What material should be used as the sheathing/air barrier in our modified larsen truss wall? The architects say OSB or plywood. We are leaning toward plywood - largely because of a green building advisor article explaining that OSB is failing the air barrier testing in passive houses:
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/osb-airtight
There was a study on how the two products vary in managing moisture:
http://www.energyvanguard.com/blog-building-science-HERS-BPI/bid/76574/Moisture-and-the-Quirkiness-of-OSB
Here's an article comparing OSB to plywood:
http://www.nachi.org/osb-plywood.htm
OSB typically contains formaldehyde, which triggers an allergy for one of the homeowners. The EPA gives this guidance on how to avoid formaldehyde in wood products:
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/osb-airtight
There was a study on how the two products vary in managing moisture:
http://www.energyvanguard.com/blog-building-science-HERS-BPI/bid/76574/Moisture-and-the-Quirkiness-of-OSB
Here's an article comparing OSB to plywood:
http://www.nachi.org/osb-plywood.htm
OSB typically contains formaldehyde, which triggers an allergy for one of the homeowners. The EPA gives this guidance on how to avoid formaldehyde in wood products:
- Consider purchasing composite wood products certified as compliant with ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2009 (for hardwood plywood), ANSI A208.1-2009 (for particleboard), or ANSI A208.2-2009 (for medium-density fiberboard). These standards include limits on formaldehyde emissions.
- Consider purchasing composite wood products that are certified as compliant with the California Air Resources Board Airborne Toxic Control Measure to Reduce Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products.
Here's a blog post about the glues that are used and which contain formaldehyde:http://greenhomeguide.com/askapro/question/im-concerned-about-toxic-offgassing-from-osb-subflooring-and-roofing-are-safer-products-available