Weatherability of bracing ply

[flynnsart]

Can bracing ply be exposed to the elements for any period of time?

Donna

[OBBob]

I imagine it would be rated to a similar level as other building compents that are eventually to be covered, such as yellow tongue etc. These normally state 3 months. I'm sure the Carter Holt website would have a spec. somewhere.

[Dirty Doogie]

It depends what period of time and what the ply is actually made from. Bracing ply will last out a fair few beatings from the weather if fixed as it is supposed to be. Eventually though it will start delaminating. Pine ply will get bluestain fungus and turn grey, hardwood ply from indonesia will separate faster than hardwood ply from australia.

It is not engineered to take weather for extended periods but depending on what weather you get it could last a year untreated exposed. - maybe! the wetter or hotter it gets the shorter the exposure time.

Doog

[Bloss]

See:

http://www.chhwoodlogic.com.au/Produ...297,55,00.html

specs can be downloaded.

Ecoply uses marine grade formadelhyde resins so is highly water resistant, and will withstand exposure for some months uncoated. It can also be treated to H3 standard and if this is done then life in excess of 15 years can be expected unpainted.

If in an extreme location then a coat of paint would extend the temporary life of standard bracing ply prior to the final wall covering being fixed and not be detrimental to the performance of the ply.