Should I caulk my OSB3 expansion joints?

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Waka
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Should I caulk my OSB3 expansion joints?

Post by Waka »

Ok guys, so my first layer on my ceiling uses OSB3 tongue and groove boards 18mm thickness. I was planning on caulking the expansion gaps, but hesitated due to them... being expansion gaps.

I'm not expecting much expansion as the room will be heavily insulated and airconditioned.

If I don't caulk the joints then mass will be less along the joints. I'm doing 2 layers of plasterboard on top so I shouldn't have issues with the airtight seal though.

I'm leaning towards caulking them ( they'll still expand 25%ish of the original amount as the caulk is flexible, and I believe the OSB shouldn't have drastic temperature changes as it is beneath 100mm rockwool and will have 200mm below it.

What are your thoughts?
Stay up at night reading books on acoustics and studio design, learn Sketchup, bang your head against a wall, redesign your studio 15 times, curse the gods of HVAC silencers and door seals .... or hire a studio designer.
Waka
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Joined: Sat May 20, 2017 7:47 am
Location: Lincolnshire, UK

Re: Should I caulk my OSB3 expansion joints?

Post by Waka »

Looking into it, I've come to the conclusion that I will caulk the t&g expansion joints. It seems that the expansion joints come into play mainly when the OSB takes on moisture, but as the OSB is a middle leaf inside the water-tight building evelope, is OSB3 (water resistant), my room will be humidity controlled, and the caulking is flexible, I don't forsee this becoming a problem.
Stay up at night reading books on acoustics and studio design, learn Sketchup, bang your head against a wall, redesign your studio 15 times, curse the gods of HVAC silencers and door seals .... or hire a studio designer.
Soundman2020
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Re: Should I caulk my OSB3 expansion joints?

Post by Soundman2020 »

Yes, caulk it. Always caulk any gaps, anywhere.
If I don't caulk the joints then mass will be less along the joints.
Right. And there won't be a good seal...
I'm doing 2 layers of plasterboard on top so I shouldn't have issues with the airtight seal though.
Ummm..... You have to seal EACH layer INDIVIDUALLY. Each layer by itself must be fully sealed, if you want maximum isolation.
they'll still expand 25%ish of the original amount as the caulk is flexible,
You should be looking for a better caulk, then! Most good caulks can handle a lot more than 25%.
I've come to the conclusion that I will caulk the t&g expansion joints.
:thu:


- Stuart -
Waka
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Posts: 408
Joined: Sat May 20, 2017 7:47 am
Location: Lincolnshire, UK

Re: Should I caulk my OSB3 expansion joints?

Post by Waka »

Hi Stuart, thought you'd say that! Obviously sealing every layer is ideal as there is more redundancy incase of sealant failure, Bmbut I also want the sheathing not to buckle ;), that's why I considered before caulking it.

My caulk is highly rated Everflex AC50
Stay up at night reading books on acoustics and studio design, learn Sketchup, bang your head against a wall, redesign your studio 15 times, curse the gods of HVAC silencers and door seals .... or hire a studio designer.
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