It handles heavy loads exceptionally well, making it ideal for flooring and roofing applications; Plywood subfloors generally offer approximately 10% more rigidity compared to OSB subfloors. Furthermore, plywood generally has better moisture resistance than OSB, maintaining its structural integrity even when damp.
Like CDX plywood, solid wood sheathing planks also provide a very strong fastening surface and hold nails/screws better than OSB. Another benefit of diagonal tongue-and-groove sheathing is that the boards are much easier for smaller construction teams to work with compared to large OSB panels.
Resistance to Moisture: CDX plywood is treated with moisture-resistant glues and can withstand exposure to moderate levels of moisture and humidity. Sanded Surface: CDX plywood often has a smoother and more even surface compared to OSB, which can be beneficial for finishing and painting.
ThermalStar Structural Wall Insulation (SWI) is a 4-in-1 product that provides structural benefits, high R-value, a water-resistant barrier and an air barrier component. Atlas' ThermalStar SWI comes in three sizes, two thicknesses and is more cost-effective than OSB.
Panelvent DWD is a 12mm thick square-edged sheathing board designed to replace OSB and plywood as an external lining board to provide racking and enhanced vapour transfer for timber frames and conventional construction. It offers advanced moisture control and durable building protection.
What is the best sheet material for external use? The best sheet material for external use is plywood. There are four main types of plywood: marine, structural, exterior and interior. Marine plywood is designed mainly for exterior construction, such as boat-building and lake platforms.
Conclusions 1. The service life of OSB is indefinite (expect 50 years or longer) if it is used and protected properly. 2. OSB should not be used where it is permanently exposed to the outdoor environment unless panels are qualified as Exterior (e.g. siding) and recommended coating is periodically renewed.
The lumber market has seen unexpected activity this holiday season, with OSB and 2×6 prices rising due to strong demand, mill closures, and limited supply. Typically a quieter time, this shift highlights the impact of industry dynamics as mills focus on higher-margin products.
CDX Plywood
Plywood gets its strength from multiple layers of wood bonded together. The wood grain alternates from layer to layer, adding significantly to the strength of the plywood sheet. A special grade of plywood called “CDX” is a popular choice for roof sheathing.
“The major disadvantage of OSB is that if it gets exposed to significant amounts of water or moisture, the edges expand by up to 15% ... especially if they are cut edges. This swell will then telegraph onto the shingles or some flooring," according to PATH.
CDX plywood is popular because it deals with moisture pretty well, which is really important in construction. It's built to handle short-term wetness from rain or snow when you're first putting a building up, although it's not very weatherproof.
What is CDX? CDX is veneer plywood, which is manufactured by gluing and pressing together sheets of wood. The letters C and D represent the grades of either side of the plywood, while X stands for exposure.
Disadvantages of OSB
Not moisture proof - OSB should be kept dry and does not perform well with prolonged wetting. It can swell, warp and lose strength if left unprotected. Weaker across the width - OSB has less stiffness across the panel compared to plywood. Additional bracing may be needed for some applications.
Strength. OSB and plywood are very similar in terms of strength, but plywood is stiffer than OSB by a factor of approximately 10%.
Nails and screws are more likely to remain in place more firmly in plywood than in OSB. OSB retains water longer than plywood does, which makes decay more likely in OSB than in plywood. Of course, tree species plays a large role in this determination.
These boards can be painted, but this will cause some issues. First, it will not have a smooth texture, no matter how hard you sand it. You may also need to use more than two coats since the open strands will quickly absorb paint. OSB board also gets damaged easily in places with a lot of moisture.
TheNAHB (National Association of Home Builders) rates slate as by far the longest lasting roof material, with a life expectancy of 150+ years, followed closely by clay and concrete at roughly 100 years.
When building a house, OSB makes for excellent sheathing. Many contractors will use OSB for roofing and subfloors. There are even variants of OSB that come with building wrap already in place, so installation is as easy as taping the seams together. OSB is much more waterproof than plywood and CDX plywood.
Without a doubt, the cheapest corrugated plastic manufactured is the corrugated PVC roofing sheet. Its budget price point has made it a great roof panel for home improvement jobs. The next cheapest is GRP corrugated sheets, which are middle of the road.
Strong Lifespan: The lifespans of engineered woods can often be a key drawback, but OSB panels boast a longer lifespan, offering 30 to 60 years of dependable performance. This further makes them a cost-effective choice, as they will not need to be replaced as often.
Plywood is the more expensive option to build with than OSB. The material tends to be thicker and needs to be made to more exacting standards, which increases costs. A 4x8-foot sheet of construction-grade plywood costs roughly $10 a sheet, while the same size sheet of OSB costs only $6 a sheet.
There are three main methods we recommend for making OSB waterproof: sealants, waterproof paints, and waterproof membranes. Each has its advantages, and the best choice depends on your specific application.
There are no advantages. OSB is highly susceptible to water damage, is not as strong, is heavier, and more slippery than plywood. It is almost the same cost per sheet as the equivalent strength plywood. Plywood, per thickness, is stronger, water resistant, and lighter than OSB.
Contact with strong oxidizers or exposure to temperatures above 400°F (204°C) may combust. Smoke may contain carbon monoxide, aldehydes, and other toxic materials. Airborne wood and resin dust can explode when combined with an ignition source. EYES: Dust may irritate eyes.