OSB Warning
To the Editor:
Larry Schmuckler's article, "OSB:
Job-Site Report" (JLC, 4/90), describes
his use of oriented-strand board (OSB).
In it, he acknowledges that the exterior
grade OSB he uses for floors and roofs
does not always withstand one soaking.
He then continues to mention that he
had to sand the board in one case, presumably
to get a smooth surface for
installation of the covering materials,
and that other boards delaminated.
OSB should not be used in locations
where repeated wetting is likely, for the
reasons of delamination and swelling, as
Mr. Schmuckler observed. Such installations
include roof decks and floors of
bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms,
etc. In these locations, it is important
to use materials that can