OSB is a radiant barrier sheathing product for roofs and exterior walls, consisting of heat-reflecting foil laminated to OSB. It is installed vertically over the entire exterior of a home, starting at the side with the long edge flush with the corner of the building and the bottom edge flush with the sill. The thickness of OSB ranges from 7/16 inch to 1/2 inch thick.
In this episode of our off grid cabin build series, we install OSB on an exterior wall, hanging 7/16th OSB on our garage. This instructional video teaches how to properly store, install, space, and fasten OSB wall sheathing. The main application for OSB is for roof sheathing and external walls, and installing it on gables reduces heat gain through the attic.
To install a solar OSB board, install the panels with foil side facing in, toward the attic space, and allow 3/4″ air space between the foiled surface and all other building materials. Nail each panel into place by driving one 8d nail every 6-inches along the seams and wherever there is a stud behind its plane. On exterior walls (both brick and exterior siding), install SOLAR BOARD® with foil side facing out, toward the exterior, and maintain 3/4″ airspace.
OSB should always be interior and sealed by plaster and paint, as it absorbs humidity and should not be installed on the exterior.
📹 Wall OSB Sheathing and Tyvek House Wrap (Build a Workshop)
Placing OSB on the exterior walls of your shop can greatly increase the strength of the building and helps to give a surface to …
Can I use OSB on an exterior wall?
OSB is not suitable for unprotected exterior use, but it is well-suited for use as exterior sheathing on walls and roofs. It is designed to withstand short-term exposure to moisture during normal construction periods, allowing it to be left uncovered without compromising structural integrity. However, uninstalled materials should be stored and covered according to the manufacturer’s instructions. To combat moisture on the jobsite, it is crucial to choose moisture-resistant OSB. LP Legacy® Premium Sub-Flooring panels are a good option to avoid sub-floor problems from rainwater pooling, as the key to its high moisture resistance lies in its manufacturing process.
Which side of the OSB faces the exterior?
OSB (Original Structural Board) should be installed using the stamped side, typically “This Side Down”, for roofers. For vertical applications like wall sheathing, it is recommended to orient the smooth side facing out, as it offers better moisture resistance and weather performance. This is because the roughness on OSB boards is created to make woodworkers’ jobs safer and easier. The added roughness on OSB boards is essential for maintaining the structure’s integrity and preventing potential hazards. Therefore, it is crucial to use OSB safely and correctly.
How thick should OSB sheathing be for exterior walls?
The Ontario Building Code (OBC) mandates the use of OSB wall sheathing as lateral bracing for exterior walls and nail-bases for certain cladding types. The APA recommends a thickness of 11. 1mm (7/16″) for wood sheathing used for lateral bracing. Installation requirements include minimum 6d common nails at 300mm (12″) o. c. at intermediate supports, spaced at maximum 150mm (6″) o. c. at the edge, and staggered end joints if intended for bracing. The thickness of wood sheathing used for lateral bracing is recommended.
How do you seal OSB for exterior use?
To protect OSB from water, apply a high-quality sealer by soaking the paintbrush tip in the sealer and brushing it over the ends and surface of the board. Repeat this process on both sides, not just the areas where cuts were made. Allow the seal to dry for 12 to 14 hours before coating the remaining surfaces. If more layers are needed, allow each layer to dry for 12-14 hours before adding the next. Test the waterproofing by pouring water on the board and allowing it to sit on the surface for a few hours. If the board doesn’t soak, add more layers and let it dry before testing again.
Can OSB be used externally?
OSB boards are not fully waterproof, and they are not suitable for outdoor use due to the presence of formaldehyde in traditional resins. While modern OSB boards can perform well in humid environments, they are not fully waterproof. To protect against moisture issues, use a primer. OSB boards are not traditionally used in outdoor environments. They are also not dangerous due to strict EU laws governing the urea-formaldehyde content of OSB boards.
Despite these concerns, many contemporary options do not contain formaldehyde, as indicated by OSB0 or Zero. OSB boards are popular in construction for their strength and consistency, as well as for creating strong furniture.
Can an OSB board be used outside?
OSB boards are not fully waterproof, and they are not suitable for outdoor use due to the presence of formaldehyde in traditional resins. While modern OSB boards can perform well in humid environments, they are not fully waterproof. To protect against moisture issues, use a primer. OSB boards are not traditionally used in outdoor environments. They are also not dangerous due to strict EU laws governing the urea-formaldehyde content of OSB boards.
Despite these concerns, many contemporary options do not contain formaldehyde, as indicated by OSB0 or Zero. OSB boards are popular in construction for their strength and consistency, as well as for creating strong furniture.
How do you finish an OSB exterior wall?
OSB, or oriented strand board, is a popular choice for underlayers in various construction materials, such as carpeting, tile, hardwood flooring, wall sheathing, and roofs. It is made of multiple layers of chipped-up lower-grade wood, arranged flat and oriented perpendicular to each other. Cross-hatched strands impregnated with resins create stability in OSB. OSB is primarily intended for functional purposes, not finished boards, and is widely used in the building and remodeling industry for its low cost, high strength, and availability. It is sometimes used as a finished surface in utility areas like sheds, laundry rooms, mudrooms, and basements.
To paint OSB as a finish material, it requires special preparation. The Engineered Wood Association (APA) acknowledges that “Exposure 1” OSB can be successfully painted, but they note that OSB has a thin wax coating that protects it against moisture and inhibits painting. The prominently visible nature of OSB’s strands may show through on one coat of paint, so filler and heavy primer may be required to remove some of the wood’s texture. Additionally, exposing OSB’s edges to water may cause it to swell or crack.
What is the correct way to install OSB?
OSB roof panels should be installed with the grade stamp facing into the attic and the screened surface facing up. Covering the grade stamp by roofing can hinder building inspectors’ confirmation of the correct OSB roofing panel. The screened surface also provides traction for construction workers during installation. Wall sheathing and flooring panels should be installed with the grade stamp up for easier inspection.
Sheathing should be installed with the strength axis perpendicular to the trusses/rafters, with the strength axis usually the long direction of the panel. Be cautious on hip roofs to ensure the strength axis doesn’t get parallel to the supports, as this may result in panel exceeding the maximum span allowed for that thickness.
Should OSB wall sheathing be horizontal or vertical?
The Code requires OSB and similar sheathing materials to be installed perpendicular to joists or roofing systems, which is rarely an issue in framing inspections. Most contractors install OSB wall sheathing horizontally, but there are no requirements for this. OSB has greater strength on its long axis, so best practice is to install it horizontally. If installing OSB or plywood as sheathing material, leave a gap of 2 mm by Code (9. 23. 17. 5, 9. 23. 16. 4).
What is the best thing to waterproof an OSB board?
Sealants are essential for DIY projects and treating OSB panels, as they provide a reliable moisture barrier and protect them from water damage. OSB, or Oriented Strand Board, is an engineered wood panel used in construction for sheathing walls, flooring, and roofing. However, it is vulnerable to moisture, leading to swelling, warping, and eventual deterioration. Waterproofing your OSB is crucial, especially in the UK’s damp climate and humid conditions. Properly applying waterproof techniques ensures the longevity of your construction project and protects your investment.
What do you call it when adding the OSB to the exterior of the wall?
This guide elucidates the methodology for the installation of structural sheathing (plywood/OSB) in exterior walls, with the objective of ensuring resistance to wind pressures, particularly in regions prone to hurricanes or high winds. The recommended minimum thickness is 7/16″, with exceptions for gable end walls.
📹 Why LP® TechShield® Radiant Barrier Only Works When Installed Correctly
Join Jordan Smith to learn how radiant barriers work and why proper installation is critical for them to function properly.
Wow, ok so this IS true…. My only concern is that an attic is a closed environment, I want to block some heat in open/wire animal cages and future open sided lean-to’s and animal shelters… does this product still work with no insulation, no Sheetrock, no attic, just this product underneath corrugated metal(painted white) over an open space? I don’t expect to be “cool” per say, I just want to reflect or stop as much permeating heat from direct sunlight as I can… I can stand under some shed or barn type roofs and feel the heat driving right thru almost magnified… like I said, I don’t expect a miracle, but every little bit of heat protection helps where I live, especially for my animals….