OSB, is a type of lumber that shares many properties with plywood or fiberboard. While other types of wood sheets typically feature a smooth surface, this type features a rough surface made up of hundreds of wood chips. While these wood fragments may appear randomly placed, each piece of wood is actually aligned to maximize the strength of the panel. Manufacturers combine multiple layers of these wood chips to create a board up to 1 inch (2.54 cm) thick. The layers are then subjected to high levels of heat and pressure and bonded together with resin to create a secure bond.
Builders use oriented wood panels to construct wood frame homes and commercial buildings. These boards act as cladding to support timber frame walls and roofs, and also serve as a foundation for interior or exterior trim. For example, builders may attach siding or shingles to boards, or even apply filler or plaster to the OSB surface. When installed above floor joists, this type of material can also act as a footing pad for flooring.
OSB comes in a number of varieties to meet the needs of different applications. For interior applications, installers rely on interior products designed for areas with little or no exposure to moisture. Outdoor oriented strand board can be used in areas subject to minimal amounts of moisture or changes in humidity, while moisture resistant products should be used in humid areas.
One of the main advantages of using this material is its low cost compared to plywood or fiberboard. While most experts agree that plywood and oriented strand board share virtually the same properties in terms of strength and durability, OSB is less expensive, which can reduce overall construction costs. The oriented strand board also offers a more uniform and consistent construction, resulting in greater stability. Because it is made mostly of wood waste, OSB is also considered more environmentally friendly than plywood.
Excessive moisture can lead to major problems with OSB, particularly if the boards aren’t sealed properly. While OSB is generally sealed during manufacturing, field cutting causes unsealed edges that allow moisture to penetrate. Once it gets wet, OSB tends to swell or warp, resulting in poor performance. Oriented wet flush panel can also telegraph across floor or wall finishes. To prevent these kinds of problems, installers should reseal any edges cut during construction to minimize the risk of moisture exposure.
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