What do you think about new houses using OSB for the sub floor?

Answer 1

No offense, but I've been at this a long time, and I'm disappointed that alternatives weren't found or aren't being used in a larger sense.

One answer states it clearly,,,CHEAPER,,,. Sadly that relates to zero quality for a user/homeowner.

Certainly I don't advocate clear cutting forests, to house a population that should perhaps be better controlled, but I'd never put a single sheet of "IT" in any house,barn,tool shed, or dog enclosure I ever build.

The old saying, "you get what you pay for" Holds very true with what I like to call, "GLIT" I won't spell it out other than to say the first two letters stand for Glue...

Even the best exterior plywood panels, or marine ply, will deteriorate over time. OSB, or particle board/flake board just goes through the process faster. I also will never apply HARDI PLANK as siding,,,over any sub material.

Flooring obviously takes more abuse,,,even in the best climates and conditions, than siding. Roofing is right up there,,,no pun intended.

I'll only do Block, on slab, steel beams, rafters, etc, tile, even tile roofing, and letthe trees be the view, rather than the structure substance.

AND,,, yada yada yada,,,I'll stop preaching.

Rev. Steven

Answer 2

but is that sub flooring, or the stuff under my linoleumn. agreed, though never use any bonded material without a moisture barrier.
i roof, and work with osb some. we usually dont use it on the eaves, but it doesnt usually show the rafters, unless there is a reason for it, although we usually use it across lathes for shake roofs. dry is the key with it. but the funny thing is. the foundation guy says close enough, looks great from my house. every1 up the sub and contractor chain says the same. then wonder why there is a cheated course of shingles. no-ones perfect. but funny huh? thats what we say 2.looks fine from my house.
(we do some of the finest work around -our hot mop seams, which are a lil sloppy. hey some of us are new)
but personally i love to do a pretty job thatll last and be visually nice without going anal. and yes i imagine the homeowner's do look, cause i would, so no painting the view side only.

Answer 3

I am a builder and I would only use it for sheathing on the sides of houses never the roof and for certain not the floor. Some save a few $ on a house by using it for the roof but if you look close you can see every truss or rafter as the roof is all waivy. The Only reason people will say OSB is better is because it's cheaper If it was more expensive no one would use it But it does have it's place, Just not on your floor.

Answer 4

It also depends on the type of OSB that is used. Advantek flooring goes through a process that water proofs each individual chip before it is processed. They have done testing were they submerge pieces in water for more than a week and when it is removed it remained intact with no warping or flaking.

Answer 5

Particle board;chip board or chip flooring sucks! Yeah it is supposed to be stronger than any other material but it flakes real bad under heat and moisture. I have been building for 15 yrs now and absolutely refuse to use it. It is either ply flooring or real wood ( yes there are still a few of us around that can lay 1x12 sub floor). I have had chip flooring caught in rain and it separated. I had to replace over 20 pieces. Good Luck

Answer 6

Better not have a leaky toilet or make a lot of spills!!!