Tech shield OSB - a southern climate benefit?

5030tinkerer · Mar 22, 2007

I was reading in another post about radiant barrier OSB for roofs (Tech Shield). Is this a benefit primarily in the south or should folks in northern climates like, say, in Iowa <g>, consider the use of such an animal?

Also interested in general opinions on 1/2" OSB vs plywood for exterior wall sheeting and roof sheathing.

Thanks!

KennethBrown · Mar 22, 2007

In the process of building my house right now so I just went through those questions about 6 months ago. I am in central Texas and it definetely helps here. When I was researching it it was explained to me that the further north you go the less cost effectiveness (not really the right word but ya get the point) it was.
I used 7/16 OSB as sheathing on my walls and roof. On the walls I covered it with an engineered wood (Temple Inland lap siding in cedar tex pattern) so the osb was just fine. If I was going to cover with vinyl siding I would have used a ply product or thicker osb. To tel the truth the 7/16 osb really was stiff and strong, it suprised me quite a bit. I used the same on the roof except in a radient sheild type. The roof is framed 24 OC so again I was concerned, and again with no reason to be. The roof held just fine even with my 250 pounds on it. I used r-panels as my roofing material and it streghtened it even more. I was advised if going with compisition shingles that I would need to use 5/8 or better ply.

Hope this helps you out.

socallly · Mar 23, 2007

I used it,I feel that it will be well worth the extra $300 to sheet the roof.

Kays Supply · Mar 29, 2007

I used it on a screened in porch addition. It is noticably cooler when in full sun than under a roof without it. I was warned that it might shorten the life of my shingles.

ChuckT · Mar 29, 2007

Here in humid Florida OSB worries me. I have seen early (1990s?) examples fail due water (rain) absorption. The wood swells, the glue (then) fails and the sheet falls apart. It looks like the moisture is wicked into the panels from the cut edges.

In more recent installations I have noticed the edges of OSB panels are colored (blue or red) and maybe this is the mills' answered to the wicking problem.

cvt

mudcat · Mar 30, 2007

ChuckT said:
Here in humid Florida OSB worries me. I have seen early (1990s?) examples fail due water (rain) absorption. The wood swells, the glue (then) fails and the sheet falls apart. It looks like the moisture is wicked into the panels from the cut edges.

In more recent installations I have noticed the edges of OSB panels are colored (blue or red) and maybe this is the mills' answered to the wicking problem.

cvt

ChuckT, The OSB of today seems to be a better quality product than that of 15 years ago.