What is the compressive strength of OSB?
Table 1.
| Property | Plywood | OSB |
|---|---|---|
| Modulus of rupture | Plywood 3,000-7,000 psi | OSB 3,000-4,000 psi |
| Tensile strength | Plywood 1,500-4,000 psi | OSB 1,000-1,500 psi |
| Compression strength | Plywood 3,000-5,000 psi | OSB 1,500-2,500 psi |
| Shear strength | Plywood 600-1,000 psi | OSB 1,000-1,500 psi |
What is the strength axis of OSB?
The strength axis is usually the long direction of the panel but the grade stamp will indicate it. Be very careful on hip roofs along the hip to make sure the strength axis does not mistakenly get parallel to the supports as that may result in the panel exceeding the maximum span allowed for that thickness.
Which way is OSB stronger?
The smooth side has a better moisture resistance and will ultimately provide better performance against weather. Facing the board smooth side out will maximize its ability to keep moisture out of the structure.
Is OSB more water resistant than plywood?
OSB takes longer to get wet than plywood but also takes longer to dry out. When used as a roof sheathing, this tendency to hold moisture means it can degrade faster than plywood when exposed to chronic leaks.
Is OSB load bearing?
Due to its inherent strength (see below), OSB is particularly suitable for load-bearing applications in construction but it also has a wide range of other applications.
How far can OSB span?
2304.8 Floor and Roof Sheathing
| PANEL GRADE | THICKNESS (inch) | MAXIMUM SPAN (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Structural I sheathing | 15/32 | 24 |
| 1/2 | 24 | |
| 19/32, 5/8 | 24 | |
| 23/32, 3/4 | 24 |
Is OSB stronger vertical or horizontal?
vertical orientation
wall construction, vertical orientation is actually stronger because there are no horizontal joints. Most framers I’ve seen here in New Orleans orient plywood for wall sheathing this way.
Which grain direction is strongest?
direction parallel to grain
Wood is strongest in the direction parallel to grain. Because of this, the strength and stiffness properties of wood structural panels are greater in the direction parallel to the strength axis than perpendicular to it (see Figure 1).
Do you nail or screw OSB board?
A hammer and 8d nails are standard for installing OSB, but you can speed up the installation by using a nail gun. The caveat when using a nail gun is to set the depth of the nail so the head just dimples the surface of the OSB.
How long will OSB last?
Panels protected by shingles or steel roofing, or behind siding or brick veneer will normally last as long as the structure stands. OSB, which is protected from the elements or sealed with paint or stain, can last for decades. Some exterior OSB wall panels are even guaranteed for 50 years.
Is OSB strong enough to walk on?
However, osb feels stiffer when you walk across a floor covered with it because there are no occasional weak panels like plywood. Smaller trees can be used to make osb. Wood fiber is used more efficiently in osb. Osb is stronger than plywood in shear.