Improper Spacing Between Panels: Like any wood product, OSB will expand and contract after installation; without a small gap between panel ends, the expansion could cause buckling. Most manufacturers recommend 0.125-inches at panel ends and edges.

How much space should you leave on a subfloor?

1. Improper spacing. To avoid buckling, subfloor panels should be spaced with a 1/8-inch gap at all edges and ends to provide room for naturally occurring expansion. Tongue-and-groove edges on many premium floor panels, such as Weyerhaeuser’s Edge Gold® OSB panels, are designed to self-gap.

Do you have to use tongue and groove OSB for subfloor?





For subflooring, you use tongue and groove plywood. The tongue and groove are only along the 8 foot edges. On the four foot edges, your seams will fall on joist tops, so no need for tongue and groove.

How do you lay a T&G OSB floor?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Apply an eighth inch bead of glue in each groove and gently tap the panels together. It's a good idea to wipe away excess glue to reduce the risk of bumps in the floor.

Is tongue and groove plywood good for subfloor?

Tongue-and-groove plywood is superior to regular plywood for floor decks because it creates a stronger, more rigid subfloor, and helps eliminate sagging and “bounce” at the seams between the joists.

How do you fill gaps in OSB subfloor?

Using fillers is perfect to fill gaps in plywood subfloor or OSB subfloors, but it’s certainly not the most aesthetic way to fix your floor. If you wish for something as efficient, but more natural and permanent, you can use other materials such as wood strips, wood shims, or ropes as a subfloor gap filler.

How do you put down a tongue and groove subfloor?





Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: If your panels are tongue and groove they should be butted lightly together with the side marked this side down resting on the supports. And be sure to leave a 1/8 inch gap at the panel.

How tight should tongue and groove be?

All it takes is 1⁄8″. The joint should be a firm press fit: If you have to knock the pieces together, then struggle to pull them apart, the joint’s too tight. A tongue that’s a hair too fat for the groove may actually seat, but it will stress the groove sidewalls and may, in time, prompt them to split.

Is it better to use OSB or plywood for subfloor?

OSB has a lower resale value than plywood due to its lower strength. For this reason, few homeowners prefer OSB in their homes. Apart from costs, plywood is superior in all the other areas, such as the strength of the structure. For this reason, it’s a superior material for use on the subfloor.

Is OSB good for subfloor?

Some builders prefer OSB over plywood for flooring because the surface, when new, is always clean, flat, and knot-free. Since OSB is so dense, it’s a good soundproofing product. OSB is a more consistent product than plywood or other types of material for subfloor: every sheet is the same.

Does plywood need expansion gap?



APA recommends a 1/8-inch space between panel edge and end joints. Plywood and oriented strand board (OSB), like all wood products, will expand or shrink slightly with changes in moisture content. If the wood structural panels are tightly butted, there is no room for expansion and buckling can occur.

How do you level OSB subfloor?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: What i'm gonna show you i use key primer from mapei. And i used a self-leveling compound mapei nova plan too. And you can see the result how it's very good bonding.

Can I use wood filler on OSB?

Filler for OSB boards and wood NEOMID is designed for stuffing and long-term sealing (thermal, water and air protection) of: OSB board joints (indoors and outdoors).

How do you seal OSB seams?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: System about two and a quarter inch tape. Perfect for the seams of our OSB. You can use this tape without primer actually Martin holidays did a great tape test article in fine home building.

How do you seal the edges of OSB board?

To apply, soak the tip of the paintbrush in the sealer and brush it over the OSB board’s ends and surface. Ensure this process is repeated on both sides, and not just the areas where you made cuts. Coat your OSB pieces and allow the seal to dry for 12 to 14 hours. Now turn the wood and coat the remaining surfaces.

Does OSB need to be sealed?

OSB is manufactured using waterproof resin adhesives that coat all wood strands, making the panel more water-resistant than other panels. The edges are also sealed for further protection when the panels are sized at the mill. OSB is highly water-resistant, but not waterproof.

Why do they paint the edges of OSB?

The edges that are cut during the milling process are coated with a waterproof paint to seal them from moisture. When working with OSB to build a sub-roof, sub-floor or side wall, any new edges created by cutting should ideally be sealed using the same, or similar process.

Which side of OSB goes up on floor?



OSB also has stamping that reads “This Side Down”. This directs the worker on the correct orientation of the board when installing. The side with the stamp is the smoother side. When installed smooth side down, the rough surface will then face up and give the worker traction for safety.