Oriented Strand Board (aka OSB or Sterling Board)
Sterling board is a wood-based panel manufactured from softwood strands compressed and bonded together with exterior grade, water resistant resins. It is readily identified by the random pattern of flattened, softwood strands which make up the surface.
It can be used in place of other sheet materials but due to the surface finish, it is generally restricted to areas where appearance does not matter. Tongue and Grooved is also available for use on flat roof decking and flooring applications.
Working with Stirling Board
Stirling Board can be sawn using either a hand or power saw. No matter how carefully it is cut, the edge will tend to 'lift' on the reverse side. Always make all cuts of a sheet from the same side, then all of the delamination will be on one side.
Fixing
When fixing with nails, use ring shank nails to increase the grip. When using screws, there is generally no need to countersink the holes, as the screw head will compress the board as it is tightened.
Where Stirling board is to be used for roofing:
1. All edges should be supported on joists or other support.
2. Panel edges should bear approx. 20mm onto joists.
3. Nailing should be at least 10mm from the panel edges.
4. Panels should be fixed using approx. 3mm ring shank nails or screws whose length are 2.5 times the thickness of the panel.
It can be used in place of other sheet materials but due to the surface finish, it is generally restricted to areas where appearance does not matter. Tongue and Grooved is also available for use on flat roof decking and flooring applications.
Working with Stirling Board
Stirling Board can be sawn using either a hand or power saw. No matter how carefully it is cut, the edge will tend to 'lift' on the reverse side. Always make all cuts of a sheet from the same side, then all of the delamination will be on one side.
Fixing
When fixing with nails, use ring shank nails to increase the grip. When using screws, there is generally no need to countersink the holes, as the screw head will compress the board as it is tightened.
Where Stirling board is to be used for roofing:
1. All edges should be supported on joists or other support.
2. Panel edges should bear approx. 20mm onto joists.
3. Nailing should be at least 10mm from the panel edges.
4. Panels should be fixed using approx. 3mm ring shank nails or screws whose length are 2.5 times the thickness of the panel.