What is the proper way to store OSB on the yard or on a job site?
Answer
Whenever possible, store panels under a roof. Keep sanded panels and appearance-grade products away from high-traffic areas to prevent damage to surfaces. Use pieces of lumber to weigh down the top panel in a stack to reduce warpage from humidity. If moisture absorption is expected, cut steel bands on bundles to prevent edge damage.
If panels must be stored outside, stack them on a level platform supported by at least three 4x4s to keep them off the ground. Place one 4×4 in the center and the other two 4x4s 12 to 16 inches from the ends. Never leave panels or the platform in direct contact with the ground.
Cover the stack loosely with plastic sheets or tarps. Anchor the covering at the top of the stack, but keep it open and away from the sides and bottom to ensure good ventilation. Tight coverings prevent air circulation and when exposed to sunlight, may promote mold or mildew. (Source: APA Builder Tip U450: Storage and Handling of APA Trademarked Panels)
Is there a difference between span ratings for OSB and plywood?
Answer
No, span ratings for similar thicknesses are the same.
What is the flame spread classification for OSB?
What is the difference between Structural 1 and Exposure 1 panels?
Answer
Structural I refers to certain specialized strength and stiffness characteristics of wood structural panels while the term Exposure 1 refers to the glue bond durability of a wood structural panel. Structural I, also referred to as “STRUC I”, may be OSB or plywood and is, essentially, a subcategory of APA Rated Sheathing. Panels designated Structural I must meet all of the manufacturing and performance standards of Rated Sheathing, as well as certain additional requirements.
The advantages of Structural I Rated Sheathing over standard Rated Sheathing panels of the same Performance Category are realized in certain specialized engineered applications such as engineered shear walls and engineered horizontal diaphragms. Specialized construction situations requiring installation of roof sheathing panels with the strength axis parallel to supporting structure also benefit from the use of Structural I sheathing. Structural I is of no additional benefit for other traditional construction applications. Consult a professional engineer for specific applications.
Can you paint OSB?
Answer
OSB can be painted with an oil-based paint. Latex paints are not recommended.
Can OSB be used for outdoor projects?
Answer
OSB is not recommended for outdoor projects. OSB is considered an Exposure 1 panel, which means they may be used for applications where construction delays may be expected prior to providing protection. But OSB is not suitable for long-term exposure to the weather.
What does the stamp on my OSB panel mean?
Answer
On every Georgia-Pacific sheathing panel you should be able to find an APA grade stamp. This stamp is your assurance that the product is manufactured in accordance with the APA’s rigorous program of quality inspection and testing. The grade stamp on a panel also tells you a lot about the panel – the span rating, exposure rating, panel thickness and the building code approval the panel meets.
What does the "span rating" of an OSB panel mean?
Answer
Within the grade stamp on a panel you will find the span rating. When there are two numbers separated by a slash (i.e. 48/24), the first number is the maximum recommended center-to-center spacing for supports in inches when the panel is used for roof sheathing with the long dimension across supports. The second number is the maximum center-to-center spacing of supports in inches when the panel is used for sub-flooring with the long dimension across supports.
How many sheets are in a unit of OSB?
Answer
The number of panels in a unit of OSB varies depending on the type and thickness of product. On sheathing products, the piece count is typically stenciled on the side of the unit. Other products have corrugated side protectors that should indicate piece count. If you need a piece count and neither of those are visible, please contact GP at 800-284-5347.
Does GP's wood come from sustainably managed forests?
Answer
Plywood panels from Georgia-Pacific are made from wood sourced through a system that is third-party certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® procurement standard.
Do your panels meet formaldehyde emissions standards?
Answer
Yes, Georgia-Pacific plywood and OSB panels only use moisture resistant adhesives that contain no added urea formaldehyde resins, and are therefore exempt from U.S. EPA and California formaldehyde regulations due to their very low emission rates.
When used in the manufacture of crates and pallets, are Georgia-Pacific plywood and OSB safe for international shipping?
Answer
To prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests, ISPM 15: International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures, requires that internationally shipped solid wood pallets be debarked, treated with heat or fumigated with methyl bromide, and marked with a seal of compliance. Pallets made with engineered wood are exempt from ISPM 15 regulations. This is because the process of manufacturing engineered wood destroys any live organisms in the wood. (Source: “Boxes, Crate and Reel Manufacturing,” www.PerformancePanels.com)
