xt {eneration of OSB

OSB panels. This significant cost savings is passed on through the channel from dealer to builder to homeowner.

OSB is currently manufactured to several thicknesses and performance values that allow specifiers and contractors to achieve what they need for certain applications, as well as allowing wholesale and retail lumber dealers to broaden their inventories to solve explicit needs. For instance, upgrading from a nominal 112-inch to a 5/S-inch OSB subfloor panel creates a stiffer floor assembly. In addition to the variety of thicknesses, OSB also offers flexibility in panel size from the standard 4x8-ft. panel, to panels manufactured in sizes up to 12x24 ft., accommodating an even greater variety of uses, including recreational vehicles and other factory-built structural components.

OSB panels are engineered to withstand job site conditions and exposure to the elements. The most reliable brands of OSB, such as Structurwood Edge Gold. achieve a minimum "Exposure l" rating, in which the panels are designed and manufactured to endure limited exposure to rain and moisture before they are eventually covered by flooring, roofing, siding, and finish materials.

Premium panel products often have even higher exposure ratings. The TJPerformance Plus Panel, a component of Trus Joist's Frame-Works Floor System, for example, is specifically designed for performance with proprietary design values. By using this system, a builder can achieve a stiffer, more solid floor without using a thicker panel.

Other grades are designed for industrial uses, such as cabinets, cladded window and door components, shelving, or furniture in which no exposure to the weather or to excessive moisture is expected.

Product Improvements

For the thousands of engineers, architects, contractors, and suppliers who increasingly rely on OSB panels in various construction applications, manufacturers continue to make improvements that address specific conditions.

From floor systems to shear walls, OSB panels are the structural panel of choice to achieve what architects and builders tout as a "systems" approach to residential design and construction; that is, a home that provides better comfort. requires less maintenance. and provides improved long-term durability by virtue of the way its properly installed parts work together and impact the performance and reliability of other products in the home.

OSB is manufactured to several thicknesses and performance values that allow wholesale and retail dealers to broaden their inventories to solve explicit needs.

This "systems" approach to building has become more popular, especially with regard to structural assemblies, as the issue of moisture control continues to be a hot button among homebuyers. While Exposure 1-rated OSB panels are manuf'actured to resist the effects of lvater and moisture. manufacturers have upgraded the OSB panel's ability to shield itself (and thus thc floor assembly ) from moislure infiltration and potential darnage, specifically damage from srveliing along the edges of the panel. Structurrvoc'ld is also among a fcw brands in which the tongue-andgroove design of the panel's long (8fbot) edge is self:spacing. thus saving time and labor costs r'vhilc ensuring proper installation.

Additional product enhancements that address ease-of-use include prestamped grid lines on the panels in common construction measurements to simplify and hasten measuring and cutting ehores. Other improvements to OSB over the years includc: improved orientation of the layers of thc strands rvhich increases the strength of the panel; edge seal which aids in the prevention of rvater absorption on the job site; and treated panels to protect fronr rvood-destroying insects.

Panels such as Weyerhaeuser's Structurrvood RBS (Radiant Barrier Sheathing) also f'eature a layer of perfirrated foil that reflects tp to 97c/t of the sun's heat and radiant energy. Used as roof sheathing, this product can reduce heat build-up in attics. translating into energy savings and increased property value for the homeowner.

Indu.stry Challenges

Although OSB has traditionally been an affordable building product, the industry's drive to continually broaden its applications and improve its products has fostered a demand that. at times. puts it at near-cupacitl production causing price fluctuations. Current production is at an estimated 90% capacity the highest percentage since 1998-99-and prices havc risen sharply since 2003.

With demand not expected to slacken any time soon, OSB providers are r,vorking to add capacity. Six ner'v manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Canada are on the boards and expected to go online during the next fbur years, resulting in a net gain ot more than 2.4 billion sq. ft. of North Americrn production capae itl

This new capacity rvill help meet the 9cl growth in housing starts projected during this decade, while stabi- lizing prices and rivailability.

Along the entire building materials supply chain, OSB has becorne the staple of the structural panel market. From its becinnincs in the 1980s to its continued gror.vth in capacity and market share, the OSB industry remains committed to evolving its products to suit a variety of construction and industrial applications.