Many materials can be used to form walls and partitions but, when it comes to choosing a versatile, cost-effective and sustainable option, West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero is a winner. Ubiquitous on many construction sites and used in agricultural and portable buildings, the panels are easy to saw, drill, nail, plane or file. They are perfect for structural use in dry and humid conditions.
The fact that West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero is stronger and tougher than ply, with no knots, voids or delamination to cause problems, means that it is used widely in wall sheathing, partitioning and Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). The high-quality boards are available in a range of grades, sheet sizes and thicknesses. Minimal finishing is required, helping to speed up construction. The boards are square-edged, so butt together easily and cleanly; nails can be driven as close as 8mm from the panel edge without causing splitting.
When incorporated as sheathing in external stud walls, SterlingOSB Zero often forms the centre of a sandwich with a vapour barrier and outer cladding on one side and internal insulation and dry lining plasterboard on the other. Internal partitioning is even simpler to construct.
In dry lining applications, SterlingOSB Zero StrongFix provides another option for easy installation. This board product is precision engineered with a custom groove for metal C-studs at 600mm centres. The consistent density of OSB means fixtures and fittings of up to 400kg can be attached anywhere on the panel and achieve secure anchorage.
As many contractors look to decarbonise their businesses, SterlingOSB Zero provides effective solutions. Timber is highly energy efficient as a building material and can deliver low energy fabric designs, with excellent levels of thermal engineering, utilising low U-values, air-tightness and thermal bridging. West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero has good environmental credentials. All the panels are made in the UK, so their carbon footprint is low. It is also the first OSB product to be made in the UK with zero added formaldehyde, so it is a ‘greener’ board that meets all standards with ease.
SIPs are now the main component of many sustainable buildings. These panels incorporate a highly thermally efficient insulating foam core sandwiched between two structural facings of SterlingOSB Zero. This high-performance building system is manufactured under factory-controlled conditions and may be fabricated to fit nearly any building design. Building with SIPs saves time and improves build quality. The system is extremely strong, energy efficient and cost effective.
SterlingOSB Zero has aesthetic applications too. When left exposed, it has the advantage that it gives spaces a more natural look. Due to its raw visual appeal, designers and architects are increasingly employing the material as a creative showcase in cafes, bars, restaurants and retail outlets. It can be finished with most popular surface treatments and allows designs, logos and marketing messages to be applied.
West Fraser offers product and technical support on the SterlingOSB Zero range through dedicated advice teams.
For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit Uk.westfraser.com