Working Advice

Usage Instructions:

Transport & Storage

During transport, the panels (particularly the edges) should be protected from direct water penetration. The panels should be laid flat on a sufficient number of supporting blocks of the same height arranged in rows (maximum spacing 600 mm) or on pallets.

If packed on stacks, the supporting block must be arranged directly above each other.  Panels should be stored in an enclosed, dry area.  They should not come into direct contact with the floor/ground.  When stored outside, stacks should be protected with a waterproof but moisture-permeable sheet.

Humidity Control

Before installing, the boards should be stored at least 48 hours at the final location to be conditioned.  As a guide, the following moisture contents are usual for these applications:-

·                    Centrally-heated building 6-9%

·                    Occasionally centrally-heated building 9-10%

·                    Unheated new constructions 15-18%

Kronospan OSB is delivered with a moisture content of 8% +/- 3%.

Cutting, Profiling, Drilling

All common wood working tools are suitable for OSB.  The best results are obtained with hard metal tipped tools.  Please make sure that the boards are positioned free from vibration.  The speed of cutting is dependent on the tools you use but it is generally slower than for solid wood.

Coating & Lacquering

Kronospan OSB that is exposed to the outside weather should be treated on its whole surface as well as the edges, with the appropriate coatings recommended by your local paint producers.  Ideally, they should not be used on Façades where they are directly exposed to the weather.

For inside application you can use almost any lacquer, oil or waxes designed for wooden panel treatment.  Always use the recommendations of your paint producer.  Water-based coatings should be avoided because they could generate partial strand swelling. 

Fastening

Corrosion-resistant fastenings should be used where Kronospan OSB forms part of a load-bearing structure.  Structural fastening systems are only permitted if their use has been approved by the manufacturer.

Installation

When installing Kronospan OSB3 as part of a timber frame external or internal wall element, a min of 3mm expansion provision must be allowed between adjacent panels, and a 10-15mm gap where boards abut any rigid up stand.  Long walls may require additional expansion gaps to allow for possible overall expansion of 2mm per metre length of wall.  This is additional to the 3mm expansion gap required between each sheathing panel.