OSB board: we solve the main problems of this material. OSB panels are the main building material in frame technology OSB panels, moisture-resistant sizes

27.10.2023

OSB is a compressed three-layer material made from elongated chips of coniferous trees - the so-called wood wool, the length of the chips is 60-90 millimeters.

The main feature of the material, as a rule, aspen and pine are used as materials for making slabs, is the different orientation of the chips in its layers.

In the middle they are located at right angles to the covering layers, and in the lower and upper layers - along the length of the entire slab.

The excellent mechanical strength of the material, which significantly exceeds the strength of DPS and plywood, is due precisely to this multi-directionality of fibers.

It is worth noting that the flexibility of the slab remains the same.

Three layers of the board are pressed under high temperature and pressure, and impregnated with waterproof resins and waxes. Phenolic and formaldehyde resins are used as binding material.

The use of modern equipment and advanced manufacturing technologies ensure the uniformity of the slab in all directions - there are no chips, cracks or voids.

An important difference between the slabs is their ability to withstand heavy loads, not due to the use of a binder material, but due to the fact that long chips cope well with the load, forming a structure without unnecessary overstress.

It has an optimal combination of high mechanical strength and elasticity.

OSB-1 – used at low humidity;
OSB-2 – used in dry rooms in the production of load-bearing structures;
OSB-3 – for creating load-bearing structures at high humidity;
OSB-4 - used if the structure is subjected to significant mechanical load and is operated at high humidity.

Comparative characteristics and properties of plates

The slabs are classified according to the European standard EN-300. The different connecting elements of the boards determine the scope of their application.

Moisture resistance

To determine the environment with which properties each type of slab can be used, use the thickness swelling parameter.

To do this, after measuring the initial thickness, the slab is placed in liquid for a day, and then the amount of its swelling is measured.

In accordance with the standards, there are extreme permissible values for the swelling of slabs.

The following table clearly shows this:

Thus, OSB-4 and OSB-3 boards have the same strength characteristics, however, if we take into account moisture resistance, the third type is more preferable.

Compared to OSB-4, OSB-3 does not look as convincing, but it should be taken into account that the characteristics of OSB-3 boards are quite sufficient for construction. And the cost of such a plate is much less.

Size

Modern technologies can ensure the production of any boards, but there are certain sizes of OSB boards:

1220×2440 mm.
1220×3660 mm.
1250×6000 mm.
1250×2500 mm.
1250×3700 mm.

Weight

Due to their light weight, OSB boards are widely used in construction.

Environmental friendliness of OSB board material

OSB boards are made exclusively from high-quality shavings. Spruce is predominantly used, but pine is also sometimes used.

Is OSB board harmful?

OSB boards use binders based on polyurethane resins without the presence of formaldehyde. Thus, the content of harmful substances in the stove does not exceed the permissible level.

OSB has excellent fire, physical, chemical and biological safety.

QSB slabs

Separately, it is worth highlighting QSB plates. Compared to OSB they have some advantages:

Excellent layer adhesion is achieved due to the small chip size. This allows the QSB board to be used on a par with OSB;
the lowest swelling coefficient among OSB boards – about 12%;
the internal connection coefficient is increased by 30% compared to OSB-3;
the boards have high resistance to screw pull-out and also have good nail stability at the edges;
QSB edges are perfectly smooth;
the slabs have strength, uniformity and rigidity;
simplified installation due to a small number of connections;
since the slab has a high density, it can be processed in different ways (sawing, drilling, milling) and not be afraid of it being damaged;
the use of QSB plates allows for many types of structural connections;
The boards are suitable for use in class 2 wet environments.

QSB boards are used as load-bearing structural elements of the interior, as well as the main material for roofing.

Used in the production of packaging and containers, and for interior decoration.

Application of OSB boards

Due to the extremely increased demand for OBS boards, there are currently many product options on the market that differ in the previously described parameters and technical characteristics.

OSB boards for flooring

What should you pay attention to when choosing OSB boards for laying on the floor?

Pay attention to North American and European products - they are usually of higher quality.

Products are manufactured in full compliance with all world standards and technologies, including the E1 standard, which determines the environmental safety of the product;

The flooring can be done on wooden logs or concrete screed, depending on the room.

In the case of a screed, you need slabs no more than a centimeter thick, and if you are laying on wooden logs, then you need more massive slabs - up to two centimeters;

OSB-3 boards are the leader in flooring.

They are the most popular on sale, provide structural reliability, are waterproof and high-density;

To calculate the required number of slabs, it is necessary to determine which arrangement will produce the least amount of waste.

If necessary, cutting the slab with a circular saw is not difficult.

You should not use a jigsaw when cutting slabs, because when working with this tool it is difficult to ensure a smooth side surface.

OSB board on concrete screed

OPS slabs are an excellent base for finishing coatings (tiles, parquet boards, laminate, linoleum) when replacing the floor in rooms with a concrete surface.

Height differences and various defects are not uncommon on a concrete floor. Laying OSB can make the surface perfectly flat, suitable for installing any type of covering.

The plate is made multi-layered and dense, which ensures good .

The natural OSB base retains heat well. Typically, the slabs are laid on wooden blocks and the surface is smoothed using a concrete screed.

If you want to ensure maximum resistance to deformation and rigidity, use two layers of slabs.

Lay them offset, fasten the edges together with special glue, ring and spiral nails. A similar masonry in two layers is used when.

Maintaining small gaps between the plates will compensate for expansion as a consequence of the absorption of moisture from the environment.

Rough and finishing OSB floor

In rooms that stand on a columnar or poured foundation, the floors are usually laid on multi-layer boards or wooden logs made of timber. In this case, OSB floors can be used as a finishing or subfloor.

The finished floor base is laid in a maximum of two layers:

The first of them is mounted with a joint on the joists. Fastening to the joists is done with self-tapping screws in increments of about thirty centimeters.
Using spiral nails, the layers are connected, and if necessary, glue is used to ensure a more reliable fastening.

The subfloor is installed on the underside of the joists:

The surface facing the ground is treated with a special coating, for example, bitumen mastic.
Insulation is placed in the space between the joists, on the subfloor, and covered on top with a layer of material (glassine is suitable) for protection.

Some features of slab processing for different types of coatings

The unique properties of OSB boards make it possible to use them not only as an independent coating material, but also for work on preparing the base of various types of coatings.

Installation of OSB boards under laminate. There are no special requirements here, other than ensuring a smooth surface at the joints.
Laying under carpet or linoleum. To ensure the most even transition at the joints of the material, it is necessary to use the thinnest slabs treated with sealants. Provided that a single seam is formed during installation, expansion gaps are made from the wall side.
Clean finish. Protection against tile wear is required. This can be achieved by applying several layers of varnish, having previously cleaned the slab.
Laying tiles on OSB board. To install ceramic tiles, the OSB base must be stationary. To do this, you need to carefully secure the slabs to the logs, and install the logs themselves more often.

Prices for OSB boards

The cost of OSB boards depends on several factors. First of all, this is the country of origin.

Plates made in America and Western Europe are more expensive than their domestic counterparts. The cost is also affected by the brand of the slab, the thickness of the slab and, in general, its main characteristics.

In the table we can observe the dependence of the price of the slab on the country of manufacture and the geometry of the product

To successfully purchase OSB boards, you must carefully study the characteristics of each of them and choose the material, first of all, based on this.

As a rule, OBS-3 boards, due to their characteristics, are the most popular in the market. Although, perhaps, simpler models will be quite enough for you.

It is not necessary to shell out extra money for material properties that you will not need at all later. Don't rush - be prepared that it will take some time to find the best option.

Frame houses, which are increasingly gaining popularity, do not raise doubts about their practicality and operational efficiency. But what can be said about the construction process itself and the materials that are used to construct such buildings?

The main types of building materials for such structures are wooden beams, beams and OSB panels. It is the use of panels that provides a frame house with those characteristics that attract developers so much.

What is OSB

For those who are planning to build a house from these materials, you should know not only the meaning of the abbreviation, but also the qualities that they possess, as well as the functional differences from other similar materials.

OSB panels are boards made from wood chips.

The meaning of the abbreviation translated from English means “oriented strand board” - Oriented Strand Board.

The difference between these panels and the chipboards familiar to domestic developers is the installation method and the type of chips. If in chipboard the main component is pressed in a chaotic manner, then OSB panels in their structure contain chips laid in one direction, that is, oriented.

It is characteristic that the chips are laid in each layer in a different direction. The number of layers in each slab is three or four. Typically, the direction of laying chips is taken in the following order:

First layer - fibers are placed parallel to the panel structure
The second layer always contains the chip direction perpendicular to the direction of the first layer
Third layer - again laying is done in the same way as the first layer
The fourth layer is perpendicularly placed fibers

In some versions of the panels, another method of chip pressing is adopted, which includes a parallel arrangement of chip fibers in the outer layers and their transverse placement in two inner layers.

To create a sandwich panel from OSB, shavings up to 15 cm long are used, which are pressed under high pressure. Their volume in the slab structure reaches 90 percent. The fibers of the chips are bonded with waterproof resins of synthetic origin.

As evidenced by numerous reviews of developers who used this material in the construction of their houses, it is this structure that provides many advantages for the operation of the house. One of them, which allows saving the consumption of energy resources during the heating period, is the high heat capacity of OSB boards.

Classification of OSB panels

For construction purposes, it is recommended to use separate types of panels, since the structure and properties of different types differ and are not always suitable for the same purposes.

Reviews about the qualities of OSB panels lean towards the conscious choice of only certain categories of such panels.

In order not to make a mistake when ordering material, you need to study the characteristic parameters and classification of OSB boards. Moreover, this is not difficult to do - there are only four of them, and the differences mainly relate to the number of layers, the degree of strength and moisture resistance indicators:

OSB-1 panels are boards with a very low degree of strength and a low level of moisture resistance. In construction, such panels can only be used in interior work. But more often their use is widespread in the production of furniture structures, as well as for packaging products
OSB-2 boards have low strength, although slightly higher than panels of the first category. They can also be used in interior finishing work, sometimes in the construction of light structural elements, ceilings and partitions. But due to low moisture resistance, it is not recommended to use it in basements, when finishing basement floors and for interior work in bathrooms and kitchens.
OSB 3 is the most common model of OSB panels. It has proven itself excellent in exterior and interior work. Can be used in different parts of the building. Resistant in humid environments
OSB-4 category panel is the most durable grade of OSB boards used in all types of construction work. Due to its high strength, it can be successfully mounted on the external parts of a building structure, when constructing roofs and attics. Excellent resistance to moisture, making it suitable for use in the lower parts of the building and in rooms with high humidity.

All these properties, inherent in each category of panels to varying degrees, are achieved by using an adhesive base of various compositions. Such boards owe their moisture resistance to the resinous compounds of the glue, and their strength to the arrangement of the fibers of the wood chips and the number of layers in the board.

There are differences in OSB boards based on the type of coating
The industry produces panels with a laminated surface that can be used as formwork, and more than once. For decorative purposes, slabs varnished on both or one side are also produced.

For the installation of horizontal surfaces, panels with connecting elements are produced according to the principle of a laminate board. On two or four sides of such panels there are end ridges and grooves for connecting adjacent slabs.

Reviews of OSB panels from buyers tend to suggest that they have promise in the production of finishing works and can be an excellent alternative in flooring.

Properties of OSB panels

Reviews from panel buyers and developers note several significant advantages of this material:

The technology of laying wood chips and the length of the chips make OSB panels more rigid, which allows them to become resistant to mechanical stress
Thanks to the conveyor production method, the dimensions specified by the technological requirements are observed in the slabs. For the same reason, uniform thickness is achieved in all parts of the slab. This quality contributes to the ease of installation of OSB boards
Reducing the labor intensity of the installation process, increasing the efficiency of construction. The panels are lightweight, can be easily transported and do not create additional difficulties during loading and unloading operations
High thermal insulation rates are another significant advantage of this material. This property is achieved thanks to the high concentration of wood components, known for their thermal insulation properties.
Availability during processing - OSB can be easily sanded, drilled, and cut. And when hammering nails, the edges of the slab do not crumble

OSB Properties	plate thickness 12mm
Length deviation, mm	+/-3
Width deviation, mm	+/-0,3
Thickness deviation, mm	+/-0,8
Deviation from right angle, maximum, mm/m	2
Bending resistance, main axis, MPa	20
Bending resistance, lateral axis, MPa	10
Flexural modulus of elasticity, major axis, minimum, MPa	3500
Flexural modulus of elasticity, lateral axis, minimum, MPa	1400
Swelling in thickness over 24 hours, maximum, %	15
Density, kg/m 3	630(+/-10%)
Humidity, %	5-12
Thermal conductivity, W/(mK)	0,10
Formaldehyde content, mg/100g	<8мг/100г

As for the specific use of slabs in the construction of houses using frame technology, in their reviews many builders and owners of ready-made residential buildings note the speed of construction and ease of installation work.

In terms of operation, there are also undeniable advantages:

Houses made from OSB panels do not settle due to the lightness of the material
In winter, there is a noticeable saving in energy resources, which eases the budget burden
The ability to carry out additional planning of the premises without major intervention in the integrity of the structure

At the same time, in the reviews one can notice the absence of negative qualities characteristic of other materials, namely, susceptibility to rotting, the presence of formations in the form of knots and voids inside the panel, and the risk of fire is reduced.

Against the background of such a volume of advantages, individual disadvantages of OSB boards seem insignificant, but they cannot be ignored.

Among the main disadvantages of this material is the presence of phenol in adhesive resins, which can negatively affect health. However, in each category of plates listed above, the content of this element is regulated.

So when choosing slabs for a specific application, you need to focus on their main purpose. For example, OSB-3 is best used for exterior work, and OSB-2 is recommended for interior decoration.

Painting OSB panels

Application of paint materials on OSB panels does not require special conditions. Any wood paint can be used for this purpose.

For better adhesion to the surface of the slab and a longer shelf life, the surface of the panel can be primed.

For interior work on panels, you can use acrylic varnish. For the same purpose, stain or water-based paint is used. For all options, only positive reviews are noted.

Video about the production of OSB panels

OSB board is one of the most popular materials for the construction market. Let's figure out what this material is, what it comes in and where it is used.

When studying building materials, we often come across the name OSB board - also OSB, OSB. This abbreviation stands for ooriented strand board, or oriented strand board.

OSB has a reasonable price, good technical characteristics - and is used in both external and internal decoration during construction. But what exactly is this material?

OSB is made from natural wood chips and consists of three main layers. Thin wood chips are treated with an adhesive composition and laid longitudinally on the bottom layer, transversely on the inner layer, and again longitudinally on the top outer layer. The finished board is then pressed at a very high temperature, causing the adhesive to harden, turning the material into a thin, dense, uniform surface.

Oriented strand board was invented in America several decades ago, when during the mass construction of frame housing it became clear that neither ordinary wood nor chipboard made it possible to build inexpensive but high-quality houses.

The coating fits perfectly on this surface, which combines the advantages of ceramics and linoleum.

OSB has become a successful intermediate option between conventional wood board and chipboard. Oriented strand material has high strength, but a reasonable price, and at the same time retains fairly good resistance to deformation - due to its transverse-longitudinal structure.

At the moment, there are many varieties of OSB, differing, among other things, in appearance. Laminated, varnished, corrugated - the material is convenient for exterior finishing and beautiful enough to create a budget interior.
OSB weighs little, lasts a long time, it is very easy to work with - the material is easy to cut and drill, paint, wallpaper, tiles and plaster fit well on its surface.
OSB board remains quite resistant to temperature influences and high humidity, and also reduces noise levels in rooms and retains heat.

And of course, all these advantages are complemented by the main advantage of the OSB board - it is inexpensive. There are both very cheap and more expensive options on the market - but even “luxury” material remains affordable from a financial point of view.

Types of OSB and technical characteristics

Boards made by pressing wood chips are divided into several varieties. They differ in their characteristics - with the main parameters being strength, moisture resistance and thickness.

There are four types in total - from OSB-1 to OSB-4. Let's briefly look at the characteristics of each of them.

OSB-1. This is the least durable variety, which is practically not used in construction and interior decoration. It has a low level of strength and moisture resistance. When immersed in water for twenty-four hours, its swelling coefficient is 25%. The strength indicator for longitudinal bending is 2500 N per square millimeter, for transverse bending - 1200 N per square millimeter.
OSB-2. The next type of particle board has slightly greater strength - 3500 and 1400 N per square millimeter with longitudinal and transverse forces, respectively. However, the material's resistance to moisture remains low - the swelling level is 20%.
OSB-3. This variety belongs to a higher class. Its strength indicators are the same as those of the previous variety - however, moisture resistance is much higher. With constant contact with water, the material swells by only 15%. OSB-3 is the most popular type of particle board among buyers, since with good performance the material maintains an affordable price.
OSB-4. This is the highest quality of oriented strand boards - it can even be used when creating load-bearing structures. It has a strength of 4800 and 1800 N per square millimeter at longitudinal and transverse pressure; per day of contact with water, its swelling is only 12%. True, the price of such material is almost twice as high as the cost of the previous OSB board.

In addition to strength and moisture resistance, thickness is of great importance. It can range from 8 to 26 millimeters. Typically, the thickness indicator directly depends on the class; the stronger the slab, the thicker it is in diameter.

Another important parameter is the flammability index of OSB. Unfortunately, oriented strand boards belong to class G-4 - that is, they are a highly flammable material. This is not surprising - after all, they are made of natural wood chips. To give the material greater fire resistance, manufacturers treat the slabs with special compounds and impregnations. However, it is necessary to understand that in the event of a fire, OSB will ignite one way or another - and even the highest quality material cannot be completely non-flammable.

Is the material harmful to health?

OSB boards are used not only for exterior, but also for interior decoration. There is still debate about how harmful the material is to health. Opponents of oriented strand boards argue their position by the fact that when producing the material, manufacturers use formaldehyde impregnations. Consequently, during operation, fumes must inevitably be released that are hazardous to human health. But is this really so?

In general, we can say that everything depends on the specific manufacturer and its approach to environmental friendliness of products. OSB boards can have four options for environmental labeling: E0, E1, E2, E3. Despite the fact that E3 class boards contain up to 30 milligrams of formaldehyde emissions per 100 grams of material, and E0 class boards - up to only 6.5 milligrams, not a single variety exceeds the maximum permissible standards for harmful fumes.

In addition, most manufacturers - especially Western ones - are trying to further reduce the presence of formaldehyde in their materials, replacing toxic impregnations with safe polymer compounds. Many types of OSB are recommended for use in interior decoration - if their toxicity posed a health hazard, the material could only be “approved” for exterior use.

And finally, the environmental safety of OSB is confirmed

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. Selection of raw materials. At this stage, the trunks of thin non-commercial trees are sorted.
2. Cutting. Selected trees are cut into small pieces, which then serve as blanks.
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. Drying.
5. Sorting of wood chips. Small chips are separated from large ones.
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. Formation of the slab. The chips are stacked in layers. The machine does this using scales and magnets.
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.

In modern construction, materials that have proven themselves over decades are often used. One of these proven materials is OSB board. It was developed more than thirty years ago, but time has not changed the popularity of this product. We will consider what this is in detail in this article.

Its features

The original name of this material sounds like OSB (OSB) and stands for strand board. The creators of this slab tried to obtain a material that can withstand loads from natural conditions and humidity. The result was a slab that was superior in many properties to previous products made from.

The main component for creating a product is shavings. It may be too small or large, but in any case its size does not affect the density of the surface. This is explained by multilayering as the principle of manufacturing such a slab.

The inner part of the panel elements is directed in one direction, and the outer part in the other. This gives the panels a special central axis strength and parts in bend.

Usually, when creating this material, the main elements are treated with a special composition that can resist fire and water.

Read ours for finishing options for slabs on the facade.

The scope of OSB boards is different, but it occupies the main place in construction, packaging production and the furniture industry. In addition to these areas, it is also successfully used in production:

When creating shelving and .
When creating roofing for roofs.
As a cladding material for exterior and subfloor walls.
When creating rigid elements used in upholstered furniture.

If it is necessary to erect a building of various kinds, the consumer needs to purchase high-quality and, at the same time, cheap material that can serve for many years. OSB panels fit exactly these parameters and are used in carrying out work in buildings for both residential and non-residential purposes.

Specifications

Wood of various species is used to make such slabs. coniferous or deciduous trees. The chips are placed in the longitudinal and transverse directions, which gives the surface additional protection from external influences.

OSB boards have a number of positive characteristics:

convenient ratio of material quality and relatively low price, which attracts buyers who want to save money;
resistance to moisture, which ensures that the slabs can be placed in difficult rooms and not change their properties;
relatively light weight of the product;
ease of coating and processing with other materials;
environmental friendliness, as a guarantee of the health of surrounding people living in a home with such stoves;
reliability and stability of the material. These products have been tested for years and are used even in areas with seismic hazards.

OSB panels have few negative properties, the main of which is their susceptibility to fracture. Almost all tile products are susceptible to this problem, so this disadvantage is not significant.

Another significant disadvantage of this product is the presence of formaldehyde in its composition. If not manufactured correctly, panels will release this substance, which can cause serious harm to people.

If the owner decides to install such a stove inside a residential building, he needs to consult a specialist and read all the technical specifications before installation.

Comparison with plywood

Many craftsmen are interested in the question, which material is more profitable and better: plywood or OSB? Plywood began to be used by builders much earlier than OSB panels. It is difficult to characterize the two materials because both products come in different product ranges.

When comparing two products, it is better to take class 3 OSB as an example. If we evaluate the technical characteristics inherent in plywood sheets and OSB panels of this type, then the second will cost the buyer more, and in terms of technical characteristics they will be almost identical.

If we take into account the manufacturing technology, plywood is made from veneer, and OSB is made from wood chips. Both materials belong to the category environmentally friendly materials, since they contain almost no harmful impurities. For OSB panels, pine needles are often used as the base of the product, and for plywood, birch can be used.

The number of layers for the two products is also different: in OSB three are used, and sometimes four layers, and for plywood sometimes more layers are required.

In terms of weight, OSB board is significantly less than plywood, and in terms of the content of harmful substances in it - formaldehyde it is also inferior to a veneer product.

For many home owners, the aesthetic component is important, in which OSB sheets are significantly inferior to plywood, but with proper processing, the appearance improves significantly.

If we compare the durability of products, it will become clear that beetles and other insects that spoil the surface of slabs prefer plywood.

However, plywood is less susceptible to deformation when exposed to various mechanical forces.

Comparison of OSB with chipboard

Both OSB and fiberboard have been used for cladding residential premises or laying floors for many years. Many novice builders who have not encountered similar types of cladding compare these materials. In order to determine which one is stronger and better, you need consider the properties of each of them.

The production of chipboard began at the beginning of the twentieth century and continues to this day.

The principle of manufacturing the product is in pressing wood waste and gluing them together special resin-based compounds. After reproduction, the particle board is impregnated with special compounds to create a fire-retardant and water-repellent effect.

Such products are divided according to the degree of surface smoothness. One of the smoothest is the first grade, where there are no irregularities or chips.

When drawing parallels between materials, it is obvious that they are similar in the degree of creation and in the product from which they are reproduced, but there is a significant difference between them. The chips of the orientated strand board are quite large in size, sometimes reaching 15 centimeters, and Fiberboard consists of small elements with an uneven and rough surface.

The layer of resins holding OSB panels together is much thicker than when gluing fiberboard. The nature of the arrangement of chips gives OSB an advantage ahead of the competition in center reliability and bending.

At first glance, it may seem that the products are similar, but this is not the case; there are a number of differences between them:

The OSB panel has greater moisture resistance, which can last for some time in humid conditions, which cannot be said about fiberboard;
both boards are highly reliable, but fiberboard is more susceptible to surface shedding in the end area;
processing carried out on these materials is more likely to damage fiberboard than OSB because these sheets are susceptible to crumbling when the nail or screw is re-tightened;
Fiberboard is much cheaper than OSB, and this is justified by a number of disadvantages inherent in such a board.

If OSB panels can be used not only as a floor, but also for facade work, then fiberboard is not recommended to be attached to the facade. This is due to insufficient strength and instability to moisture.

In terms of aesthetic properties, fiberboard is also inferior to its competitor. Such panels look unattractive, unless, of course, they were covered with a special decorative film. OSB is often used for homes, and many owners like it because it resembles something wood surface.

If we talk about density and resistance to mold, then the indicators for the two products are approximately the same.

OSB or drywall?

Modern craftsmen use it as the main material for finishing houses, because it has a number of positive characteristics:

environmental friendliness of the product. The material contains gypsum, water and cardboard;
durable structure;
durable use;
the ability to cover the slab with various decorative elements, such as stucco molding, paint and varnish coatings or porcelain stoneware;
safety for others. Only when cutting the product you need to know that the mouth and eyes must be protected from chips;
price is an important component of the product. You can save significant financial resources on the purchase of this material;
ease of construction. This is especially important when one technician is involved in the repair.

Despite many advantages, drywall also has minuses, such as:

Increased deformation of the slabs when trying to attach objects of great weight to them.
Cutting the product is accompanied by the appearance of debris around the perimeter of the room. You need to protect your face tightly from it.
Reduced space due to the additional need to install a frame.
The difficulty is in hanging additional items on plasterboard walls.

If you compare the two products with each other, you can understand that they are about the same price, which means that the choice must be based on other parameters.

According to the minimal impact of harmful materials on human health, of course drywall wins, since it practically does not evaporate substances that can cause harm. OSB contains resins that have a negative effect on humans. The remaining parameters are selected according to the individual preferences of the owner.

Comparison with lining

Made from natural wood, and does not contain harmful impurities. It is made from aspen or coniferous trees, including larch. In appearance, it is a plate of wood, which is tightly attached to a similar structure, using grooves for fastening.

Lining has positive properties, such as:

natural composition of the material;
has many types, divided into classes, of which the most popular is the one marked “E”;
It has an aesthetic appearance and attracts prying eyes.

If we compare with OSB, then in the price category they will be approximately equal, in terms of technological properties too. The aesthetic and environmental component, of course, will be on the side of the lining. But the final decision remains with the owner of the house, because only he can decide what material will decorate its façade?

Plate manufacturing principle

The principle of manufacturing OSB panels is pressing wood chips into multiple layers by exposing them to high temperatures and pressure. To ensure that the chips fit tightly and do not fall out, and that the layers are uniform, they are coated with formaldehyde or phenol-based resins.

(The picture is clickable, click to enlarge)

The resulting mixture is additionally fixed with wax for maximum grip. The use of the latest generation of machines when creating slabs gives the products an ideal surface without the appearance of chips and extra chips peeking out from the inside and outside.

The entire production process consists of the following stages:

formation of wood chips;
the process of drying and processing wood chips;
installation of elements in the approximate direction;
coating the chips with resin;
work on pressing and cutting slabs.

Manufacturers divided the slabs into four classes:

OSP-2 also used exclusively for interior decoration of homes and in frame furniture production.

OSP-3– this is the most popular type of slabs, which is used for external and internal finishing work. It is characterized by increased resistance to wear and does not damage the structure under the influence of wet masses.

OSP-4- this is the highest class in terms of material strength, but it is rarely used in ordinary house construction, because the price for such a product is much higher than for the above.

OSB-3 panels meet all the latest developments in the field of construction technologies and are resistant to moisture. It is this quality that makes them popular when choosing facing materials, in particular in frame construction.

The slab can withstand moisture, but with one condition that must not be forgotten: the slab helps protect the building only with short contact with water.

If you install panels in the bathroom, you need to carry out treatment with special compounds, preventing the product from getting wet and, as a result, loss of its useful properties.

We will learn from the video about the decoding, pros and cons of OSB, scope of application, how to choose it correctly and how to work with it: