# Bracing ## Engineered Wood Sheathing ### Oriented Strand Board (OSB) Oriented Strand Board combines wood strands bonded with phenol-formaldehyde resin in layers oriented perpendicular to provide strength in multiple directions. Typical applications include structural sheathing, subflooring, wall bracing, and roof decking. 12.5mm thickness represents 1/2" standard sheathing. High µ-value of 812.8 provides significant vapor barrier function requiring ventilation design. Suitable for exterior applications when protected with proper drainage plane. Cost-effective alternative to plywood with similar structural performance. Moisture content affects dimensional stability and thermal properties. Requires edge sealing in wet applications to prevent moisture ingress. #### Basic Information | Property | Value | | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | | Type | Engineered Wood / Structural Sheathing | | Thickness (m) | 0.0125 | | Thickness (mm) | 12.5 | | Thickness (inches) | 0.492" | | Colour | Natural Wood / Tan | | Primary Applications | Structural sheathing, subflooring, wall bracing, roof decking | #### Thermal Properties | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | ------------- | ---------------------- | | Thermal Conductivity | 0.092 W/(m·K) | 0.53 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F) | | Specific Heat Capacity | 1880 J/(kg·K) | 0.45 BTU/(lb·°F) | | Density | 650 kg/m³ | 40.6 lb/ft³ | | Thermal Resistance (R-value) | 0.14 m²·K/W | 0.79 ft²·°F·h/BTU | #### Vapour Properties | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | ----------------------- | | Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ) | 812.8 | | sd-value | 10.16 m | | Vapor Resistivity | 4064.00 MNs/gm | | Vapor Resistance | 50.80 MN.s/g | | Perm Rating | 0.07 perms | | Classification | Class II Vapor Retarder | *** ### Plywood Plywood consists of cross-laminated veneers bonded with phenol-formaldehyde or urea-formaldehyde resin providing superior strength and stability in multiple directions. 10mm thickness represents 3/8" standard sheathing. Lower µ-value of 274 compared to OSB allows slightly more vapor transmission. Suitable for structural sheathing, subflooring, wall bracing, and roof decking. Superior strength-to-weight ratio and dimensional stability compared to solid wood and particleboard. Excellent workmanship and finish quality. Requires proper acclimation to local climate conditions. Moisture absorption requires protection from prolonged exposure. #### Basic Information | Property | Value | | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | | Type | Engineered Wood / Sheathing | | Thickness (m) | 0.010 | | Thickness (mm) | 10.0 | | Thickness (inches) | 0.394" | | Colour | Natural Wood / Tan | | Primary Applications | Structural sheathing, subflooring, wall bracing, roof decking | #### Thermal Properties | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | ------------- | ---------------------- | | Thermal Conductivity | 0.15 W/(m·K) | 0.87 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F) | | Specific Heat Capacity | 1500 J/(kg·K) | 0.36 BTU/(lb·°F) | | Density | 700 kg/m³ | 43.7 lb/ft³ | | Thermal Resistance (R-value) | 0.07 m²·K/W | 0.38 ft²·°F·h/BTU | #### Vapour Properties | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | ----------------------- | | Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ) | 274.0 | | sd-value | 2.74 m | | Vapor Resistivity | 1370.00 MNs/gm | | Vapor Resistance | 13.70 MN.s/g | | Perm Rating | 0.22 perms | | Classification | Class II Vapor Retarder | *** ### Particleboard Particleboard consists of wood particles and resin bonded under heat and pressure to create a stable composite sheet material. 10mm thickness represents standard interior sheathing. µ-value of 274 provides moderate vapor resistance similar to plywood. Economical alternative to plywood for non-structural applications. Susceptible to moisture damage requiring careful protection from water exposure. Suitable for interior applications and non-load-bearing partitions. Dimensional stability acceptable for most interior conditions. Lower cost and more uniform appearance than plywood. Moisture sensitivity requires careful site handling and storage. #### Basic Information | Property | Value | | -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Type | Engineered Wood / Composite Board | | Thickness (m) | 0.010 | | Thickness (mm) | 10.0 | | Thickness (inches) | 0.394" | | Colour | Natural / Grey | | Primary Applications | Interior sheathing, non-load-bearing partitions, flooring underlayment | #### Thermal Properties | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | ------------- | ---------------------- | | Thermal Conductivity | 0.12 W/(m·K) | 0.69 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F) | | Specific Heat Capacity | 1500 J/(kg·K) | 0.36 BTU/(lb·°F) | | Density | 650 kg/m³ | 40.6 lb/ft³ | | Thermal Resistance (R-value) | 0.08 m²·K/W | 0.47 ft²·°F·h/BTU | #### Vapour Properties | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | ----------------------- | | Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ) | 274.0 | | sd-value | 2.74 m | | Vapor Resistivity | 1370.00 MNs/gm | | Vapor Resistance | 13.70 MN.s/g | | Perm Rating | 0.22 perms | | Classification | Class II Vapor Retarder | *** ## Cementitious Sheathing ### Fibre-Cement Fibre-cement combines Portland cement matrix with cellulose or synthetic fibres to create durable composite boards. These materials provide excellent weather resistance and durability in exterior applications. Typical applications include exterior cladding, facade panels, soffit boards, and roofing underlayment. 6mm thickness represents standard sheathing. High µ-value of 990.9 provides significant vapor barrier function. Non-asbestos formulated to meet modern health standards. Fiber reinforcement provides impact resistance and dimensional stability. Colour fastness is excellent with minimal colour change over 15-20 years. Requires ventilation cavity and drainage plane for proper performance in building assemblies. #### Basic Information | Property | Value | | -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Type | Composite Cladding / Sheathing | | Thickness (m) | 0.006 | | Thickness (mm) | 6.0 | | Thickness (inches) | 0.236" | | Colour | Grey/Natural | | Primary Applications | Exterior cladding, facade panels, soffit boards, roofing underlayment | #### Thermal Properties | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | ------------- | ---------------------- | | Thermal Conductivity | 0.25 W/(m·K) | 1.44 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F) | | Specific Heat Capacity | 1000 J/(kg·K) | 0.24 BTU/(lb·°F) | | Density | 1360 kg/m³ | 84.9 lb/ft³ | | Thermal Resistance (R-value) | 0.02 m²·K/W | 0.14 ft²·°F·h/BTU | #### Vapour Properties | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | ----------------------- | | Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ) | 990.9 | | sd-value | 5.95 m | | Vapor Resistivity | 4954.50 MNs/gm | | Vapor Resistance | 29.73 MN.s/g | | Perm Rating | 0.06 perms | | Classification | Class II Vapor Retarder | *** ## Gypsum Board Sheathing ### Fibreglass Faced Exterior Gypsum Board Fibreglass faced exterior gypsum board combines gypsum core with fiberglass-reinforced facing to provide weather resistance and durability. 12.5mm thickness represents standard exterior sheathing board. Low µ-value of 10.4 provides excellent vapor permeability suitable for breathable assemblies. Fiberglass facing provides improved water resistance and dimensional stability. Suitable for exterior wall assemblies, sheathing, and facade systems. Lightweight construction simplifies handling and installation. Compatible with foam insulation and breathable assemblies. Requires proper air-sealing at joints and transitions for optimal performance. Excellent fire resistance and durability properties. #### Basic Information | Property | Value | | -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | | Type | Gypsum-Based Board / Sheathing | | Thickness (m) | 0.0125 | | Thickness (mm) | 12.5 | | Thickness (inches) | 0.492" | | Colour | Grey/White | | Primary Applications | Exterior sheathing, facade panels, weather protection | #### Thermal Properties | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | ------------ | ---------------------- | | Thermal Conductivity | 0.25 W/(m·K) | 1.42 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F) | | Specific Heat Capacity | 850 J/(kg·K) | 0.20 BTU/(lb·°F) | | Density | 860 kg/m³ | 53.7 lb/ft³ | | Thermal Resistance (R-value) | 0.05 m²·K/W | 0.29 ft²·°F·h/BTU | #### Vapour Properties | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | --------------------------- | | Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ) | 10.4 | | sd-value | 0.13 m | | Vapor Resistivity | 52.00 MNs/gm | | Vapor Resistance | 0.65 MN.s/g | | Perm Rating | 5.67 perms | | Classification | Class III (Vapor-Permeable) | *** ### Fire Rated Plasterboard Fire rated plasterboard provides specialized fire-resistant protection through proprietary formulations and reinforcement fibers. Ultra-thin protective coating provides superior fire performance when applied to structural members. High µ-value of 915.83 provides substantial vapor resistance. Provides critical fire-rating for walls, ceilings, and structural protection systems. Excellent thermal stability and non-combustible properties. Suitable for high-risk environments and critical safety applications. Superior adhesion and durability properties. Requires specialized installation and surface preparation for optimal performance. #### Basic Information | Property | Value | | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Type | Fire-Rated Protective Coating | | Thickness (m) | 0.000013 | | Thickness (mm) | 0.013 | | Thickness (inches) | 0.0005" | | Colour | Various | | Primary Applications | Structural fire protection, critical safety applications, fire-rated assemblies | #### Thermal Properties | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | --------------- | ---------------------- | | Thermal Conductivity | 0.17 W/(m·K) | 0.97 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F) | | Specific Heat Capacity | 1000 J/(kg·K) | 0.24 BTU/(lb·°F) | | Density | 838 kg/m³ | 52.3 lb/ft³ | | Thermal Resistance (R-value) | 0.000076 m²·K/W | 0.00043 ft²·°F·h/BTU | #### Vapour Properties | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | ----------------------- | | Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ) | 915.83 | | sd-value | 0.012 m | | Vapor Resistivity | 4579.15 MNs/gm | | Vapor Resistance | 0.06 MN.s/g | | Perm Rating | 0.06 perms | | Classification | Class II Vapor Retarder | *** ## Metal Sheathing & Bracing ### Steel Steel represents structural metal with balanced strength and thermal properties suitable for load-bearing applications. 1mm thickness provides excellent vapor barrier and structural performance. Extremely high µ-value of 100,000 ensures complete impermeability. Thermal conductivity 160 W/(m·K) is moderate among metals. Density 8050 kg/m³ provides structural capacity. Suitable for structural decking, metal framing, and load-bearing applications. Requires corrosion protection through paint, galvanizing, or weathering steel grades. Minimal thermal resistance at thin sections due to high conductivity. Non-combustible and durable with 50+ year lifespan when protected. #### Basic Information | Property | Value | | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Type | Ferrous Metal Sheet | | Thickness (m) | 0.001 | | Thickness (mm) | 1.0 | | Thickness (inches) | 0.039" | | Colour | Grey/Metallic | | Primary Applications | Structural decking, metal framing, load-bearing sheathing, flashing | #### Thermal Properties | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | --------------- | ------------------------ | | Thermal Conductivity | 160 W/(m·K) | 908.48 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F) | | Specific Heat Capacity | 510 J/(kg·K) | 0.122 BTU/(lb·°F) | | Density | 8050 kg/m³ | 502.3 lb/ft³ | | Thermal Resistance (R-value) | 0.000006 m²·K/W | 0.000034 ft²·°F·h/BTU | #### Vapour Properties | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | | Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ) | 100,000 | | sd-value | 100.0 m | | Vapor Resistivity | 500,000.00 MNs/gm | | Vapor Resistance | 500.00 MN.s/g | | Perm Rating | ≤0.0006 perms | | Classification | Impermeable Barrier | *** ### Aluminium Aluminium represents lightweight metallic sheet material with exceptional thermal conductivity and impermeability. 1mm thickness suitable for structural bracing and sheathing applications. Extremely high µ-value of 100,000 provides absolute vapor barrier. Excellent strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Anodized coatings provide additional protection and durability. Minimal thermal resistance due to high conductivity. Reflective surface reduces radiant heat transfer. Non-combustible and durable. Requires thermal breaks in building assemblies to prevent condensation and thermal bridging. Ideal for lightweight structural applications. #### Basic Information | Property | Value | | -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | | Type | Non-Ferrous Metal Sheet | | Thickness (m) | 0.001 | | Thickness (mm) | 1.0 | | Thickness (inches) | 0.039" | | Colour | Silver/Grey | | Primary Applications | Lightweight bracing, structural sheathing, vapor barriers | #### Thermal Properties | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | --------------- | ------------------------- | | Thermal Conductivity | 237 W/(m·K) | 1345.66 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F) | | Specific Heat Capacity | 510 J/(kg·K) | 0.122 BTU/(lb·°F) | | Density | 8050 kg/m³ | 502.3 lb/ft³ | | Thermal Resistance (R-value) | 0.000004 m²·K/W | 0.00002 ft²·°F·h/BTU | #### Vapour Properties | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | | Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ) | 100,000 | | sd-value | 100.0 m | | Vapor Resistivity | 500,000.00 MNs/gm | | Vapor Resistance | 500.00 MN.s/g | | Perm Rating | ≤0.0006 perms | | Classification | Impermeable Barrier | *** ## Plastic Sheathing & Bracing ### uPVC (Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride) uPVC represents rigid plastic material with moderate vapor resistance and excellent durability suitable for bracing and sheathing applications. 3mm thickness typical for profiles, sheets, and structural elements. Moderate µ-value of 10,761 provides substantial vapor resistance. Excellent chemical and UV resistance without additives. Rigid at service temperatures providing structural stability. Non-combustible with flame retardant additives. Superior weatherability compared to standard PVC with minimal maintenance required. Durable with 50+ year service life. Recyclable material suitable for sustainable construction. #### Basic Information | Property | Value | | -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- | | Type | Rigid Polymer Sheet / Structural Profile | | Thickness (m) | 0.003 | | Thickness (mm) | 3.0 | | Thickness (inches) | 0.118" | | Colour | White/Natural/Grey | | Primary Applications | Structural bracing, rigid barriers, weatherproof sheathing | #### Thermal Properties | Property | Metric | Imperial | | ---------------------------- | ------------- | ----------------------- | | Thermal Conductivity | 0.16 W/(m·K) | 0.908 BTU·in/(h·ft²·°F) | | Specific Heat Capacity | 1500 J/(kg·K) | 0.358 BTU/(lb·°F) | | Density | 1379 kg/m³ | 86.1 lb/ft³ | | Thermal Resistance (R-value) | 0.019 m²·K/W | 0.106 ft²·°F·h/BTU | #### Vapour Properties | Property | Value | | -------------------------------------------- | ---------------------- | | Water Vapour Diffusion Resistance Factor (µ) | 10,761 | | sd-value | 32.28 m | | Vapor Resistivity | 53,805.00 MNs/gm | | Vapor Resistance | 161.41 MN.s/g | | Perm Rating | 0.0055 perms | | Classification | Class I Vapor Retarder |