Which side is OSB water resistant?

Using OSB Safely

When installing in vertical applications such as wall sheathing, you'll want to orient the smooth or stamped side facing out. The smooth side has a better moisture resistance and will ultimately provide better performance against weather.

What side of OSB goes on the outside?

Answer. OSB roof panels should always be installed with the grade stamp facing into the attic and the screened surface (with the nail guide lines) facing up. When the grade stamp is covered by roofing, the building inspector will not be able to confirm that the correct OSB roofing panel was used.

Which side of OSB subfloor goes up?

“This side down” applies to when it's used as subflooring. That side should be facing down, against the joists. When used as wall sheathing, that side should be against the studs.

Can OSB board be left in rain?

Your framing lumber and the oriented strand board (OSB) are going to be fine. The glues used to make OSB are water-resistant because the manufacturers know that virtually no one can build a home that won't get wet before the roof and siding is applied.

How do you make OSB water resistant?

You just need to use a paintbrush to apply the waterproofing coat on the OSB pieces. Repeat applying it on each side. It will take about 12 to 14 hours for the waterproofing to dry. To ensure that the OSB is waterproof pour some water on the OSB piece and wait for a few hours.

Is OSB ruined when wet or rained on? Let's find out! #392

Is OSB ruined if it gets wet?

OSB won't be completely destroyed by water, unlike MDF or similar interior laminate materials; however, like any wood product, it will swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases water, so you should typically avoid more than casual contact with water.

Do you nail or screw OSB board?

A hammer and 8d nails are standard for installing OSB, but you can speed up the installation by using a nail gun. The caveat when using a nail gun is to set the depth of the nail so the head just dimples the surface of the OSB.

Should OSB sheathing be installed vertically or horizontally?

If the height of a wall is less than 8-feet, install the plywood (or OSB) vertically. If the height of a wall is greater then 8-feet, install the plywood (or OSB) horizontally.

What do the lines on OSB mean?

Some panels have a textured surface, which makes them less slippery when used for roof sheathing. OSB panels often have lines at 16- and 24-in. intervals so you know where underlying studs, rafters and joists are for nailing. In our area, 1/2-in.

Which side of OSB should you paint?

The nail lines on the screened side are paint but the grade stamp on the smoother side is ink and may be more difficult to cover. Ask your paint dealer to suggest a sealer as a prime coat. In that application it would be a good idea to paint both sides and all edges before installing the panels.

Is it better to use OSB or plywood for subfloor?

OSB has a lower resale value than plywood due to its lower strength. For this reason, few homeowners prefer OSB in their homes. Apart from costs, plywood is superior in all the other areas, such as the strength of the structure. For this reason, it's a superior material for use on the subfloor.

Can you roof sheath with OSB?

OSB is now the most-used sheathing and subflooring material for new roofs and roof replacements. OSB is currently selling for less than plywood by approximately $3 per sheet, meaning a savings of several hundred dollars per conventional home.

How long can OSB last outside?

How Long Will OSB Last Outside? Oriented strand board will commonly withstand 3 to 6 weeks of exposure on a construction site without issue. EXPOSURE 1 panels have a waterproof bond and often experience unprotected exposure for six months on building sites.

What side of plywood sheathing faces out?

More commonly, you'll come across A/B or A/C. This means that one side of the plywood is Grade A and the other is Grade B or C. For most projects, these types of plywood will work because you can put the higher rated side facing out while the lower rated side is hidden facing in.

Can you run OSB horizontally?

When installing walls, the strength axis can run either vertically or horizontally to supports.” We can reason on this too. Most 4x8 OSB panels have nailing lines running both directions on the panel, and 4x9 and larger only have them running parallel with the long edge.

How far down should sheathing go?

The wall sheathing should extend below the rim joist, which is inset on this house to allow for a continuous band of insulation. The wall sheathing below dictates the overhang. It's about 9 inches in this case, and Ben subtracts a quarter inch to allow for inconsistencies.

Does sheathing have to end on a stud?

Securing the sheathing to the frame

Important, DO NOT fasten the four corners first. To secure the panel to the stud, start at the top left corner of the panel and fasten the panel to the vertical side stud from top to bottom.

What fasteners to use with OSB?

There are many types of screws for plywood and OSB subfloor. You'll want to use #8 1-1/2 inch wood screws spaced 8 inches apart to secure a 5/8″ OSB subfloor to the floor joist or floor truss.

Can I build a shed with OSB?

Using Oriented Strand Board is a tested way of reducing costs for building your shed. Plywood with similar properties currently costs about 30% more for an equivalent thickness.

Why are houses built with nails instead of screws?

Nails are the fastener of choice when laying down hardwood floorboards because they're not as likely to split the wood as screws and don't mar the surface with screw heads. Nails also flex a bit more, to allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the wood, without loosening their grip.

Can OSB be used for exterior siding?

Oriented strand board, or OSB, is a siding product sold in sheets or laps depending on preference. It comes in a variety of finishes made to resemble various hardwoods and stucco surfaces. Many people prefer using OSB as an alternative to other siding materials such as metal or vinyl, which aren't as strong or durable.

How long does it take for OSB to dry out?

Once it's wet, OSB takes hours to days to dry out. Keep your drying setup going until the OSB looks and feels dry. Then, start testing it with your moisture meter. Stick the 2 probes into the OSB and wait for the reading, and repeat the test at least 2 times per 100 sq ft (9.3 m²) of wet subfloor.

Is OSB more water resistant than plywood?

Plywood is porous and is susceptible to damage when exposed to water for longer time. OSB is not water resistant and hence cannot be used for exterior projects.