Can anyone weigh in on the pros and cons of sheathing that is currently being used in new homes? The three different types I have run into are OSB vs Plywood vs energy brace. Thanks
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MJ--
Primarily responding because I have a hunch that messages with at least one response attract more attention. The more experienced will hopefully soon be along. Can share just one reason why I prefer plywood: OSB swells when it gets wet and stays swollen. Have really abused plywood (e.g. kitchen subfloor exposed for two years with toddlers constantly spilling dogs' water and "washing dishes" and haven't seen the corresponding significant delamination. Please consider the source, for I unfortunately feel compelled to backprime sheathing.
Regards,
Rework
I am certain that someone will be along shortly to disagree with me, but I prefer to use 3/4" T&G plywood subfloors, 1/2" or thicker ply wall sheathing, and 5/8" or 3/4" roof decking.
My reasons for this are the floors "feel" more solid or substantial to me, and I have seen Advantech OSB swell around the edges and have to be sanded down before carpet pad could go in.
Pretty much the same thing apllies to the walls and roof. Plywood seems to lay flatter and the overall appearance of the finished walls and roofs is better.
Just my opion, worth price charged.
Sounds like a better home. Costs more. That's bout the only reason they would chose to go the less substancial route.Half of good living is staying out of bad situations.
One thing to look for in plywood is the species and the # of plies.
Around here Fir is anywhere from a few cents to five bucks more a sheet Than pine, depending on the who knows what.
I have seen 3ply 1/2" sheets that are shiit. 4ply is ok 5 ply is best but harder to find.
3/4 t&g is usually rated for floor use and is supposed to have solid (void free) veneers for the top plys so Aunt Petunia in her high heels doesn't poke holes in your carpet.
5/8 for roof sheathing lays flatter and hold nails better.
Mr T
Do not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!
tim.. i wouldn't dream of using OSB.. but i also wouldn't use anything for sub-floor than Advantech.. that's after 28 years of nothing but 3/4fir ply P7TS/ T&G..
even ply will buckle & swell if it gets wet enogh.. Advantech will not.. it's not your normal OSB
but hey, whadda i no ?Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
"but hey, whadda i no ?":
A lot...hoped someone like you would respond. Now I know what to use for my kitchen floor.
Regards,
Rework
For all of you using AdvanTech.
Huber has a rebate program going now for first time users. If you haven't used their product prior to April 15, 2002 you are eligible for a rebate of $4 per sheet, up to 50 sheets. Purchase cutoff date is September 15, 2002. Your lumber salesperson gets prizes for registering you. See http://www.huberwood.com/rebate/2002builder.htm for more details.
WOW!!!
Just got my plans back from the engineer and ready to go down for permits. This info is timely!!
Question: How do you handle the butt joints on the roof deck 5/8 ply? Do you use H clips or put a nailer under the joints?
Is there any structural value added to screwing rather than nailing the 3/4" T&G Advantech that I will have glued down? If so, what screws would you use?
Also, I anticipate that I want to lap the rim-joist, rather then sheath up to it from the bottom and top and then cut a 'filler'. Would you agree?
Thanks
BruceM
Mike, I agree plywood will buckle and swell if left exposed long enough. Advantech will too. I've seen it, and had to deal with it. I'll stick with plywood.
Our installation procedure is to place a heavy bead of glue on each floor joist, we then use # 10 x 2" or 2 1/2" screws to fasten it down. We used to use galv. deck screws, but have switched to the green screws for P.T. decking. The heads don't pop off of them as often.TCW Specialists in Custom Remodeling.
I agree with Mr. "T" that 3 ply 1/2 inch plywood is no good. If your gonna use 1/2 inch plywood, make sure it has at least 4 plys.
Due to cost considerations (profit margins) most contractors here use only 7/16 OSB for the wall sheathing instead of the 1/2 inch ply. All use 3/4 T&G for flooring. And most roofs are 5/8. Many use 5/8 OSB for the roofing instead of 5/8 plywood. Both are stiff and hold nails well. Yes, OSB will swell quite a bit if wet.
IMHO, 3/4 decking for a roof is not necessary...5/8 is plenty stiff enough. All your'e accomplishing by using 3/4 is adding more weight to your rafters.
AS for OSB vs Plywood, here's something to think about....how susceptable are you or your family members to formaldehyde? OSB contains an awful lot of it; more so than plywood I think. Put a piece of plywood on fire and watch it burn. Then light a piece of OSB and watch it burn. The OSB burns much faster and hotter due to (I suppose) such a large glue content it contains. Just something to consider....OSB is a tinder box! But one thing I think in OSB's favor is the fact that OSB(when delivered to the jobsite) always seems to be less warped than the plywood sheets.
Davo
Edited 8/26/2002 11:17:56 PM ET by Davo