Anyone used OSB board?

[Greg Richardson]

Plan on having at least 2ft over hangs but I know wind can still drive in the rain.

Any of you seal with exterior primer and paint?
If so how is it holding up?

I have read their website and it is designed to get wet and dry out during the course of construction but they certainly aren't saying it can be used for finish look which of course they wouldn't cause of surface. But if there is a way to seal it to last that be great.

$$$ is tight but if in long run I need to spend the money for other wood I then I will.

If anyone has any products they've used to seal it besides the ones mentioned I'm all ears.

 

[jbowen9]

Have you checked at your local lowes or home depot sometimes they have actual pine siding that is 4x8 sheets that is damaged and they will sell it for a good price to get rid of it i know the store i work at usually sells damaged pine siding for 5 bucks a sheet damaged then you can just spray it with stain and it will last for years. Now if you done have it built i would just do like you said prime it and paint it just use a good paint

 

[Giddyup]

We've only used it wear it will stay dry. I would hesitate to use where it will get wet unless covered by roofing material, whether shingles or metal.
In our winter conditions, even painted, it will soften and break up.

 

[patandchickens]

3/4" OSB works "ok" for exteriors, especially with a good roof overhang and no splash-up from the ground. It will not last as long as plywood. If you are ok with a shorter lived structure (how short depends a whole big lot on your climate, structure, and site) and you just can't afford plywood, sure, use OSB if you have to.

Prime and paint it really really well -- in THIN not thick coats. Be warned it will soak up a LOT of paint b/c of the very rough surface.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[TechEdFireman]

I just took down that I got off of Craigslist they were entirely sided with OSB they had a Nov 91 stamp on them. That was the manufacture date of the OSB and it was shot. I didn't use it again on the outside when I reconstructed it back on my property. I cut it to fit on the interior I will be using plywood or T-111 on the outside for the durability. OSB like stated before is not designed to be exposed to the elements so I would be leary using it as my exterior siding even painted.

 

[yfchoice]

Our coop is double walled. We used the OSB on the inside where it will stay dry. Cedar was used on the outside.

 

[Lil Chickie Mama]

I don't know about the durability of OSB, but is anyone worried about the fumes from the glue? I'm not trying to be argumentative, this is a serious query as I don't know the answer. OSB uses more glue than plywood because their are more pieces right?

 

[okiemommy]

We used OSB on our coop and primed it with Kilz 2. There are several people on here who have done the same thing, and have coops that have lasted years. Our OSB doesn't show any signs of softening, as we covered every possible inch of it that could be exposed. It was only meant to be temporary, but we just haven't had the money to put up the pine board siding. Though we will eventually when the money allows for it cause it just looks nice

In the mean time, no problems at all. If you're going to use OSB use Kilz 2 It's the only one that has been recommended here on BYC as standing up to the weather if you're going to use OSB.

 

[Greg Richardson]

Thanks for all the replies. After researching the osb website and other articles I had a good feeling what the answer would be but was hoping to find a few posts about people doing it anyway and their results. Thanks for those results good and bad!

Okiemommy, yes, I was thinking about Kilzs.
I use it for doing drywall water damage jobs.
Thanks for your reply about your coop.
I will probably two coat the edge and few inches around them.

I will probably end up using Kilz and then keep watch on Craigslist for barn siding. I got a bunch free before and used it for my rabbit hutch.

 

[jubylives]

I agree with most replies. OSB is not an exterior material but can be use if properly covered. Majority of homes have OSB sheathing but is then of course covered by a vapor barrier and siding. I have a playhouse and shed that has been standing for almost 10 years now. All made of OSB but covered in exterior paint.

As far as fumes go, the glue has already cured so no worries there. It's really no different the plywood. Well except for price.

jeremy