Weatherproofing OSB during build

[Larry1990]

Hi folks,

I'm making a start on a garden room this week and as it's an evenings/weekend type of job I'll have the OSB floor exposed to the elements for some time.

I'll put a tarp over it, but is it worth coating it with some wood preserver or something else to protect it from the elements til I can get the walls and roof up?

Cheers

Larry

 

[Tigercubrider]

Probably not.
But support the middle so there is a fall, and weight down the tarp

in my experience osb is nigh on indestructible

 

[Larry1990]

Thanks Tiger, will keep that in mind.

 

[^woody^]

in my experience osb is nigh on indestructible

Not the edges. Once they get wet, you've had it.

 

[^woody^]

Make all the panels and prepare the roof first, so you can just assemble the structure in one go.
Put the floor deck down at this time.

 

[big-all]

in general a temporary coating that seals is bad news as it holds in moisture
do not get wet or damp even temporary plan it better or protect

 

[Larry1990]

Thanks for your suggestions guys. I'll try and do the walls with OSB+breater membrane attached and stand it up in one go, though I'm working mostly on my tod and dont have tons of spare time (ok no excuse that's everyone)

If worst came to worst would covering with a tarp or breather membrane do it?

Cheers
Larry

 

[^woody^]

The problem with tarps or polythene is that you can get condensation on the underside. Ideally, any cover should be raised to allow air flow below it, but that's not always possible or practical.

So even on your own, you can make up the components and keep them dry until it's time to assemble them all together. You can then have it all up and covered in a day.

 

[catlad]

When building a standard house they build the walls first so there is something to support the roof! You don't have this problem if you are building a timber frame building, build the framework and do the roof first.

 

[Larry1990]

The problem with tarps or polythene is that you can get condensation on the underside. Ideally, any cover should be raised to allow air flow below it, but that's not always possible or practical.

So even on your own, you can make up the components and keep them dry until it's time to assemble them all together. You can then have it all up and covered in a day.

Thanks for the vote of confidence Woody, I will try my best

 

[^woody^]

I would not build the frame first, as that gives major problems with plumbing and alignment of individual struts.

Make each panel based on the sheet size of OSB, or part sheet and allow for the head and sole plate. Include openings, and remember double/treble timbers at internal corners to catch the internal boards, . Put the breather wrap on each panel, returned around the edges.

Cut the roof joists to size

Then once you've fitted the sole plate and erected the first panel, everything else is easy.