I used some osb for the first time as a rough floor for storage in my attic. It worked out fine and seems to be flatter than plywood so it was easier to nail down.
My question is – I noticed that one side of the osb has a finish or coating on it. It is much smoother than the rough side almost like it was sealed. What is that and how does it affect installation?
The rough side has the index marks (painted lines) on it and when I have seen osb used for sheathing I noticed the lines are facing out. Is that coating some sort of vapor barrier? Should it always face the warm side of the structure?
Thanks for the help.
Replies
There are no dumb questions - Just stuff ya haven't learned yet.
One side of the OSB is roughed up to provide a better walking surface when you walk on it in a roofing application.
The lines are supposed to line up with framing members to assist in nailing.
I don't really know that OSB has much of a coating on it. They may put something on it to help turn water when it's in storage or sitting uncovered on a jobsite. But it's definitely not a vapor barrier.
Here's the dumbest question anyone ever asked me about OSB:
"Oriental Strand Board"???
Is that like plyboo?? Could be an apt description.
I think you meant "oriented", right? That means there is a method to the grain. I've used it on roofs time and time again and it works well. I've also used it on walls and while I like to put the rough side up, most of the time we cover the walls with Tyvek so its not so important on a wall. At least to me. I guess thats the "rough" side of my rough framing coming thru LOL.Jeff
rough framing is just an expression
opps. I misread boss hogs post and I look like an #### now LOLJeff
rough framing is just an expression
>>I misread boss hogs post and I look like an ....Gosh, that's never happened here before. I think we need to call an extraordinary meeting of the BT Guys Who Never Make a Mistake committee!
"Law reflects but in no sense determines the moral worth of a society. The values of a reasonably just society will reflect themselves in a reasonably just law. The better the society, the less law there will be. In Heaven, there will be no law, and the lion shall lie down with the lamb. The values of an unjust society will reflect themselves in an unjust law. The worse the society, the more law there will be, In Hell, there will be nothing but law, and due process will be meticulously observed." Grant Gilmore "Ages of American Law"
:) At least this time my mistake didn't cost anyone any money! LOLJeff
rough framing is just an expression
>>Here's the dumbest question anyone ever asked me about OSB:
>>Why do they call it "Oriental Strand Board"???
Because it's made in China?
:-)
heh heh
Almost.
Actually, the stuff is a pretty good vapor barrier. I don't use it for that reason.
In this neck of the woods, OSB is reffered to as Old Son of B#tch
That's not a dumb question.... Here's dumb: I've been working with the stuff for years and don't really know why one side has that slick surface!!! :-) Boss Hog covered the rest of the stuff.