SURFACE OPTIONS
ORIENTED STRAND BOARD (0SB)
Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is a structural engineered wood product made with layers of precision-manufactured wood "strands" that are aligned, formed into panels, and pressed with an exterior-grade adhesive resin. The resulting engineered product is a high-quality, cost-effective panel for structural building components that delivers exceptional performance providing uniformity, strength, and versatility. OSB is fully engineered for strength and durability. That means each panel is specifically designed and tested to meet or exceed stringent quality standards. OSB has proven to be an economical and competitive structural panel made from a completely renewable resource -- small-diameter, fast-growing trees. Since its debut in the marketplace in 1978, OSB has been rapidly accepted. In many areas of North America, OSB has virtually replaced other panels in residential construction. Today, all model building codes in the U.S. and Canada recognize OSB panels for the same uses as plywood on a thickness-by-thickness basis. OSB, as a performance-based structural use panel, is recognized by all the major U.S. model code agencies through the adoption of DOC PS2-92: Wood-Based Structural Use Panels. OSB, certified to CSA 0325 and CSA 0437, is accepted in the National Building Code of Canada. OSB certified to EN300 is recognized for structural use in Europe. In Japan, North American OSB is certified to meet the JAS standard for structural panels.
FIBER CEMENT
When you want the look of wood, but not the headaches fiber-cement siding is a great alternative. Fiber-Cement (FC) siding is relatively new in America but has been used for many years in foreign countries. FC gives you the durability and performance of concrete without sacrificing the natural beauty of wood. This unique material provides high structural strength with good impact resistance. It is the lasting exterior made to withstand extreme climate and weather conditions. Fiber-cement is a mixture of cement, sand, cellulose, silica, and additives, which are autoclaved (cured with pressurized steam) and molded into finished siding products. The finished product is dimensionally stable making it very suitable for structural panel. The manufacturers claim fiber-cement won't burn, rot, or cup and is impervious to salt spray, termites, woodpeckers, carpenter bees, and other pests. Fiber-cement siding is appropriate for hot and humid climates because it is resistant to rot, fungus, and termite infestation, and is more durable than wood. FC holds paint for several years longer than conventional wood siding and is warranted to last 50 years. In addition to its durable finish, the fiber-cement surface is noncombustible; it will not burn and has a zero flame-spread index and zero smoke development rating. Given the proper care, fiber-cement siding can give your home the look of wood with the protection, low maintenance, and lasting power of cement. FC siding is a practical and beautiful choice for any exterior.
FIBER RE-ENFORCED PLASTIC LAMINATE (FRP)
The combination of laminating Fiber Reinforced Plastic to a structural component produces one of the best materials technology has ever developed ... and the possibly the most versatile. In additional to its structural capabilities FRP displays excellent resistance to corrosive effects. Because FRP has extremely low water absorption it resists the destructive expansion of the freeze-thaw cycle of water, it does not rust, and can provide long-term resistance to nearly every chemical and temperature environment. Of particular benefit is its ability to successfully withstand the normally destructive effects of saltwater spray from the ocean.
METAL SURFACES
Stainless Steel (SS) and G90 Galvanized are the most commonly requested metal surfaces. These products when used in a structural insulated panel (SIP) provide structural integrity and strength. There are more than 60 grades of stainless steel. SS is essentially a low carbon steel containing chromium at 10% or more by weight. The addition of chromium gives the steel its unique stainless, corrosion-resisting properties. Over the total life of a project, stainless is often the best value option. Benefits of Stainless Steel: corrosion-resistance, fire- and heat-resistance, hygiene, aesthetic appearance, good strength-to-weight advantage, impact-resistance and excellent long-term value.
OTHER SURFACES
Many other surfaces or “skins” or “substrates” are available for structural and non-structural applications (such as curtain wall). Drywall can be used for non-structural applications as well. Other skin and substrate surface options include:
Nyloboard
Densglas
Warmboard
Tongue & Groove Pine
T-111 Siding
USG Fiberock
LP Smartside
Plywood
Pressure-Treated Plywood
Densglas
Warmboard
Tongue & Groove Pine
T-111 Siding
USG Fiberock
LP Smartside
Plywood
Pressure-Treated Plywood
Feel free to CONTACT US if you are interested in any other skin or substrate surface options.
