Plywood is very popular in the construction market. It is used in many areas. This material is several glued sheets of wood veneer, processed in a certain way. Synthetic resins are used to connect the layers. Thanks to this, all types of plywood are protected to some extent from moisture. But there are certain types that are better than others to prevent the effects of moisture. This is waterproof plywood.
Production Features
Wood-laminated boards that can withstand prolonged exposure to moisture are designated as PSF according to GOST.
Waterproof plywood sheets are produced using specially selected substances. These substances protect the material from moisture. Drying oil is used to impregnate wood, paintwork. In some types, the coating is puttied with compositions using PVA, fiberglass is used.
Already at the stage of forming the plates, the degree of moisture resistance is set. This is done by adjusting the composition of the synthetic resins used to bond the layers. Therefore, knowing the substance that was used as glue, you can determinemoisture content of the material:
- Slabs made using carbamide substances have a moisture resistance limit of around 5-10%. Such materials can withstand only short-term exposure to moisture.
- 10-15% resistance to moisture provides the use of phenol-formaldehyde compounds. Plates of this type can be used for outdoor work.
- Waterproof laminated plywood is not subject to destruction under the influence of moisture. It is protected by a film applied to the surface of the plate.
Advantages of the material and its disadvantages
The production method makes plywood durable and resistant to deformation. This is achieved due to the presence of several layers and special adhesive compositions. Therefore, the following advantages of such plates can be distinguished:
- Moisture resistant. Waterproof plywood is not subject to destruction under the influence of moisture. It does not stick to layers and does not deform.
- Easy to use. The high strength of the material does not interfere with the processing process. Plywood is easily processed with a variety of tools. Easy to install.
- Compatibility with other building materials. Most often, waterproof plywood is used as an additional material. It easily combines with natural and polymeric building materials.
- Wear resistance. Plywood withstands mechanical stress without breaking its integrity.
- Resistant to temperature extremes.
- Wide scope.
- Aesthetics. Plywood externally has an original wood pattern andcolor.
- Affordable price. Plywood boards are cheaper than solid wood. And you can always save money by choosing a lower grade material.
The only drawback of the material is the presence of harmful substances that make up the adhesive. We are talking about formaldehyde. Therefore, it is not recommended to use plywood in residential areas and where there are children or people with allergies.
Scope of application
Water resistant plywood is used in many industries. Most often it is used in construction. It is used in the following processes:
- Sheathing of walls, floors, roofs.
- Interior decoration of buildings.
- For making decorative items.
- As a reusable formwork.
- For billboards.
- For the production of containers.
Due to strength, reliability and low weight, waterproof plywood is used in the construction of ships, railways, garden furniture. A separate type of peeled birch is used even in aviation.
Types of plates
Taking into account the degree of moisture resistance, plywood is produced in several types:
- FC. This is a material that is made using urea-formaldehyde compounds. It has an average moisture resistance. But it has good environmental friendliness. Used for interior work, furniture production and decoration.
- FSF has increased protection against moisture. Asadhesives use phenol-formaldehyde resins. A rough floor, roof lathing, containers, billboards are made from such material.
- FBS has the greatest protection against moisture and swelling. This is bakelized moisture resistant plywood. It is used in the shipbuilding and aircraft industry.
In appearance, waterproof plywood is divided into five grades (from 1 to 5). If the slabs are made of hardwood, the letter E is added to the front of the numbers when marking. In the case of softwood, the letter X is used.
The quality of the surface treatment of the material is distinguished by unpolished (NSh), with one-sided grinding (Sh-1) and with double-sided grinding (Sh-2).
There is also a classification depending on the amount of formaldehyde in the material. With a content of up to ten milligrams per hundred grams of material mass, they speak of the E-1 emission class. If the resin contains from ten to thirty milligrams, then class E-2 is indicated.
Slab sizes
Average material dimensions are 1, 22x2, 44, 1, 25x2, 50, 1, 52x3, 05, 1, 52x1, 52 m. This is not all, but only the main dimensions for which waterproof plywood is produced. The thickness of the plates can be from 9 to 40 mm. It depends on the number of layers of wood. There can be from three to twenty-one.
- FK brand plywood is produced in lengths of 1.525 m. Its width can be 1.22, 1.27 or 1.525 m.
- FSF has a width of 1.22 and 1.25 m. Its length is 2.44, 2.5 m.
- DimensionsFBS plywood varies in length from 1.5 to 7.7 m, in width from 1.2 to 1.55 m.
User reviews
According to consumers, waterproof plywood is a quality material that is not afraid of moisture and atmospheric phenomena. They also note the high strength of the material.
In addition, ease of installation and processing are noted. You can hammer nails into the plates, tighten the screws, make holes in them, and so on. And all this does not cause any difficulties.
Of the minuses, consumers note the difficulty in transporting plywood. This is due to the large size. The dimensions of waterproof plywood are always more than one meter. Due to this, the plates do not fit all types of equipment. Therefore, to transport the material, it is necessary to look for suitable transport.
