Construction Boards

What are the advantages of wood-based construction boards?

The right construction board can do much more than cover a frame. Depending on the material, it can strengthen the structure, improve insulation, control sound or help manage moisture within the building assembly. Wood-based boards can:

• provide mechanical strength;
• improve the performance of thermal insulation;
• reduce sound transmission;
• support moisture management within the building structure.

Their relatively low weight also makes many wood-based boards easier to handle and cut during installation. With several board types available, builders can select the material according to the role it needs to perform within the structure.

What types of wood-based construction boards are available?

The raw materials, manufacturing process and internal structure of a construction board determine how it performs in a building. These factors influence its strength, moisture resistance, thermal properties and suitability for different applications. Balticfloc offers several types of wood-based building boards:

• OSB boards for structural sheathing and in roofs, floors and timber-frame walls;
• fiberboards for thermal insulation, wind protection, sound insulation and interior finishing;
• fibrolite boards for applications requiring a stable base for plaster while providing sound absorption and water vapor permeability;
• particleboards for interior finishing work and certain frame-sheathing applications. 

Each type of construction board has its own performance characteristics and intended applications. Selecting the appropriate board depends on the conditions it will be exposed to and the function it needs to perform within the structure.

How do construction boards work with other building materials?

Construction boards form part of a larger building assembly, so the right choice depends on how the board will function alongside the surrounding materials. Load-bearing requirements, framing and insulation all need to be considered, along with moisture control and the intended finish. When selecting building boards, consider:

• the thermal insulation system, which affects requirements for the board’s thermal properties and water vapor permeability;
• the frame structure, which determines the board’s load-bearing requirements and required support;
• the wind protection and vapor control system, which must be compatible with the selected board;
• the intended finish, since not all construction boards are suitable for plastering, painting or use as a visible finished surface.

How do building conditions affect the choice of construction boards?

Because wood-based construction boards are manufactured from wood materials, their performance can be affected by moisture, temperature and mechanical loads. The degree of sensitivity varies depending on the type of board. Before choosing a board, consider

• whether the board will be used in a dry interior or where exposure to moisture is expected;
• the type and level of mechanical loads the board will need to withstand;
• the temperature changes and other environmental conditions the board will face over its service life.

Using a board in conditions for which it was not designed can lead to deformation or deterioration of its performance. It can also shorten the service life of the finished structure.

Why should construction boards be protected from excess moisture during installation?

Even boards designed for higher-humidity environments should not be left exposed to uncontrolled moisture during construction. Wood-based construction boards should be stored correctly and installed while dry.

Prolonged exposure to rain before installation can cause the boards to absorb excess moisture. The same problem can occur when boards are installed before moisture from other construction work has had time to dry. Excess moisture can extend the drying time of the building assembly and may lead to deformation or problems with the final finish. Before installation:

• store boards in dry conditions and protect them from precipitation;
• make sure unfinished roofs or other open areas have not allowed prolonged weather exposure;
• consider whether nearby construction work could expose the boards to high moisture levels for an extended period.

Correct storage and installation help preserve the properties of the construction boards after they become part of the finished building. Manufacturer instructions should always be followed for the specific board being installed.