How To Waterproof OSB, &
How To Waterproof OSB Floors

How To Waterproof OSB & How To Waterproof OSB Floors

With its lower cost and larger size options OSB (Oriented Strand Board) continues to gain market share in cladding and flooring applications. OSB still does not perform as well as plywood when it is exposed tomoisture. This can lead to mold and that is why knowing how to effectively waterproof OSB will help you on your projects.

1. Using a sheet membrane on top of the OSB to create a continuous barrier. This may not contour the OSB well and it can be punctured.

2. Applying a waterproofing agent, such as paraffin wax or a silicone-based product, to the surface of the OSB. This will create a barrier that will prevent water from penetrating the wood.

3. Using a liquid-applied membrane such as Semco’s Liquid Membrane to create a durable barrier that can also bridge joints.Semco’s Liquid Membrane can be sprayed or rolled onto OSB ensuring a watertight surface. When spraying be sure to use a tip size of 521 or larger. You will want to have two coats totalling, at a minimum, 30 mils in thickness. Liquid Membrane can be purchased in a wide variety of colors giving you flexibility on those surfaces where it may be used as a finish.

Semco also makes a 6” and 3’ fabric that is used over the OSB joints to allow for the increased movement in this area of your floor or wall. The fabric can also be used in floor to wall joints so that water exposure, or even flooding can be greatly mitigated with this simple “bathtubbing” solution. Try out a sample today to see why contractors are switching to Liquid Membrane to waterproof their OSB.

Tags: waterproof osb, How to waterproof osb, waterproofing osb, How to waterproof osb floors

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