It pays to know your OSB gradestalnp

TO BE sure you are supplying the proper panel for the I job, ensure you refer to the gradestamp on the panel. The stamp contains important information including specifications and code requirements that will assist you in selecting the right panel.

Certification Agency

The top of the stamp will bear the name of the agency certifying panels to performance standards recognized by all major North American building codes-the National Building Code (BOCA), the One and Two Family Dwelling Code (CABO), the Standard Building Code (SBCCI), the Uniform Building Code (ICBO), the International Building Code (ICC), and the National Buildign Code of Canada (NRCC).

These codes recognize oriented strand board for various applications, Including single layer floors, roof sheathing, siding, soffits, subfloors, underlayment and wall sheathing. Panels are certified by three nationally accredited agencies: TECO, APA and PSI.

Standards

Below the name of the certification agency will be the name of the standard, for example PS 2. OSB panels are manufactured to meet performance criteria set by the U.S. Department of Commerce's PS 2 Performance Standard for Wood-Based Structural Use Panels.

In Canada, panels must comply with the Canadian Standards Association's CSA 0325 Construction Sheathing or CSA 0437 OSB and Waferboard. All three standards set maximum values for deflection under load, dimensional stability, and minimum values for strength, stiffness and lateral nail loads.

Structural Grades and Dimensions

One of three grades-Sheathing, Structural I Sheathing, and Single Floor-will be stamped. Sheathing is for use in construction applications, such as covering material for

One glance at the certification

stamp will confirm key requirements for dealers, specifiers and builders.

PS 2-92 PRP-133

EXPOSURE 1 FLCDO]| ISPAN' tl4 24 IHCHES 0.C. UNDERLAYMENT STZED F('ll SPACING roofs, subfloors and walls. Structural I Sheathing is a sheathing panel that meets additional requirements for cross-panel strength and stiffness. Single Floor is for use as a combination subfloor and underlayment.

Next to the grade will be numbers for panel thickness and span rating, indicating allowance for roof and floor spacing respectively.

Bond Durability Classifi cation

One of two exposure categories-Exterior or Exposure l-determines where panels can be used. Exterior panels, fully waterproof, are designed for permanent exposure to the weather. Most OSB panels are classified as Exposure 1, suitable for panels that are not permanently exposed to the weather yet must resist effects of high humidity and moisture during construction delays.

To order OSB panels, the dealer, specifier or builder should designate thickness, trademark grade, span rating, bond durability classification, dimensions, "square edge" or "tongue-and-groove" as desired for thicker panels and number of pieces. One glance at the certification stamp will confirm key requirements.

Rank Company

(including number of OSB plants)

Louisiana-Pacif ic

Portland, Or.

lSplanls: Hanceville,Al.; DawsonCreek,B.C.; Montrose,Co.; Athens,Ga.; Houlton,Me.; Sagola, Newberry, Mi.; Two Harbors, Mn.; Hayward, Tomahwk, Wi.; Swan Valley, Manitoba; Roxboro, N.C.; Jasper, Silsbee, Carthage, Tx.; Bois-Franc, Sl.-Michel Des Saints, Chambord, Quebec.

'2000 figures, unlike 2001, do not include specialty planls.

Weyerhaeuser Co.

Federal Way, Wa.

10 olants: Drayton Valley, Edson, Slave Lake, Alberta; Grayling, Mi.; Elkin, N.C.; Sutton, W.V.; Wawa, Ontario; Miramichi, New Brunswick; Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, Arcadia, La.

Georgia-Pacific Corp.

Atlanta, Ga.

7 plants: Brookneal, Skippers, Va.; Dudley, N.C.; Grenada, Ms.; Mount Hope, W.V.; Woodland, Me; Fordyce, Ar.

Norbord Industries

Toronto, Ontario

9 plants: La Sane, Val-d'Or, Quebec; Bemidji, Mn.; Guntown, Ms.;Joanna, S.C.; Huguley, AI.; Nacogdoches, Jefferson, Tx.; Cordele, Ga.

Huber Engineered Woods

Charlotte, N.C.

4 plants; Commerce, Ga.; Eastdn, Me.; Crystal Hill, Va.; Spring City, Tn.

Grant Forest Products

Englehart, Ontario

3 olants: Englehart, Timmins, High Level, Ontario.

Potlatch Corp.

Spokane, Wa.

3 plants: Bemidji, Cook, Grand Rapids, Mn.

Ainsworth

Lumber Co., Ltd.

100 Mile House, B.C.

3 olants: 100 Mile House; Grand Prairie, High Level (50o/o partnership w/ Grant Forest Products), Alberta.

Tolko Industries

High Prairie, Atberta

1 plant High Prairie.

Slocan Group

Richmond, British Columbia

'I olant: Fort Nelson, B.C. Boise Boise, ld.