Variety of building materials modern market can satisfy any request. If the product is made of wood or other natural material, then questions about environmental safety for humans do not arise at all. But why then are buyers so careful about such a material as OSB board, the health hazards and characteristics that we propose to consider in this article.
OSB what is it, decoding
Orient Strand Board - or the abbreviation OSB (read as OSB) - is a wood-based particle material made from special types of wood that has super-strong characteristics due to the specific arrangement of these very chips. The environmental friendliness of wood is beyond doubt, but almost 20% of the OSB structure is an adhesive substrate consisting of formaldehyde.
Advantages of OSB
There are quite a lot of advantages of OSB material:
- A wall made of OSB boards, like other structures made of OSB, can be assembled with your own hands several times faster and easier than from other building materials;
- The wear resistance of OSB floor boards goes back decades of use, if you take care in advance to neutralize the biological threat (surface treatment with special protective reagents);
- Based on the weight of OSB boards, they are classified as lightweight building materials, i.e. leveling the floor or walls with their help will not create additional weight load on the supporting structures of the house;
- High sound and thermal insulation.
Disadvantages of OSB
Formaldehyde is a substance obtained from the oxidation of methanol (wood, methyl alcohol + a number of particularly toxic chemical elements). In terms of structure, formaldehyde is a gas, and in terms of chemical activity, it belongs to the group of active elements that react with almost all elements of the chemical table.
The characteristics of formaldehyde allow it to be included in production:
- Medical and cosmetic preparations (as an excellent antiseptic);
- In the leather, woodworking, agricultural, furniture, chemical and even food (E240) industries.
Based on these data alone, we can conclude that the harm to human health when using formaldehyde resins is minimal. So why is there controversy about the environmentally hazardous use of OSB building materials?
Dimensions and thickness of OSB sheet
Masters of the main and additional construction have specific requests for the characteristics of building materials: i.e. thickness, length, width, weight, as well as moisture resistance, strength and a number of other indicators are selected according to their intended purpose.
What is on the market for OSB boards:
- OSB-1 - this marking is placed on the most thin types sheets (up to 9 mm). They are used for temporary construction, the manufacture of packaging boxes, as flooring under laminate flooring in the interior, etc.;
- OSB-2 is designed for internal use. The thickness of such sheets is 9 – 12 mm. The board under this marking is not treated with moisture-resistant mixtures and is recommended only for rooms with a humidity of no more than 60%.
- OSB-3 – these boards are the same in size as the previous type (9 – 12mm), but the moisture resistance is much higher. Such characteristics allow this particular type to be effectively used for external construction and finishing works (roofing, attic floors, external/internal walls and floor of the house, etc.);
- OSB-4 is the most strengthened and moisture-inert type of material. The thickness can be different (9, 12 more than a millimeter). The main supporting structures of the house are built from these slabs.
Regardless of the marking of the type and size of the sheet (8, 9, 12, 15 mm), the dimensions of the length and width of the surface are always the same: 1250 X 2500 mm.
Where and how to properly use OSB boards (OSB)
Certificates and norms
Production building slabs OSB has been put into production and global manufacturers guarantee the eco-safety of this material. What is the guarantee? Numerous sanitary and epidemiological tests, based on the results of which certificates of product quality are issued and its production is permitted.
According to the European standard DIN EN120, the amount of formaldehyde and other toxic substances should not exceed 30 mg per 100 grams of dry matter (standard E3). If a product receives the eco-safety category E0, then it is absolutely harmless to human health and environment. Actually, formaldehyde compounds are present in both water and air, but, due to their tiny amount there, no one suffers from poisoning.
Does it make a difference who produces?
The largest European and domestic producers improve their products to meet global eco-safety standards.
Today, brands such as Glunz (Germany), Norbord (Canada), Egger (Austria) produce OSB boards under the E0-E1 classification. These products are approved for renovation even in children's rooms, bedrooms, hospitals, etc. You can easily build an entire house from OSB boards from the above mentioned manufacturers.
Marking E2-E3 (leaders Kronospan (Germany), Kronopol (Poland) indicates that such OSB plywood boards should be used only for external repairs in non-residential premises, in attics, etc.
Impact on the body
Repeated chemical and bacteriological studies of the effect of formaldehyde resins from OSB boards on human physiology have shown disappointing results:
- The damage is especially severe for nervous system(depressive states, high degree irritation, headaches, cramps, etc.);
- All symptoms of poisoning are observed in the food system (nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite). When up to 90 ml of solution enters the body, death occurs;
- You can lose your vision 100% if you are in a room with a high content of formaldehyde;
- Inhaling formaldehyde resins is extremely dangerous for the respiratory system (even to the point of stopping breathing);
- Strong influence on reproductive functions, human gene pool, etc.
All these symptoms are observed at significant (above normal) concentrations of formaldehyde. And if the dose is up to 0.05 ml/l (or 0.5 mg/m3), then there is no danger to the human body.
How to check quality
Buyers often do not know the basic rules for testing building materials for eco-safety.
- Poisonous formaldehyde resins have a strong, specific odor. When purchasing, you just need to smell the material and if a sharp, nasty smell hits your nose, choose another product.
- No one is any longer perplexed when a buyer demands copies of quality certificates from sellers. These copies must be certified with the blue wet seal of the manufacturer.
- Product labeling with a clear indication of the tolerance category is also on the packaging. This is a European standard of service.
How to protect yourself from toxic fumes
In order to efficiently and reliably protect your home and the health of everyone living in it from toxic fumes of formaldehyde, you should:
- Carefully and thoughtfully approach the choice of building materials (for OSB boards, be sure to take into account the properties of each type);
- Require all permits and certificates for purchase from the seller;
- A primer for OSB boards is considered a way to protect against harmful fumes, as well as to preserve wood from fungi, mold, and moisture.
Construction frame house. Rules for installing OSB boards
OSB is a compressed three-layer material made from elongated wood chips coniferous species 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 top layer– 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 during production 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. So the content harmful substances in the slab 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 board has a high density, it can be processed different ways(sawing, drilling, milling) and not be afraid that it will be damaged;
- the use of QSB plates allows for many types of structural connections;
- the boards are suitable for use in humid environment second class.
QSB slabs are used as load-bearing structural elements interior, as well as 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, the market in this moment There are many product options 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;
- Flooring can be done on wooden joists 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 required amount slabs, it is necessary to determine which arrangement will produce the least amount of waste.
If necessary, cut the slab circular saw won't be 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 boards are an excellent base for finishing coatings (tiles, parquet board, laminate, linoleum) when replacing the floor in rooms with concrete pavement.
Height differences and various defects are not uncommon in 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. Usually the slabs are laid on wooden blocks and using concrete screed smooth the surface.
If you want to ensure maximum resistance to deformation and rigidity, use two layers of slabs.
Lay them offset, fasten the edges to each other 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 covering material, but also for base preparation work different types 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, 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 to search optimal option it will take some time.
OSB board what is it? It is quite familiar only to half of the people, only to the male side. It has been on the construction market for more than thirty years and is used for repairs by specialists. It is a product of wood processing. OSB boards are moisture-resistant for exterior coverings of the house, environmentally friendly pure product, keeps warm. In terms of strength, it often exceeds metal materials, are light in weight.
They first began to become interested in osb back in the 80s, when they tried to find a replacement for sheared wood sheets. For a long time invented production technology so that the result corresponds to high quality and characteristics. This is how a new one appeared construction material OSB board is the result of working on pressed wood chips treated with a special adhesive solution. The production process takes place at high blood pressure, as well as high temperatures.
The difference between smallpox and other materials lies in the variety of applications. As for moisture resistance, reviews of pox are good. Naturally, it cannot withstand round-the-clock rain, but it can withstand dampness without any problems. But according to the experience of specialists, it can be said that it lasts for more than one year without coming apart.
Due to the quality and correct parameters, they are used in many branches of construction. The plate exists as independent material or as an auxiliary. Suitable for work with putty and painting. Excellent for cladding a house. In this version, the OSB 3 plate specifications meet the requirements for use under laminate, tile, and parquet. Osp plate has different sizes. For example OSB sheathing(abbreviation of the full name) a balcony is presented.
For a practical result, you need to follow all the subtleties of this matter:
- If a laminate is to be installed on top of the slab, it is necessary to ensure that the surface there is even, so that the result is seamless.
- Use minimum thickness sheets are needed if linoleum or carpet will be laid. Treat all gaps with penoizol.
- For additional protection, the surface is varnished if used as an independent material.
- If you need to lay sheets under ceramic tiles, the base should not be movable to avoid peeling.
Tip: for external walls It is necessary to level the surface with putty.
One of the advantages of this material is its ease of use. Easy to attach to the frame using self-tapping screws. For covering concrete or plasterboard walls use type vertical beams. You can work with different areas. If necessary, the sheets are cut. To insulate the floor, you must complete the following points:
- The side that will be closer to the ground must be cleaned with paper mastic.
- Insulation is attached between the joists, which is covered with a layer of waterproofing coating.
- An OSB board is mounted on top.
The slabs have a wide range of purposes. They can be used:
- For ceilings, floors, walls
- External and internal walls of the room
- Apartment window coverings
- Roof coverings
- For balconies, bedrooms, loggias, bathrooms
Apply OSB still and in other cases:
- For the construction of racks and stands
- During construction processes
- To create stairs
- For the construction of shipping boxes
- For furniture construction (creating a frame)
- Internal window sills
- During the construction of garden furniture
- To level the surface
An example of fastening a plate (photo No. 1). How the building looks visually after cladding (photo No. 2).
OSB boards characteristics and application (video)
Types of OSB
To date construction industries They produce four types of oriented strand boards, which differ:
- OSB 1 – has low density, strength, and moisture resistance. Used in the manufacture of furniture frames.
- OSB 2 - has better qualities than the first option. Good strength, if not high humidity. Used for partitions.
- OSB 3 – has almost highest level density, resistant to wet environments. This type is used for interior and exterior work. Requires additional impregnation.
- OSB 4 – is the owner best qualities- strength and water resistance. Used to strengthen roofs.
Properties and technical specifications
They produce slabs from coniferous and deciduous trees. The chips are arranged in such a way that they provide high strength and protection. Compared to chipboard (plywood), OSB has a cheaper cost per square meter. Manufactured using the hot pressing method. There are few harmful qualities. The raw materials are wood shavings and special glue, which is capable of preventing the growth of fungus. Has the following characteristics:
- Little weight
- You can buy it at a budget price
- Is resistant to moisture
- Eco-friendly material
- Cool quality indicators
- Manufactured according to GOST standards 32567
- Can be primed, plastered, decorated, puttied
- Used as decorative material
- You can do the repairs yourself at home
- Long service life
- You can paste wallpaper on top
- Open up the base with stain
- Used in the interior
Some are inclined to believe that smallpox slabs are for interior decoration are harmful. In fact, formaldehyde and phenol fumes bring danger and harm. They are used as a connecting device. On to the pros polymer materials They are considered inexpensive, but their toxicity is considered a disadvantage. Has flammability properties. When burned, it releases toxicity. Therefore, to some extent, the smallpox stove is harmful to health. Disadvantages include bad smell. They are best used for external installation, cladding.
Another feature is that before purchasing you need to pay attention to the packaging, description and instructions for gluing, storage conditions, color of the board. After purchasing, it is advisable to give the material time to weather so that it becomes safe. Osp panels are not afraid of the sun, so they need to be installed in any weather. This is the main difference from other finishing materials. Before purchasing, you need to roughly calculate how many sheets you need to take. In order to properly paint smallpox outside, you need to purchase paint for external robots. This paint covers the texture.
Which paint is better? Builders are faced with this question. You can paint with any material, but you must not forget about its features. Since the slabs are glued together with resins, it is better to use solvent-soluble substances. Great option there is an opening with oil paints. They have a high viscosity and are slightly absorbed into the slab. The downside is that the paint takes a long time to dry. But the result is worth the time spent. If long-term operation is required, then aclide paints will help with this. It is not necessary to varnish over dried paint. It is not recommended to work with acrylic composition; it promotes swelling of the slab.
Strength index
Dimensions
OSB, YUSB, OSB - this is all approximate particle board. OSB 3 is most often purchased. According to OSD standards, boards are produced in the following sizes:
- 11Х1250Х2500 (medium)
- 12Х1250Х2500 (12 mm thickness)
- 6Х1250Х2500 (thin sheet)
- 8Х1250Х2500 (thin sheet)
- 9Х1250Х2500 (thin sheet)
- 9Х2440Х1220 (thin sheet)
1220 * 2440 mm is the standard size of the American manufacturer.
1200*2440 mm is considered a non-standard size.
1200*2700 mm – produced by Belgian manufacturers.
1250*2500 mm is the standard by European standards.
There are also slabs with a thickness of 15 - 25 mm. This species is thick. Small parameters are more convenient as a sheathing material. These sizes can be purchased from any manufacturer, for example Vibex.
Photo gallery of finished works
What are OSB sheets and what are they made from? OSB or OSB sheet is an oriented particle board, which is a wood chip material glued together with a special polymer. Many people mistakenly assume that chipboard and OSB are about the same thing. However, OSB sheets are made only from high-quality chips, which are laid in a special way perpendicular to each other. The sheet itself is formed using synthetic resins, under high temperature and pressure. Thanks to its reliable structure, the material is very durable.
Characteristics of OSB board
General technical characteristics of chip sheets are as follows:
— The density of the slabs can vary from 640 to 700 kg/m3;
- the material has an increased fire hazard - G4, it is usually treated with fire retardant solutions;
— the sheets have good adhesion and paintability; they are often coated with various varnishes;
— the manufacturability of the material is practical, it can be sawed, drilled, nailed, sanded and cut; fairly simple installation;
- mechanical holding capacity does not have an exact number, but is considered high;
- swelling coefficient - 10-22%.
Where are OSB sheets used?
OSB sheets are widely used in the following areas:
— as a material for racks and stands;
- wooden staircase cladding;
— cladding of frame house walls;
— in the form of SIP panels;
- as a base for roofing tiles;
— in panel formwork structures;
- for filing ceilings;
- as a basis for installing floors.
Construction of a house from OSB sheets frame technology.
OSB sheets are widely used in the construction of houses using frame technology. You can find out about one of them in the article:.
Classes of OSB boards
There are several classifications of OSB sheets. Let us first consider the class, designated by numbering from one to four. So let’s figure out what the numbers after the name of the material mean.
1. OSB-1 is the material with the lowest strength and lowest resistance to water. It is used in rooms and structures without heavy loads (in the form of cladding and furniture elements).
2. OSB-2 is used for the construction of load-bearing structures for dry rooms, respectively, the strength level is average, moisture resistance is low.
3. OSB-3 is a material that has higher strength and can be used in conditions of high humidity.
4. OSB-4 is a durable sheet that is designed for maximum moisture levels in combination with mechanical stress.
OSB-3 boards are most widely used due to their strength characteristics. If such sheets are primed or painted, their moisture resistance characteristics are comparable to OSB-4 boards. OSB-4 boards are not widely used due to their high cost, it is approximately two times higher than that of OSB-3 boards.
Health hazards of OSB boards
Each slab of shavings contains another not very useful, or rather completely harmful, component. It is the glue that connects the entire OSB structure into a single whole - formaldehyde. However, when bound, it is absolutely safe, but there is one point that destroys this myth. During the manufacture of the board, it contracts, so the structure of the glue collapses and when the sheet is used, a certain level of toxins is released into the room. The toxicity class is designated as follows:
— E0.5 – formaldehyde emission of no more than 0.08 mg/m³ of air;
— E1 – formaldehyde emission from 0.08 to 0.124 mg/m³ air;
— E2 – formaldehyde emission from 0.124 to 1.25 mg/m³ of air.
For OSB installation For indoor slabs, it is better to use slabs with toxicity classes E0.5 and E1. Such slabs are as harmless to health as other building materials.
Dimensions and thickness of OSB sheets
The possible dimensions of the OSB board directly depend on the edges of the building material itself. They can be (possible sizes are listed below):
A. With smooth edges. In this case, the sheet sizes are:
— 2440x1220 mm;
— 2500x1250 mm;
— 2800x1250 mm;
- 3125x2000 mm.
B. With tongue and groove edge. This class includes sizes in:
— 2440x1220 mm;
— 2440x590 mm;
— 2450x590 mm;
— 2500x1250 mm.
The thickness of each OSB sheet can range from six to twenty-two millimeters. Here are a number of typical thicknesses: 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, 22 mm
The edges of the OSB sheets may have special grooves for better connection with each other. Prices for OSB sheets.
Almost all residents of large and small cities are well aware that nowadays it is relatively easy to buy a fake certificate proving the clean environmental friendliness and safety of products. Therefore, in order not to get into trouble, it is better to trust only the most famous and popular OSB manufacturers. These include:
— Kronospan-Bolderaj, OSB-3, for example, a slab measuring 2500*1250 mm and 9 mm thick will cost about 650 rubles;
- Glunz and Egger - German slabs of the same size and thickness are slightly more expensive - for 850 rubles;
— Kalevala OSB-3 is a Russian board, which can be purchased for 550 rubles.
OSB board is a relatively new building material that is widely used in construction. But what is it, what properties does it have, and for what purpose is it used? I will try to answer all these questions.
The abbreviation OSB stands for “oriented strand board”, which means “oriented strand board”
What is OSB
General information
The material is mistakenly also called “usb”, “usb” and even “usby” plates. For some reason, roofers especially like to say this. The decoding of the abbreviation USB sounds like this - universalstrandboard, i.e. universal chipboard.
So, OSB is sheets formed by compressed wood shavings and large chips. The length of the chips can reach 15 cm, and their number in the slab reaches 90 percent. Most often, manufacturers of this material use a mixture of hardwood and softwood chips.
For gluing wood chips, synthetic resins, paraffin and other adhesives are used. In addition, moisture-repellent substances are added to the composition.
The main feature of these plates is that they consist of several layers. Moreover, the fibers of each layer are located perpendicular to each other. This provides them with high strength and resistance to deformation.
Production
The manufacturing process of OSB boards includes several stages:
- Preparing the tree. The tree is softened by moistening and heat treatment, after which the bark and natural damage are removed;
- Wood splitting. Using special equipment, the prepared wood is split into chips of the required sizes;
- Drying. The resulting chips are dried in drying chambers;
- Processing of raw materials. The prepared shavings are mixed with adhesive composition and water-repellent impregnations;
- Formation of layers. In special conveyor machines, the chips are aligned in the desired direction, resulting in individual layers;
- Layering. Layers with a wound orientation of chips are superimposed on each other. The number of layers may vary, depending on the desired thickness of the slab;
- Pressing. This procedure occurs under the influence high temperature. The output is almost ready material;
- Grinding. The outer surface of the outer layers is sanded, as a result of which the slabs acquire an attractive appearance;
- Cutting. The resulting material is cut into slabs of certain sizes, after which they are sent to the warehouse.
As a result, OSB sheets are much more durable and moisture resistant than other similar materials such as chipboard and MDF.
Main properties and characteristics
Performance
Like any other building material, OSB boards have their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, first of all, let’s get acquainted with their performance qualities.
Advantages:
- High strength. The material is able to withstand large mechanical loads;
- Weather resistant. Thanks to this quality, USB panels can be used for outdoor work. True, this does not apply to all their types;
- Resistance to biological influences. Thanks to special impregnations, the slabs never rot or are affected by fungus or insects;
- Durability. Thanks to the qualities described above, the sheets can last for various designs for more than a dozen years even when used externally;
- Preservation of shape. As a result of the multidirectionality of the chips, the slabs are not deformed. In this regard, the material is superior even to plywood;
- Heat and sound insulation qualities. OSB board has almost the same properties as solid wood;
- Ease of machining. The slabs do not crumble and are also not prone to chipping in the sawing areas;
- Attractive view. Thanks to large chips, the boards look much more attractive than chipboard and MDF. Therefore they are often used as finishing material, maintaining natural texture and color.
Flaws:
- Toxicity. The slabs contain harmful phenols, however, this only applies to brands intended for outdoor use. Some manufacturers have completely eliminated the use of formaldehyde in the manufacture of this material;
- Eco-friendly brands are not resistant to moisture. Plates that can be used for interior works, not resistant to moisture.
Characteristics
The slabs in question have the following technical characteristics:
| Characteristics | Options |
| Modulus of elasticity at transverse bending, N/mm² | 1200-1800 |
| Modulus of elasticity at longitudinal bending, N/mm² | 2500-4800 |
| Slab sizes | The width of the slabs usually has standard dimensions - 1220 or 1250 mm. Length may vary:
The thickness also varies between 6-22 mm. |
| Weight of 1m 2 slabs, kg | Depending on the thickness of the sheet, it ranges from 12.9 to 42.9. |
| Moisture resistance | Swelling, depending on the type of sheets, is in the range of 12-25% |
| Density, kg/m 3 | 640 to 700 |
OSB has a fairly high coefficient of thermal expansion - the board standard sizes can expand by 3 mm. Therefore, instructions for installing this material on building facades or, for example, on floors require creating gaps between sheets of several millimeters.
Types of OSB and their features
Characteristics and performance OSB boards largely depend on the strength class. There are four classes in total:
- OSB-1. The material is intended for use exclusively in dry rooms. It is the most environmentally friendly, but at the same time has the least strength and resistance to moisture.
Plates of this class are widely used in industry;
- OSB-2. This class of plates is also intended for internal use. The difference from the first class is increased strength, but moisture resistance remains at a low level.
Such slabs can be used for internal partitions, arrangement of subfloors, etc.;
- OSB-3. They have much greater density and moisture resistance. As a result, they can be used for both interior and exterior work, subject to short-term contact with water;
