Grahm also acknowledges that APA, an organization he clearly respects, is standing firmly behind the osb product. Florida s Dade county is the only building code district in the country that prohibits the use of osb as a roof deck. Damage to roofs during hurricane Andrew were originally blamed on osb s poor nail-holding power. Dade s banning of osb spawned several research initiatives to explore the suitability of osb as a structural sheathing. Research conducted by APA, Chow, LaTona and others have conclusively proven osb seaworthy.
Many experts think the ban makes no sense.
Dade s position is perceived by many industry insiders to be a political maneuver to satisfy public concern. Market Rap Osb has earned its reputation as a low-cost substitute for plywood. A substantial savings to be sure. The trend among builders is to switch to osb. APA s market data indicates that more than half the structural panels used in residential construction in 1995 were osb.