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Using OSB Safely When installing in vertical applications such as wall sheathing, you’ll want to orient the smooth or stamped side facing out. The smooth side has a better moisture resistance and will ultimately provide better performance against weather.
Which side of OSB board goes up?
OSB roof panels should always be installed with the grade stamp facing into the attic and the screened surface (with the nail guide lines) facing up. When the grade stamp is covered by roofing, the building inspector will not be able to confirm that the correct OSB roofing panel was used.
Which side of sheathing goes out?
When installing in vertical applications such as wall sheathing, you’ll want to orient the smooth or stamped side facing out. The smooth side has a better moisture resistance and will ultimately provide better performance against weather.
Should wall sheathing be installed vertically or horizontally?
On roofs and floors, sheathing is installed perpendicular to supports because this is the orientation that results in the strongest roof or floor. Wind loads perpendicular to a wall are similar to floor and roof loads, and installing sheathing horizontally makes walls better at resisting wind pressure.
Do you stagger wall sheathing?
As Thor states in his book, if your designer requires staggering, then “stagger away”. In most cases by fully sheathing the wall, we already have a wall that is far stronger than it needs to be. So be careful about using the argument that because it is stronger that is the way it should be done.
What side of OSB Do you paint?
The nail lines on the screened side are paint but the grade stamp on the smoother side is ink and may be more difficult to cover. Ask your paint dealer to suggest a sealer as a prime coat. In that application it would be a good idea to paint both sides and all edges before installing the panels.
Which direction is OSB stronger?
OSB panels are stronger in one direction than another. In the outer face layers the fibres run in the long direction of the panel. In the core the fibres run in the short direction of the panel.
What side goes down on plywood?
Install plywood underlayment smooth side up. To avoid damage to the surface, install underlayment immediately before laying the finish flooring.
Why is there OSB behind my drywall?
4 Answers. That is probably what’s called a shear wall. It’s laterally structural to support the building’s side-to-side forces. Penetrations in your shear wall must adhere to different restrictions than other walls and you may need to consult an engineer to verify.
Can you use screws on OSB?
You only need a #8 wood screw that is 1 1/2 inches long for 5/8 inch OSB or at most 2 inches long for 3/4 inch plywood. Also, deck screws have a coating that helps protect the screw from exterior exposure, which is not needed indoors. Deck screws will also cost more than the screws needed for your subflooring.
What do the lines on OSB mean?
OSB has its advantages. Some panels have a textured surface, which makes them less slippery when used for roof sheathing. OSB panels often have lines at 16- and 24-in. intervals so you know where underlying studs, rafters and joists are for nailing.
Should OSB sheathing be installed vertically or horizontally?
If the height of a wall is less than 8-feet, install the plywood (or OSB) vertically. If the height of a wall is greater then 8-feet, install the plywood (or OSB) horizontally.
Is OSB stronger vertical or horizontal?
wall construction, vertical orientation is actually stronger because there are no horizontal joints. Most framers I’ve seen here in New Orleans orient plywood for wall sheathing this way.
Does sheathing have to end on a stud?
Placing structural exterior wall sheathing Measure the sheathing so that the side edges land in the center of a wall stud. Correct placement of the sheathing is when the edge of the sheet lines up perfectly with the outer wall, and the other end of the sheet is on the center of a stud.
Should wall sheathing overlap foundation?
In the same way that siding should overlap the foundation, so should sheathing. The sheathing is the material that goes directly onto the framing. The logic is that by overlapping the sheathing over the foundation by 1/2-inch, your 2-inch siding overlap is still significantly past the edge of the sheathing.
Can I use OSB for interior garage walls?
OSB is a effective sheathing material for garage walls. It’s strong and durable, and it can be used as a base for nailing or stapling insulation to garage walls. OSB can be left uncovered for utilitarian bare-wall constructions, but can be primed and painted.
Can you put drywall mud on OSB?
You can apply drywall mud to any rough-grain wood surface. Plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) are good choices, but the mud will also stick to painted wood, as long as the paint is flat and not glossy.
Can you finish OSB?
OSB boards can definitely be directly finished with attractive results – but not all OSB is created equal! Virtually all coating products that can be used on solid wood can also be applied to sanded OSB. They include varnishes, oils, waxes and glazes, as well as water-based and natural paints.
