ᐅ Timber frame builder replaces OSB with gypsum fiberboards – are they equivalent?
Created on: 18 Aug 2021 13:02
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Reltaw2021
Hello everyone!
After months of searching for timber frame house manufacturers offering reliable wall constructions, I finally chose one from Bavaria. I also adopted the mantra that “OSB is a universal solution” because it is ecological, more or less breathable, very rigid, load-bearing, sound-absorbing, and so on.
Now, due to material shortages and price increases, the builder has informed us that as an alternative, they plan to use gypsum fiber boards instead of OSB. This would be cost-neutral for us and technically advantageous. Until now, gypsum was intended as a single layer in addition to the OSB board. Now, the entire wall will be constructed using gypsum fiber boards.
I doubt that gypsum fiber boards, due to their material properties, can be an equivalent or even superior replacement for OSB.
What is your opinion?
After months of searching for timber frame house manufacturers offering reliable wall constructions, I finally chose one from Bavaria. I also adopted the mantra that “OSB is a universal solution” because it is ecological, more or less breathable, very rigid, load-bearing, sound-absorbing, and so on.
Now, due to material shortages and price increases, the builder has informed us that as an alternative, they plan to use gypsum fiber boards instead of OSB. This would be cost-neutral for us and technically advantageous. Until now, gypsum was intended as a single layer in addition to the OSB board. Now, the entire wall will be constructed using gypsum fiber boards.
I doubt that gypsum fiber boards, due to their material properties, can be an equivalent or even superior replacement for OSB.
What is your opinion?
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Reltaw202119 Aug 2021 00:08Yes, I will do that! I definitely will.
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Reltaw202112 Sep 2021 18:47BOTH OSB panels will be replaced with gypsum fiberboards.
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Daniel-Sp12 Sep 2021 21:37I don’t have OSB panels in my exterior walls either. I don’t see any problem with that as long as the overall system is correct. The structural bracing of the timber frame must be ensured, as well as the airtightness against wind. Both can be achieved without OSB and without a membrane.
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Reltaw202112 Sep 2021 22:25Yes, thanks for your assessment. By now, I also hope that the relatively higher shortage of timber will last long enough until my walls are built 😎, this should also apply to the interior walls.
It would be interesting to know how other prefab house manufacturers are reacting. Ours, at least, has not yet added an asterisk to its product list for new customers, saying that they will indefinitely stop using OSB.
It would be interesting to know how other prefab house manufacturers are reacting. Ours, at least, has not yet added an asterisk to its product list for new customers, saying that they will indefinitely stop using OSB.
A bit late, but since I have a timber frame house, here are a few remarks because quite a few things were incorrect. The vapor tightness should decrease from the inside to the outside, and the vapor permeability should increase. OSB boards glued or taped at the tongue and groove joints are vapor tight. Double gypsum fiber boards are not. Therefore, a vapor barrier is required on the inside. On the outside, a windproof layer is needed that still allows any moisture that has penetrated to escape. That’s why OSB should not be used on the outside. Anyone who tries to build without vapor tightness takes a risk and ends up with less insulation effectiveness. Additionally, OSB is much easier for mounting shelves, pictures, or other items.
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