Laminated products

Laminated wood such as OSB, particleboard and plywood is made by uniting more layers or pieces of wood together and gluing them using heat, pressure and a special adhesive. Laminated products are very durable and strong, but not unbreakable. If the adhesive that unites the wood layers together breakdown, delamination occurs.

One of the most evident sign of delamination is the presence of a bump on the surface of the laminated sheet material. Any expansion along the border of the sheets is also a sign of this process. When the wood layers or pieces that make up the sheet become loose, they swollen and pull away from each other. This way the sheet is forced to expand.  Delamination can occur in roofs, sub floors, exterior siding and any furniture made of laminated materials.

A low delamination will not affect the properties of the material. Because manufacturers know that in time a minimal delamination may occur, they provide 1/8 inch distance between plywood sheets when sheathing on the roof, for example.

On the other hand, medium and high delamination request the replacement of the damaged wood.

The main cause of delamination is the combination of heat and dampness. For example, the roof decking in an attic without windows or an air conditioner system can be seriously damages by the mixture of the fuggy air and moist.

If water reaches to the laminated subfloor through the wall studs and soak a small part of it, delamination will appear.

To prevent delamination it is necessary to keep all laminated products indoors and away from excessive moisture and heat. However, if this process occurs and the wood becomes soft and springy, it needs replacement. This means that you have to cut out the damaged area and replace it with an equal piece.

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