USB board is a building material for the manufacture of which wood such as aspen and pine is used. The basis of plywood is large chips, for gluing which resin is used under pressure and high temperatures. Today, such material is very popular in the field of construction. Builders actively use OSB boards almost everywhere: when arranging sheathing for the roof and even for cladding walls and floors.

Characteristics of building materials for home

Previously it was believed that this material originated from the well-known chipboard, but this is far from the case. The main difference between these materials is the location of the chips. In the upper layers it has a longitudinal arrangement, and in the inner layers it has a transverse arrangement. As a rule, the number of layers is 3 or 4. But this does not interfere with the use.

Standard product marking

Many manufacturers produce USB boards according to the following standard markings:

Cons of Osb (osb)

As for the downside, it’s difficult to find something worthwhile. It is important to adhere to the precautions that are developed when working with wood. For example, when processing OSB boards, you need to protect your health from tree resin, which is a carcinogen. To do this you need to wear respirators. When comparing the advantages and disadvantages of OSB boards, it is worth understanding that the number of advantages here is much greater than the disadvantages.

Manufacturers

Today, many plants and factories are engaged in the production of USB boards. But you can highlight the most popular ones:

It is very beneficial to use the presented material in the field of construction. The reason is that this way you will get 100% natural wood at a low cost. The value can be different, it depends on criteria such as the manufacturer, the filler used and the size.

From the article you can find out what fiberboard is, its pros and cons for construction.

USB boards are a very economical and environmentally friendly material. It is actively used in various fields of construction. Such an investment of money is very profitable, because to obtain a durable, reliable and environmentally friendly structure from OSB boards, you will not pay that much money.

OSB boards are becoming more and more popular every day. What is OSB? These are oriented strand boards, which are made using wood shavings and sawdust. The plates are very durable, flexible, and have excellent technological characteristics. They are used in frame construction work to sheathe walls, make roofing or partitions.

This slab looks like a pressed panel made from wood chips, shavings and various sawdust. Having carefully examined this canvas, you will see that it includes more than one layer. The layers that are on the outside are placed lengthwise, and the layers that are on the inside are made in the other direction. All layers are perfectly glued together using various resins, wax, and impregnation, so the product itself is very durable.

We will look at what types of OSB boards there are, how they are used in construction, we will see all their advantages, and we will list the most popular types of boards.

Types of OSB boards and areas of their application

Today, experts make four types of OSB. Their difference is that they have different characteristics and are used in different industries.

1. Plate OSB 1- This is a board made of wood-based material that has a low density. This tile does not like moisture, so it is mainly used to make furniture.
2. Plate OSB 2- denser and stronger than the previous one, but is also afraid of water and moisture. The fact that these boards are very dense in structure makes it possible to use them in the internal cladding of load-bearing objects, while the humidity should be low.
3. Plate OSB 3- is the most popular. It is very durable and resistant to moisture. However, it is worth considering that humidity here only means getting wet for a very short time. To cover the outside of an object with it, you will also need to protect this sheet with additional materials, that is, paint or impregnate it.
4. Plate OSB 4– especially durable, super resistant to moisture. It can be in a humid environment for a long time, and additional protection is not required. But such boards are quite expensive, so they are not used as often as OSB 3.

Also, sheets of slabs are classified according to their thickness. Thin slabs are used for sheathing objects that do not load the slab. For example, walls, a frame for soft covering, wood floor covering.

A thick slab is used for objects with a very high load on the sheet. Floors are laid from them, structures are made where, according to the plan, heavy materials will stand.

Characteristics of OSB boards

OSB boards have many positive characteristics, which is why they are so often used for construction work.

Characteristics of OSB boards:

1. Very durable. The thicker the slab, the more load it can bear. It can even be one hundred kilograms per square meter.
2. Flexible and lightweight. This characteristic allows the use of slabs for sheathing uneven surfaces with high curves.
3. Homogeneous. Such sheets are intact, even during loading. Not prone to delamination, unlike ordinary plywood.
4. High quality, like natural wood. Moreover, there are no disadvantages of uneven shape or defects during use.
5. Easy to handle. It is very easy to saw, attach, and join such materials.
6. They have high thermal insulation and sound insulation, compared to other means.
7. Resistant to chemicals and damage.
8. Antiseptic. These sheets contain additives that prevent fungal and mold bacteria from multiplying.
9. Unchangeable in form even with long-term use and after it.

The only disadvantage of OSB is that they often contain glue with formaldehyde, and this substance is harmful to health. But not all manufacturers use it.

Important! Be careful when choosing slabs, paying attention to the adhesive base, it must be safe!

Table of physical and mechanical characteristics of OSB boards

Indicators	Mill- dart	Aggloply OSB 2	Aggloply OSB 3	OSB 2			OSB 3
Thickness, mm		10-18	10-18	6-10	10-18	18-25	6-10
Thickness tolerance, mm: - unpolished slab - polished plate	EN 324-1	0,3 0,3	0,3 0,3	±0.8 ±0.3			±0.8 ±0.3
Length tolerance, mm	EN 324-1	3	3	3			3
Width tolerance, mm	EN 324-1	3	3	3			3
Squareness, mm	EN 324-2	1,5	1,5	1,5			1,5
Straightness, mm/1m	EN 324-1	2	2	2			2
Elastic modulus, N/mm²: - longitudinal axis - transverse axis	EN 310	>6000 >2500	>6000 >2500	3500 1400			3500 1400
Bending strength, N/mm²: - longitudinal axis - transverse axis	EN 310	>35 >17	>35 >17	22 11	20 10	18 9	22 11
Transverse tension, N/mm²	EN 310	>0,75	>0,75	0,34	0,32	0,3	0,34
Formaldehyde, mg/100g	EN 120	<6,5	<6,5	<8			<8
Swelling in 24 hours when completely immersed in water, %	EN 317	12	6	20			15

Dimensions of OSB boards

These sheets usually have a thickness of approximately 8-25 millimeters. Thus, they are divided into three subgroups:

• thin;
• average;
• thick.

The thin plate has a thickness of 8, 9 and 10 millimeters. The average slab is 12 and 15 millimeters, and the thick one is 18, 22 and 25 millimeters. The thicker the sheet, the more the slab weighs. A slab with a thickness of 8 millimeters will weigh 16.6 kilograms, 9 millimeters - 18.4 kilograms, 10 millimeters - 20.6 kilograms, and so on.

The most popular sheets are those with dimensions of 2440 by 1220 millimeters. They are often used in construction work. According to European standards, a sheet of 2500 by 1250 millimeters is considered popular. The size 2440 by 590 millimeters is quite rare and is used mainly for covering the floor.

Table of sizes of OSB boards

Indicators	Slabs with smooth edges								Slabs with tongue and groove
Dimensions (LxW), mm	2440x1220, 2500x1250								2440x1220, 2440x590, 2450x590, 2500x1250
Thickness, mm	9	10	11	12	15	16	18	22	15	16	18	22
Number of sheets in the package, pcs.	100	80	75	70	55	50	45	35	55	50	45	35

Painting OSB boards

These products can withstand all types of finishing work perfectly. These slabs can be easily painted, varnished, plastered, covered with brickwork, and much more.

It is best to paint OSB boards with oil paint, but you can also use alkyd enamels, water-based emulsion, and all kinds of impregnations. Paints should be carefully picked up with a brush and applied to the slab. You can also use special rollers or sprayers.

Adhesives and paint solutions are perfectly applied to products. This gives ample opportunity to change the appearance of the slabs and protect them from moisture. Upon completion of painting the slabs, you can varnish the product, however, only when carrying out interior work; in the case of exterior work, more serious methods are used.

Before you start painting the slab, the surface needs to be prepared. First you need to sand it using sandpaper. This is done to prevent primer and paint from getting inside the slab. Then the working area at the fastening points must be leveled using putty. Dried putty should be sanded off. After this, the surface is evenly primed with acrylic or acrylic-polyurethane water-based wood varnish in a ratio of 1:10. You can purchase a special primer for this. Then the slab is painted and dried. At the same time, avoid drafts and temperature changes.

Oriented strand boards are a truly high-quality material for modern construction. Nowadays these products are popular in construction work and are used very often. For their price, the products are really very high quality and fully justify it. Among those people who have used these stoves, there is practically no one who would speak negatively about them. OSB sheets have a huge number of positive characteristics, which makes their use quite easy.

In order to cladding an object with high quality using these slabs, you need to approach their choice wisely, fully study their varieties and characteristics, so as not to regret the purchase later.

These sheets are considered to be an excellent solution for all professionals. They allow you to create entire houses using frame technology, ideal for finishing walls, roofs, and floors. All this is done with these materials in the shortest possible time. Housing made using OSB boards will last a long time and provide residents with comfort and coziness.

When carrying out repairs, it becomes necessary to eliminate differences in height in concrete and wooden floor coverings, which complicate the installation of linoleum, tiles and laminate. To solve this problem, builders recommend using OSB panels, the features of which are strength and resistance to moisture. When planning to use OSB panels for rough finishing, it is important to understand how to properly lay slabs on a floor made of various materials. Let us consider in detail what the moisture-resistant plate is intended for and how it is used correctly.

Floor slabs: product features and material use

OSB flooring board is a popular finishing building material, for the production of which waste from the woodworking industry is used:

• wood chips obtained from processing aspen trunks;
• shavings formed when sawing coniferous trees.

The composition of the slabs, along with chips, includes the following materials:

• wax filler obtained as a result of a synthetic reaction;
• moisture-resistant resins based on phenol and formaldehyde components.

The minimum size of wood chip filler is 60 mm, and the maximum is 90 mm.

OSB (oriented strand board) is a material successfully used in construction and furniture manufacturing

When making panels, wood chips are laid in several layers, each of which differs in the orientation of the wood fragments:

• The outer layers of the product are characterized by a longitudinal arrangement of fragments of wood shavings;
• A distinctive feature of the internal layers is the transverse placement of the chip fraction.

The production of plates is carried out under conditions of elevated temperature and also at high pressure. Chips impregnated with moisture-resistant resins are pressed using special equipment. The result is a slab having the required dimensions. The material's strength characteristics are superior to chipboards and plywood sheets. Increased flexibility of the panels is achieved due to the mutually perpendicular orientation of the wood chips. Modern manufacturing technology, laboratory control and reliable equipment guarantee the quality of the floor slabs.

The thickness of the material, which has an increased safety margin, allows you to form a reliable basis for finishing the floor with the following coatings:

• ceramic tiles;
• parquet boards;
• carpet;
• various types of linoleum;
• moisture resistant laminate.

OSB slabs for flooring are a type of finishing building material, which is characterized by a regular rectangular shape. The panels have fixed dimensions and are also characterized by the absence of cracks and local defects.

OSB differs in the thickness and grade of the material, depending on the size of the raw materials, the density and quality of the resins used, which affect moisture resistance

Oriented strand panels solve a range of problems:

• form a flat surface of the floor base mounted on wooden beams;
• compensate for differences in height of reinforced concrete and wooden bases for laying finishing;
• create a comfortable temperature in living spaces by laying thermal insulation between the sheets and the base surface;
• prevent street noise from entering the room due to the multilayer structure of the material;
• reliably isolated from the penetration of moisture entering through the capillary channels of the concrete mass.

The area of ​​use of the material differs for different types of products:

• OSB-1 boards, characterized by a low price, have increased hygroscopicity and insufficiently high strength. They are intended for use as a finishing material. Sheet cladding is used in rooms with low moisture concentration;
• OSB-2 panels have an increased safety margin and are less hygroscopic than OSB-1 boards. The products are able to withstand increased loads and are used for interior cladding of floors, walls and ceilings in dry rooms, as well as in the production of furniture;
• OSB-3 brand products are designed for use in high humidity environments and have high strength characteristics. Panels marked OSB-3 are used for finishing activities carried out indoors and outdoors;
• Products marked OSB-4 have proven themselves in structures that can withstand increased loads. OSB-4 boards are used if protection of the external surface of loaded structures is necessary. The panels are characterized by increased moisture resistance and maximum strength.

For flooring, manufacturers produce slabs with a tongue-and-groove edge, which ensure a tighter fit of the slabs to each other

When deciding which sheets should be used to finish the floor, you should study the performance characteristics of the slabs, as well as take into account specific operating conditions. Experts recommend using class three (OSB-3) products to form the floor surface, which maintain integrity when exposed to forces from furniture, equipment, interior items and moving people.

Performance characteristics of osb brand boards

Laminated floor slabs have the following characteristics:

• moisture resistance. The ability of a material to absorb moisture is determined by immersing a fragment of a sheet in liquid for 24 hours with further monitoring of the amount of swelling. The thickness of the sheets increases in the process of moisture absorption from 10-12% for OSB-4 grade boards to 24-25% for OSB-1 class products;
• strength. The safety factor is determined using laboratory equipment by applying longitudinal loads, transverse forces and bending moments. The value of the elastic modulus in the transverse plane is 1200-1800 N/mm3, and in the longitudinal plane – 2500-4800 N/mm3;
• stable sizes. Dimensions are regulated by the requirements of the standard. The products are produced in lengths of 244, 366 cm with a slab width of 122 cm, and also in lengths of 250, 370 and 600 cm with a panel width of 125 cm. The thickness of the panels increases from 6 to 22 mm depending on the design;
• environmental friendliness. During the operation of the panels, for the manufacture of which environmentally friendly raw materials are used, no substances harmful to human health are released. The facing material is safe to use inside residential premises.

The mass of the slabs increases in proportion to the change in thickness and is:

• 16.5 kg for products with a thickness of 0.8 cm;
• 20.2 kg for slabs 1 cm thick;
• 42.9 kg with a maximum sheet thickness of 22 cm.

Before choosing a flooring material, you need to decide what technology you want to use to lay the floor.

Among the other properties that determine the quality of the material, it should be noted:

• resistance to temperature changes;
• minimum tolerances on overall dimensions;
• correct geometric shape with smooth edges;
• sheet density associated with the homogeneous structure of the chip mass.

Laboratories at manufacturing enterprises monitor the characteristics regulated by the provisions of current regulatory documents.

Laminated floor slabs - advantages of application

Using OSB sheet panels, it is easy to plan a floor base in a limited time.

The main advantages of the popular building material:

• ease of installation operations. Having a standard set of tools and basic finishing skills, it is not difficult to lay the slabs yourself;
• increased overall dimensions of oriented strand board. They allow, after installing it on the floor, to quickly form a horizontal surface of increased area;
• acceptable cost. The price of OSB boards compares favorably with similar finishing products offered in specialized stores. This allows you to significantly reduce the estimated cost of finishing work;
• increased safety margin and high reliability of sheet material. Finishing slabs retain their original shape and have increased resistance to various deformations.

The subfloor is laid under linoleum, laminate, parquet, or carpet

Other advantages of the material include:

• resistance to moisture;
• thermal insulation characteristics;
• noise-absorbing properties;
• resistance to chemicals.

Dense material is not damaged by rodents, and is also not influenced by biological factors. Having decided to install the floors on your own during the renovation process, it is advisable to give preference to inexpensive OSB panels, in which fasteners are securely fixed.

OSB boards for flooring - selecting panels

OSB flooring boards are presented in the retail chain in an expanded range. When choosing finishing panels, pay attention to the following points:

• availability of an environmental certificate from the manufacturer, guaranteeing the harmlessness of the purchased material;
• absence of unevenness on the finished surface of the slabs, as well as chips on the corners and end surface;
• the thickness of the slabs, depending on the type of floor base. For laying on concrete, slabs with a thickness of 10 mm are suitable, and with an increased interval between the logs, material up to 22 mm thick should be used;
• panel brand. It is advisable to use third-class products that can withstand increased loads and have sufficient moisture resistance.

Also pay attention to the shape of the end part. The presence of tongue-and-groove fastening allows for tight contact of the panels during installation.

For the floor, it is necessary to take OSB-3 made in Europe, since the quality of this material meets the stated requirements

On what surface can OSB panels be used?

OSB boards for flooring are placed on different bases:

• cement screed;
• wooden plank floors;
• wooden beams.

Installation of slabs on each type of base has its own nuances. For example, when laying panels on a concrete floor, you need to know how to insulate the floor base. Let us consider in more detail the specifics of performing installation operations.

How to properly install OSB boards on the floor

Regardless of the type of floor base, the OSB board is placed on the floor after performing the following operations:

• determining the need for slabs;
• preparation of materials and tools;
• cutting sheet material.

Let's consider the features of installation on various bases.

Most craftsmen believe that it is more advisable to lay OSB on logs - beams 3-5 cm thick

The algorithm for laying slabs on a cement floor involves the following operations:

1. Dust removal of the surface.
2. Treating the concrete floor with a primer.
3. Layout of slabs over the base area.
4. Trimming with a jigsaw or circular saw.
5. Apply the adhesive mixture to the slabs with a notched trowel.
6. Bonding panels to cement floors.
7. Additional fixation of sheets with fasteners in increments of 30 cm.
8. Sealing installation joints with foam.

During installation, it is important to ensure a distance between the end planes of the sheets of 3 mm, and along the contour of the room - 12 mm. Compensation for significant differences in height is achieved by using wooden pads. To reduce heat losses, it is advisable to lay thermal insulation material under the slabs, which is used as sheets of extruded polystyrene foam.

Forming a flooring on a wooden base

When installing slabs on a plank floor, follow the following sequence of actions:

1. Use dowels to stabilize the existing plank base.
2. Eliminate paint deposits and remove blisters with a sander.
3. Lay out the panels with a gap of 0.3 cm.
4. Prepare holes for fastening the plates with self-tapping screws.
5. Screw the panels to the wood base.

To increase the rigidity of the floor, it is allowed to lay the second layer with an offset of 30-40 cm between the slabs.

How to lay OSB board on wooden beams

The technology for installing slabs on logs includes the following operations:

1. Installation of support bars.
2. Fixing the logs to the beams.
3. Laying panels on the surface.
4. Performing marking and cutting.
5. Protective wood treatment.
6. Fastening the plates with self-tapping screws.

If necessary, install vapor barrier and sheet insulation.

Conclusion

OSB boards for flooring are a proven material that allows you to save money and quickly create a floor base on your own. It is easy to lay laminate, lay linoleum or glue ceramic tiles on the flat surface of the panels.

OSB or OSB boards are a building material with a unique set of properties that have created for it a wide range of applications in construction and repair. Today we will talk in detail about the material itself, find out the standard size of OSB sheet, and also see how it can be used on the facade of your house under construction or finished.

If we decipher the abbreviation OSB, we get approximately strand boards. What does this name mean? The material is multilayer slabs obtained by pressing wood chips of a certain size under high pressure, mixed with an adhesive mass. This symbiosis gives the material its basic properties. Depending on the type of raw material, OSB sheets can be different, so when choosing the best solution for specific tasks, it is worth taking into account many factors, which we will now discuss in detail.

So, let’s say right away that when producing OSB, manufacturers can focus on different standards: the USA, the European Union and Russia.

Interesting to know! Russian companies focus specifically on international quality requirements, since our GOST R 56309-2014 was developed on the basis of the European standard EN300:2006, as evidenced by even the same labeling of products produced separately according to both standards.

OSB panels

Therefore, let's look at the requirements of EU and US standards separately in order.

EU regulations

The main quality criteria for OSB boards in Europe are reflected in two regulatory documents: EN300 and EN13986. The first text is more common, so we will take it as the basis for our story. It defines the following fundamental characteristics of the material:

1. Resistance of the front surface to abrasion.
2. Flexural strength.
3. Interaction with various coatings.
4. Retention of fasteners.
5. Resistant to damp environments.
6. Spatial strength.
7. Fire resistance.

According to the specified characteristics, all OSB boards are divided into 4 quality classes:

1. OSB 1– panels intended for use in dry rooms and the construction of light, unloaded structures.
2. OSB 2– these panels are also used in dry environments, but are already able to withstand loads as part of various structures.
3. OSB 3– these sheets are considered universal, as they are able to withstand loads and at the same time be used in wet conditions.
4. OSB 4– the highest quality material intended for highly loaded structures. It is absolutely not afraid of water and perfectly resists open flame.

What is meant by dry and wet environments? In the first case, we are talking about air with a relative humidity of no more than 65% percent (this threshold can be exceeded several times a year for a period of no more than a week) at a temperature of +20 degrees Celsius. Humid air at the same temperature can exceed 85% humidity.

US and Canadian Standards

How are the requirements different in the USA? On the shelves of domestic stores you can find products from North American companies. These sheets will have different markings from the European ones, which must be remembered so as not to make a mistake in choosing for specific purposes.

These countries also have two standards: CSA0325 and PS2. Interestingly, many companies adhere to both standards at once, since in terms of resistance to loads, degree of swelling of the material and some other parameters, they coincide. It is worth remembering that these panels are not distributed by class. Here, certain markings of sheets are used, indicating certain properties. The following designations can be found in OBS markings:

1. W– such slabs are intended only for cladding vertical surfaces, that is, walls.
2. 1F– this material is used as flooring.
3. 2F– are also used as flooring, but they can only be laid on a flat, rigid base, whereas the previous version can also be mounted on joists.
4. 1R– intended for continuous roof sheathing, without creating support at the edges.
5. 2R– also used for sheathing, but with support along the edges.

Let's explain in a little more detail. Each indicated marking can be found on several types of OSB at once. In this case, each value will be accompanied by an additional number in inches, which will indicate the maximum permissible distance between the chords of the frame on which the slab will be mounted.

The next important mark in the marking will indicate the degree of humidity in the air in which the panels will be operated. There may be three options:

1. Interior– it’s not difficult to guess that such material can only be used indoors, in comfortable conditions. Moisture is harmful to it.
2. Esposure type binder– these structural types are able to withstand moisture, therefore they can be used for both internal and external work, but only after pre-treatment with protective compounds.
3. Exterior bond– such slabs can withstand the processes of wetting and drying many times without changing their basic characteristics and without swelling. They can come into contact with the ground or be exposed to heavy rain without suffering.

You can draw parallels between US and EU markings and find similar materials, but products from North America actually have a better range and the ability to choose an option for specific needs.

Interesting to know! Various types of wood are used to make OSB. So, if in America poplar is predominantly used, then in Europe coniferous trees are most often used.

Prices for OSB (oriented strand boards)

OSB (oriented strand board)

Video - Review of OSB boards

Difference between OSB sheets by edge and surface type

The technical characteristics of the material are primarily important, but they are not the only ones that determine the type of material. It is also important to know what the external differences between the panels are, which will be useful when creating a building design and installation. What other types of OSB sheets are there?

1. The simplest and most inexpensive are sheets with an untreated rough surface that undergo mechanical processing. The material has good adhesion to bituminous materials. It is used as a base for roofing decks as a continuous sheathing.

2. The surface of such sheets will be smooth, so paint adheres well to them.

3. Lacquered boards are coated with paste varnish on the front side. This treatment creates additional protection from moisture and gives the surface more aesthetics. The varnish is applied using roller machines. The surface of the slab is first primed, which reduces varnish consumption and allows, if necessary, pigmentation of surface areas to achieve the desired appearance.

4. The last type is called laminated. A continuous polymer layer of protection is applied to the surface of the slab. This technology makes it possible to obtain a material with a surface of different colors.

The edge of the OSB sheet can be of two types - straight or curved. The first option is used as a rough material for finishing, as well as for the production of containers, while the second can be used as a finishing lining.

Curly edge means the presence of grooves and edges on different sides of the panel, due to which it is possible to assemble solid planes with high-quality joining of the material. Thanks to this connection, it is possible to achieve better thermal insulation (the material is not blown through) and sound insulation.

What sizes are OSB boards?

The standard European size for OSB panels is almost the same as for plasterboard sheets - 1250*2500 mm. In square meters, the area of ​​the sheet will be three. That is, the material is quite large in size, which allows it to cover large spaces with a minimum of effort.

US size is slightly different - 1220*2440 mm. As you can see, in both cases the sides are multiples of each other, which was done for greater convenience in constructing the frame. Why the same principle is not taken as a basis in the production of drywall remains unclear.

If you require non-standard solutions, you can look for longer panels. This may amount to 3000 and 3150 mm. To order, you can purchase material with a length of up to 7 meters. These are used mainly for the facades of tall buildings.

However, it is not the selection of length that people often think about when purchasing a material, but its thickness, which will vary depending on the class and purpose of the panel, as well as on the distance between the frame chords. Thickness can be selected ranging from 6 to 25 mm like plywood.

Its weight will directly depend on the thickness of the sheet. This indicator is also affected by the density of the material.

Interesting to know! Some sheets of standard sizes can reach 100 kg in weight.

Updating the façade of a building with OSB panels

OSB boards, as we already understood, can be used in different ways, depending on a number of factors. They even manage to build full-fledged warm houses from them - here the material acts as a base for expanded polystyrene. The symbiosis of these materials allows you to create special ones, as in the photo below.

The building is assembled from such sandwiches, like a construction set. A very interesting technology, but today we will not talk about it, but about the use of individual OSB sheets for finishing an existing facade. Let's look at how you can transform your home and what additional benefits you can get from it.

So, let's imagine that in front of us is the facade of an old house that we want to update. OSB is sewn onto the frame, which means that the structure can be additionally insulated, and it would be simply stupid not to take advantage of this opportunity.

Table 1. Installation of OSB panels.

Steps, photo	Description
	The frame for the cladding will consist of several layers - sheathing and counter-lattice. This will allow you to install insulation, provide space for its ventilation, or add a second layer of insulation and make the structure more durable and reliable. The photograph shows the structure of the sheathing with insulation. We see vertical posts made of timber, between which sheets of mineral wool are installed. In this manner we will have to equip the entire facade without gaps.
	If the walls of the house are initially smooth, then the task before you is not the most difficult - the racks can be installed directly on the surface without additional leveling. However, this happens extremely rarely, so let’s not hope for the best and describe the alignment technology. The note! Let’s say right away that the base for the sheathing, which is the frame, must be perfectly flat so that there is no internal tension in the panels, so don’t be lazy about leveling the walls if required.
	When determining the parameters of the frame, you must first of all focus on the dimensions of the purchased OSB sheets. We know the standard, so the distance between the posts needs to be 62.5 cm. This will allow the panels to be mounted in any position. 1. So, the first thing you need to do is install the corner posts. We align them exactly vertically using a laser or bubble level. 2. Wooden beams with a cross-section of at least 50*50 mm are used as racks. 3. A nylon thread is stretched between the outer posts above and below. We will need this element to align the remaining racks in one plane. 4. Next, mark the distance between the posts according to the above step. 5. Take the beam and check whether it can be installed everywhere so that the thread does not change its position. If there is not enough space, the outer racks should be moved away from the wall to the required distance. Do this evenly, otherwise you will end up with uneven slopes on the windows and doors. 6. You can move the beam from the base using metal hangers or corners, as in the photo shown. 7. Then the main verticals and horizontals are placed, the position of which is determined by the already stretched thread. We are talking about the elements that form the slopes of door and window openings. After assembling the sheathing, the space between the belts is filled with sheets of mineral wool or foam plastic. One more thing. If you plan to install a counter-lattice, then the step between the belts can be reduced so that the insulation does not need to be trimmed.
	Installing the counter-lattice will not be difficult, since we have already leveled the first part of the frame. Your current task is to divide the distance into steps of the required size, screw the beams perpendicular to the previous ones onto wood screws, install insulation, covering the cold bridges of the first layer, if required. Advice! It is very important, if OSB without a profile edge is used, to install jumpers at the locations of the seams, otherwise the skin will be movable and may bend in different directions, which will ruin the finish.
	Mineral wool is very susceptible to getting wet, so it needs to be covered with a special waterproofing film. It is attached with a stapler to staples. Next, another level of counter-lattice is made. This space will already be used for ventilation of the insulation and for its proper drying. The principle of fastening is exactly the same as before.
	Next, the frame is covered with OSB panels. They are installed so that the edges fall exactly in the middle of the belts. Fastening is carried out using wood screws of the appropriate length (it is required that the fastener enters the timber at least 2 cm). It will be very good if one sheet covers the entire height of the wall to avoid unnecessary transverse seams. The OSB is attached to all the belts that pass under it. It is best to trim the material at the corners of the building. This must be done with a circular saw with a medium tooth. You only need to cut along the guide so that the edges are smooth and beautiful.
	Now the coating needs to be protected and decorated. We start by sealing all the seams. For this, a special elastic putty is used, for example, Holzer Flex Spachtel Elastish. The seams are unstitched 5-7 cm in each direction from the seam, the layer of putty is 3 mm. It will dry within 10 hours. Look for information about similar materials on their packaging.
	Next, the entire surface of the sheets, together with putty, is covered with a special primer-paint for OSB. This material can be tinted in any color; it will add not only attractiveness, but also qualitatively protect the skin from moisture. The coating lasts 10 years, after which it will need to be re-treated. What paint is suitable for OSB panels? Read in detail in.
	The seams are covered with decorative panels - this is how you can create. The panels are attached with adhesive or with galvanized screws.

Prices for mineral wool

Video - Installation of OSB sheets

Oriented strand board has recently appeared on the construction market - it has replaced the previously popular chipboard. The material has outstanding technical data, thanks to its multilayer structure and special manufacturing technology. Information with specific numbers will help you understand the characteristics of the material and its level of safety.

Accurate knowledge of the technical characteristics of the OSB board and the level of its harmfulness will help to understand how advisable its use in construction is. The raw material used in the manufacture of strand board is large sized wood shavings. It is bonded using waterproof phenol or formaldehyde resin under pressure and high temperature.

OSB boards are made from large-sized wood chips

The predecessor of this material is chipboard. Their main difference is the arrangement of chips in the layers. OSB is characterized by a transverse direction in the inner part and a longitudinal direction on the outside. A total of three or four layers are made, alternating the direction of the particles. This allows you to achieve special strength parameters. As a result, chipboard is gradually replacing its more progressive counterpart.

The chips underlying the oriented slab have a length of 7.5 to 15 cm. The norm for the width and thickness of internal particles is 1-1.2 cm, 0.5-0.8 mm, respectively. Smaller chips are sifted out and used to produce less durable chipboard. Pine or aspen are used as raw materials. Modern equipment and the latest technologies make it possible to achieve maximum uniformity of the slab composition in all directions. High-quality material has no cracks, voids or chips.

Depending on strength, manufacturers divide products into main classes:

• OSB 1 - belongs to the low class. The area of ​​their use is dry rooms and structures that are not subject to special loads, for example, cladding or furniture.
• OSB 2 is a medium strength class. They can be used both as cladding and for load-bearing structures, but in dry rooms. For example, these could be partitions inside a room.
• OSB 3 – high class. Operation under good load and high humidity is possible. External cladding of the building.
• OSB 4 – the board has special strength characteristics: it is designed for a humid environment and constant intense mechanical stress. Cladding of houses without additional cladding.

In addition to the alphanumeric classification, there are separate types of oriented strand boards:

• Laminated – additionally treated with laminate components. The characteristics of OSB boards make it possible to successfully use it for covering floors and making furniture. They can be used to make interior partitions and be used for formwork several times.
• Grooved - grooves and protrusions are applied to the ends of such slabs. By driving them into each other, a tight connection without gaps is obtained.
• Lacquered - used in the furniture industry.

The tongue-and-groove slabs have recesses and protrusions at the ends for a tight connection with each other

The material can be produced either with or without coating. As a facial treatment, paint, anti-moisture and anti-fire compounds, and bioprotection are used.

Production technology and scope of application of OSB boards

Understanding the manufacturing processes of oriented strand boards will help you better understand how and where they can be used and what the benefits of this material are. Production stages:

1. 1. Selection of raw materials. At this stage, the trunks of thin non-commercial trees are sorted.
2. 2. Cutting. Selected trees are cut into small pieces, which then serve as blanks.
3. 3. Grinding. The blanks are placed in a special machine that chops the wood into chips. It spills onto the conveyor belt. The size of the chips can be adjusted depending on what kind of slab you need to get.
4. 4. Drying.
5. 5. Sorting of wood chips. Small chips are separated from large ones.
6. 6. Gluing. A binding element – ​​phenol or isocyanate – is added to selected chips of the required size. It gives the future building material moisture resistance and strength. Paraffin is added to the mixture, and it is all mixed in a special drum.
7. 7. Formation of the slab. The chips are stacked in layers. The machine does this using scales and magnets.
8. 8. Pressing. The resulting tape is subjected to a pressure of 5N/mm2 at high temperature. The elements adhere firmly to each other, resulting in a single slab. After cooling, pieces of the desired size are cut from it.

The range of applications for OSB is wide:

• OSB-4, due to its strength and moisture resistance, is used for the construction of frame houses and outbuildings. The material produces inexpensive temporary housing.
• Arrangement is the best option for an oriented slab. It holds shelves with heavy objects, racks, and heating radiators well.
• The building material is used to cover walls, ceilings and floors during the interior decoration of buildings. A perfectly flat, smooth surface is convenient for plastering, painting, and wallpapering.
• A large area of ​​application is the furniture industry, packaging production. Strength, low price and low weight make oriented strand boards suitable for the manufacture of upholstered and cabinet furniture, and shipping containers.

The material is used in combination with both wooden and metal structures.

This material is widespread in construction due to its attractive properties from the point of view of the builder.

Thanks to the large chips in the composition, OSB boards perfectly hold any fasteners

• OSB is easy to process - in order to work with them, it is enough to have a standard set of carpenter's tools on hand. The slab can be sanded, cut, planed, sawed. It will not crumble or break if holes are punched or drilled in it.
• Large chips provide high retention capacity. Thanks to its contents, nails can be driven into the slab at a distance of six millimeters from the edge. The plate holds any fasteners well without chipping. You can use wood glue to secure it.
• The average density of the slab is 640 kg/m3. This also includes the strength of the material, which depends on elasticity:

• Moisture resistance is the level of thickness swelling after the slab has been in water for 24 hours. The table shows the percentage of the total volume:

• Fire safety. Since the slabs are made of wood chips, they are easily ignited and burn well. For this reason, it is recommended to use OSB in combination with non-combustible insulation or cladding materials. For example, mineral wool or metal siding.

During construction, it is better to use non-flammable insulation or cladding materials

OSB is convenient to use in construction, but together with durable load-bearing structures and fire protection. The high level of elasticity of the slabs allows them to withstand earthquakes well. Compared to stone, they are superior in this regard. Disadvantages include the need to use a respirator during installation and processing to protect against small chips and emitted fumes from the resin.

Hazard level of OSB boards for human health

Sellers boldly call this material environmentally friendly. At the same time, you can find a lot of information that NDEs are terribly harmful to health. It is not difficult to understand the essence of the issue. The composition of oriented boards includes types of resins:

• phenol-formaldehyde;
• melamine-formaldehyde;
• urea-formaldehyde.

They are obtained synthetically and give the slabs high-tech properties. OSB will be hazardous to health during further use as a building material if the rules of manufacturing technique are not followed. To avoid purchasing low-quality products, check the certificates when purchasing.

In Russia, the European standard DIN EN120 is recognized, which classifies slabs with chips according to the level of formaldehyde they contain, a substance that produces harmful fumes. The classification looks like this (calculation per 100g of dry matter): E0 - up to 6.5 mg, E1 - up to 10 mg, E2 - 10-20 mg and E3 - up to 30 mg.

There is nothing to worry about when using OSB for exterior finishing, because... the concentration of released vapors in the air will be insignificant. The use of the second and third types for interior cladding of residential premises is strictly prohibited, because the level of vapor released into the room will exceed the permissible limit. E2 and E3 are suitable for attics, sheds and sheds.

According to production rules, all products such as chip boards must be tested for the level of synthetic resin content. Based on its results, a corresponding certificate is issued. Pay attention to the smell of the building material: if it is pungent, like formaldehyde or plastic, the product is toxic and cannot be used indoors.

OSB is a material with good performance, suitable for construction in all respects. By comparing it with other options and weighing the pros and cons, you can easily make the right decision.