All about OSB-4

The construction of modern structures requires a competent approach to the choice of building material. It must be durable, withstand various loads, be of natural origin and not too heavy. At the same time, it is desirable that the cost is not very high. These characteristics are fully consistent with OSB-4 slabs.

The main feature of the material is its strength, which is achieved thanks to its special structure. The production of the product is based on waste from the woodworking industry. The main raw material is pine or aspen chips. The board consists of several layers formed from large-sized chips, the length of which can reach 15 cm. The number of layers is 3 or 4, sometimes more. The sliver is pressed and glued with resins to which synthetic wax and boric acid are added.

The peculiarity of the material is the different orientation of the chips in its layers. The outer layers are characterized by the longitudinal orientation of the chips, the inner ones - the transverse one. Therefore, the material is called oriented strand board. Thanks to the use of modern technologies, the slab is homogeneous in composition in any direction.

According to some characteristics, the board is similar to wood, OSB is not inferior to it in lightness, strength, ease of processing. The processing is of high quality, since there are no knots and other defects inherent in wood in the material. At the same time, the product is fireproof, it is not subject to decay processes, mold does not start in it, and insects are not afraid of it.

There is no single standard for the size of the slabs. The parameters may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The most common size is 2500x1250 mm, which is called the European standard size. The thickness ranges from 6 to 40 mm.

There are 4 classes of slabs. The classification takes into account strength and moisture resistance.

A significant disadvantage of OSB materials is the use of phenol-containing resins in their production. The release of its compounds into the environment has a harmful effect on human and animal health. Therefore, in the manufacture of furniture and decoration of premises, it is necessary to use an OSB intended for these works. In addition, when using the product for interior work, it is recommended to insulate with finishing materials and coatings, and arrange ventilation in the premises.

Modern manufacturers are switching to the use of formaldehyde-free polymer resins.

The material is widely used, from the manufacture of containers and furniture to construction work of varying complexity. It is suitable for interior and exterior wall cladding, creation of interior partitions, installation of flooring and leveling floors, it is used to make a base for roofing materials. OSB combines well with both metal and wooden structural elements.

The increased density and strength, as well as additional processing allow the construction of load-bearing elements, walls and roofs from OSB. Due to its high mechanical characteristics, frame houses and outbuildings can be constructed from the material.Due to the excellent level of moisture resistance, builders recommend OSB-4 for structures with small roof overhangs, in conditions of systematic wetting of the facade and the absence of a drainage system.

In order for the constructed OSB-board structure to serve for a long time, it is important to avoid some mistakes during installation. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to heed the advice of professionals.

• Slabs can be mounted horizontally or vertically, depending on their size and type of structure. However, with any method, it is necessary to make gaps of 3-4 mm.

• Another important condition is to shift the joints of the sheets in each next row.

• When doing external installation of plates, it is better to give preference to nails for fixing them, since self-tapping screws often break due to the severity of the material. The length of the nails should be at least 2.5 times the thickness of the slab.