OSB3 Board
(6 Products)Purpose-built to withstand high humidity and high levels of stress, Square Edge Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is a multilayer board made up of 'oriented strands'. This unique formation of wood fibres is what lends itself to the boards' excellent load-bearing capacity and attractive wood-patterned finish. The boards' BBA classification permits use in an array of applications such as commercial and domestic roofing and flooring. We stock Square Edge OSB3 in thicknesses: 9mm, 11mm and 18mm.
What Is Square Edge OSB3?
Square Edge OSB3, short for Oriented Strand Board type 3, is an engineered wood product recognised for its remarkable strength and moisture resistance.
Manufactured by compressing multiple layers of wood strands in specific orientations along with adhesives, the boards are then bonded under high heat and pressure. This meticulous process enhances the board's structural integrity, making it highly resilient and capable of supporting heavy loads.
Square Edge OSB3 is specifically designed to perform well in environments exposed to moisture, making it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor construction applications. The 'square edge' designation refers to the board's straight edges, which facilitate a tight, gap-free fit when laid edge-to-edge, a critical feature for creating large, continuous surfaces in flooring, roofing, and wall sheathing.
This general-purpose alternative to softwood and plywood is used extensively in renovation work and new projects and is stronger than chipboard products and non-structural plywood.
Where Is Square Edge OSB3 Board Used?
OSB3 board excels in various applications due to its suitability for humid conditions, making it a prime choice for both structural and non-structural uses in internal and external environments, such as:
- Roof Decking: Provides a stable platform for roofing materials.
- Site Hoarding: Ideal for durable temporary fencing around construction sites.
- Garden Sheds: Perfect for building robust and moisture-resistant outdoor structures.
- Wall Sheathing: Serves as a critical structural component in wall assemblies.
- GRP Roofing Applications: Supports Glass Reinforced Plastic roofing systems as a compatible base.
- Interior Decoration: Used for its aesthetic and structural qualities within interior spaces.
- Flooring & Roofing Applications: Offers foundational support for floor and roof structures.
- Sarking Applications: Employed beneath roofing materials for added insulation and protection.
Square Edge OSB3 Benefits
- Moisture Resistant: Performs well in humid and wet conditions, reducing the risk of swelling or degradation.
- Cost-Effective: Provides a more affordable option compared to plywood without sacrificing performance.
- Versatile: Can be used in a variety of applications, both structural and aesthetic.
- Strong and Durable: Designed to bear heavy loads, making it ideal for demanding construction needs.
Frequently Asked Squared Edge OSB3 Questions
Is Square Edge OSB3 Waterproof?
Square Edge OSB3 is moisture-resistant rather than waterproof. It is engineered to withstand certain levels of moisture exposure but should not be subjected to prolonged dampness unless it is specially treated.
Can Square Edge OSB3 Board Be Used For Load-Bearing Walls?
Absolutely, OSB3 is engineered for structural use, including in load-bearing walls, due to its excellent strength and stiffness properties.
How Does OSB3 Board Compare To Plywood In Terms Of Strength?
OSB3 often matches or exceeds the strength parameters of plywood, particularly in shear strength, which is critical for structural applications such as flooring and roofing.
How Should OSB3 Be Stored Before Use?
To maintain its integrity, OSB3 should be stored flat, off the ground, and in a dry location to prevent moisture ingress and potential warping before installation.
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