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OSB exterior walls left exposed to rain for 10months
Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.37 PM
My builder has used OSB for the exterior wall of one of the rooms, surrounding a Juliette balcony (we were expecting a brick structure). It’s approx a 6X3m area. The wall is to be rendered on but due to delays it has been left exposed for around 10 months, and being England we’ve had a lot of rain. Can anyone comment on if the boards are ok to be left rained on for such a long time? I was thinking of asking him to swap out to new OSB before tender is applied. Thanks.
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4 Answers
Black Paw
Rating: 5 out of 5
OSB is usually ok uncovered for a short time. 10 months seems a long time.
The best thing is to have a look at it
1.is it still solid?
2. are there any flaking bits?
3. has water got inside?
if yes to any of this now is the time to change it out before you finish the job
Answered20 February 2021
5
Paul Brown
Rating: 5 out of 5
Personally I would ask for it to be changed as osb doesn't like to be left exposed to the climate unprotected for much more than 3 months and will start to deteriorate very quickly if left
Answered20 February 2021
2
Foreman-made
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Potentially the exiting boards/boarding COULD be okay. However for the cost involved in replacing them further down the line the sensible thing to do would be to replace the boarding now to be on the safe side.
Answered20 February 2021
1
Cliro Design and Build
Rating: 5 out of 5
No 10 months is too long to have osb exposed to weather especially level of raim we have had. Ill give you an example ,timber frame housing, the wooden structure must be closed in and sealed within one month of erection. This is to prevent water damage to timber sections. The osb can swell especially at its exposed edges over this period of time. Remember if it is subsequently closed in , the damp content in the board will be trapped in . It nay egress in areas and cause problems. If you are unsure check with the technical department of the manufacturer, almost certainly kronospan for more information. Clive Edwards
Answered24 February 2021
1