General

• Why do I have to space my OSB?
• Is formaldehyde off-gassing from OSB a concern?
• I'm putting an addition on my home. Where can I get information pertaining to the structural quality of your OSB products?
• What is the recommended nailing schedule for OSB and Plywood sheathing?
• Can you explain OSB glue bond classifications?

Installation

• Does it matter which side goes out when I install OSB on a wall?

Maintenance

• Will I have a problem if I have OSB that has been exposed to the weather and moisture?

General

Why do I have to space my OSB?

All wood structural panels will expand or contract slightly with changes in moisture content. If expansion is prevented by tightly butted panel joints, buckling can occur.
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Is formaldehyde off-gassing from OSB a concern?

No. Oriented Strand Board has been studied extensively and it has been determined OSB is not a source for significant off-gassing of formaldehyde.
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I'm putting an addition on my home. Where can I get information pertaining to the structural quality of your OSB products?

LP OSB panels are certified by the APA—The Engineered Wood Association—and are manufactured in conformance with APA PRP-108 and U.S. Voluntary Product Standard PS2. Additional information may be found in specific LP product literature and in literature from the APA, whose stamp of quality assurance appears on LP OSB products. You may contact LP at 800-648-6893. The APA publications desk number is 253-565-6600 and their extensive literature is available on line at apawood.org.
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What is the recommended nailing schedule for OSB and Plywood sheathing?

When installing any roof, wall, and sub-floor sheathing, the recommended fastener placement is 6" along all panel edges, placed 3/8” in from the panel edge, and 12" along the intermediate supports. In all applications, panels should be spaced 1/8" apart at ends and edges, unless other spacing is recommended by the manufacturer for a specific application.
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Can you explain OSB glue bond classifications?

Exterior panels have a fully waterproof bond and are designed for applications subject to long-term exposure to weather or moisture, such as exterior siding applications.

Exposure 1 panels have a fully waterproof bond and are designed for applications where construction delays may be expected prior to providing protection. Exposure 1 panels use the same exterior adhesives used in Exterior panels. However, because other compositional factors may affect bond performance, only Exterior panels should be used for permanent exposure to the weather.

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Installation

Does it matter which side goes out when I install OSB on a wall?

It does not make a difference which side goes out when installing OSB as wall sheathing (note that the pre-marked nail lines are on the rough textured side). Structurally, the sheathing will perform the same no matter which side faces out. The panels have no coating on either side, which would affect performance if exposed to weather.
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Maintenance

Will I have a problem if I have OSB that has been exposed to the weather and moisture?

OSB and Plywood structural panels have a glue bond rating of Exposure 1, which means they are designed to withstand exposure to the weather encountered during a reasonable construction period. The board is made with all waterproof adhesives which are unaffected by exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures. Surface flaking or raised edges may occur if the board is exposed to high levels of moisture, but light sanding can remedy this without compromising structural integrity of the panels.
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