This often results in watery eyes, runny noses, and itching or stinging sensations. This won't delete the articles you've saved, just the list. Inside of the home, CDX plywood is often used as an additional flooring layer that rests just below the carpet pad or as a backer board for tiling. Now osb would be a different story. It only took a few months to start having problems on that side. So the face/back of CDX plywood is rough . Become a GBA Prime member and get full access to GBA articles, enyclopedia, videos, CAD library, and more. Usually CDX plywood are sanded but not polished . This is accomplished by soaking the CDX plywood panels in synthetic substances that are specifically designed to better withstand moisture and mold buildup. By necessity we frame in the rain here in the PNW. Depending on the quality of glue used, the plywood will be more or less susceptible to damage due to exposure. Different plywoods have Read More Uncategorized; 0 what color is pewter? How Long Can CDX Plywood Be Exposed? When it comes to CDX plywood, the ‘X’ signifies exposure, which means that while CDX plywood is slightly water-resistant, it is not waterproof, and therefore the CDX plywood can only withstand a limited amount of moisture over a short period of time before showing signs of degradation. The face/back of CDX plywood is flat. For example, it may withstand moisture during the construction process. I’d say if you had five days of rain, and it got really messed up, then you probably had a bad lot. Rain and snow can serve as a serious threat to the integrity of a structure made with CDX plywood. The plywood will dry. Penetrating oil sinks deep into the pores of the wood where … Homeowners considering using CDX plywood for their next project should recognize that, by no means is CDX plywood fit for extensive exposure to the elements, because it is not weatherproof. Different types of wood can offer different pros and cons, and while CDX plywood may be the best pick for one DIY project, it may not hold up for other home construction tasks. In addition to these structural uses, CDX plywood is also commonly used for minor utility purposes, such as rudimentary shelving in basements, storage cabinets, or sheds. FAQ: Why Do Some Builders Avoid Foam Insulation. You can simply do it by yourself with the help of the following methods. A: John Spier, a custom-home builder on Block Island, Rhode Island, responds: Most everything we do takes long enough to build that it’s bound to get rained on a few times. How Contractors Keep Up with Building Trends, Leaking Skylights: Why It Happens and What to Do About It. 5 days of rain max? If you are new to working with plywood, it is easy to get some of the options mixed up. Plywood in general – and especially CDX plywood – is known for being susceptible to damage from everyday elements. According to the Center for Disease Control, “The issue of formaldehyde exposure in homes is long … At what point does CDX “exposure 1” plywood warping, swelling, or delaminating go from “its our fault because we manufactured it wrong” to “its your fault for not covering it up fast enough”? But ninety-five percent of all exterior plywood and oriented strand board (OSB), that carries the American Plywood Association (APA) trademark, comes from the factories with a durability classification of Exposure 1. Whether or not they’ll do anything about it is another story entirely. what does the color pewter look like? But what is the reasonable/allowed number of days for exposure to wet weather? Plywood and OSB structural panels have varying degrees of impact resistance based on the panel construction. CDX plywood is an excellent resource for homeowners and contractors who are looking for an affordable, durable sheathing solution. But it should be emphasized that ‘minimal’ is the key word here. CDX plywood is a kind of economical plywood . Pressure-treated plywood usually has a greenish hue and a slightly oily surface. To properly seal plywood, penetrating oil can be used. Types of Exterior Plywood CDX is the most common exterior plywood grade. Exposure 1 means the panels have been waterproofed and can withstand exposure to the elements during construction. But exterior plywood is more expensive than interior grade plywood . In addition, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, and 3/4 thicknesses are usually available at most stores, too. The exposure rating is supposed to let the material be exposed for a reasonable period of construction, which I’d think should be at least a few weeks to a few months. Note: Exposure 1 rated plywood, commonly called "CDX" in the trade, is sometimes mistaken as an Exterior rated sheathing and erroneously used in applications for which it does not possess the required resistance to weather. Plywood sheets that rank A or B tend to be the most expensive pieces, whereas C-level and D-level plywood pieces are more affordable and cheaper in quality, making it a more economical option. And as most homeowners know, continually repainting, staining, or replacing segments of full sheets of CDX plywood panels can be a pain. Usually, CDX plywood is sanded but not polished. I've occasionally had a few small spots of delimitation on subfloors, but never on wall sheathing. CDX plywood can tell you a lot about how it is made simply in its name. Foil-faced polyiso left exposed longterm - impact to R-Value? However, when used on the interior, such as in a bathroom, laundry area, or another room that experiences frequent humidity, the composition of CDX plywood should be able to hold up reliably. Anything that can prolong the performance and longevity of a product is a big plus when it comes to home ownership and maintenance, so CDX plywood that has been treated with extra protective qualities is a popular choice. In the case of CDX plywood, the X at the end denotes that it is rated for exposure. For touch-sanded grades such as C-D Plugged, A vital difference exists between Plywood panels and sheathing classified as ‘Exterior’ and ‘Exposure 1’. CDX treated plywood is a form of plywood that receives a specific, high-tech treatment of targeted chemicals that enhances the durability and performance of the wood veneer. CDX plywood is moisture resistant but can not be exposed to water or weather for long time . Usually CDX plywood are sanded but not polished . The quality of wood can be evaluated based on knots, splinters, color, durability, and more. How long can the air tightness of construction be maintained? Any form of plywood is made from a number of plies, which are pressed tightly together to form a stronger and larger piece of plywood. CDX stands for class C to D exposed plywood. Without veneers applied to the exterior, OSB board is much more affordable than CDX plywood. The classifications are based on material composition as well as the durability of the adhesives utilized in the manufacturing process. This matters because increased durability extends the life of CDX plywood, which means that homeowners will have to deal with less maintenance, like repainting or replacing CDX plywood panels. Long term exposure to even low levels of formaldehyde vapour can also trigger respiratory symptoms. How long can CDX plywood be exposed in winter? Though it will resist water for a few months, it will need to be covered with a sheath for long term use (and that sheath is oftentimes OSB). some applications can be read directly from the tables. To give the project a better appearance, a coat of paint may be necessary, if the end product looks poor due to the low grade of the plywood. Above: Plywood makes for neutral and streamlined kitchen cabinets; see Kitchen of the Week: Eclectic English Kitchen, Color Included for more. Inhaling between 0.4 to 3 ppm of formaldehyde vapour can cause mild to moderate irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. CDX plywood sizes are typically available in sizes 3, 5, 7, and 9, and there are a variety of thicknesses available, ranging from 1/4 inch to 1 1/4 inch thickness. Plywood, while a relatively inexpensive product to use, can be particularly tricky when it comes to finishing. The ‘X’ in CDX plywood refers to the way in which the different layers of plywood veneers are glued together. This whole project will just require only 1-2 days. Because the core veneers for CDX plywood are not as good as exterior plywood. Contractors frequently use CDX plywood as roof sheathing or for exterior walls because of its water resistance. There is a vital difference between Plywood and OSB panels and sheathing that are classified as Exterior and Exposure 1. Source: sebringdesignbuild.com. However, because of its low-quality exterior, CDX plywood is not often used for pieces of furniture that require a more finished appearance inside the home. The best example of this is using the plywood as subflooring during a construction process. © 2020 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. In general, CDX plywood should not be left as the first line of defense against heavy moisture on the exterior part of a building, especially over an extended period of time. Often referred to as CDX treated plywood or pressure-treated plywood, this particular option offers builders a product that is sure to hold up longer than untreated CDX plywood. if you have it covered with synthetic underlayment it can be left exposed for around 4 months without any issues. Its cross-laminated construction helps to distribute impact loads and makes it virtually split resistant. Thus, the ‘CDX’ symbolizes the quality of the veneer on each side (one C veneer added to one D veneer), bonded by an adhesive that only allows a limited amount of exposure to moisture. Surfaces of plywood panels with … In addition to being more affordable, the ability to withstand higher levels of moisture is such a significant benefit to OSB board. Unless you had some kind of major deluge for five days with a long period of mugginess after so the material could never dry out, I think you have a case with the manufacturer. Cons of CDX Plywood. Though CDX plywood’s layered property has many advantages, it also has a few disadvantages. Eventually either the glue bond fails or the wood shears along the glue, and the plys separate. Outside of the home, contractors commonly use CDX plywood as an integral part of building exterior walls and roofs during the construction process. What does it mean for our homes and how can we protect ourselves? You can delay this process -- perhaps for many years -- by painting both sides and all the edges with high-quality exterior enamel. © Innovative Building Material | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy. The plywood will dry. Plywood is fairly stable so long as it's exposed to the same humidity on both sides, but moisture content changes affect the wood in the plys exactly the same way it does solid wood. However, European buyers prefer WBP(exterior) plywood for indoor use . We will only send you awesome stuff!Privacy Policy. Required fields are marked *. Be sure to consider the specific needs of your project to determine if CDX plywood is fit for the task at hand. You might be wondering, what is CDX plywood? Do not use CDX for roofing, sheds, or … After all, because of the composition of wood grain that is used during CDX plywood production, this type of plywood is able to absorb moisture at a certain level without warping, splitting, or rotting. That is why manufacturers have come up with a solution that reinforces the integrity of CDX plywood to make it better fit for holding up against rain, snow, humidity, and mold. Nonetheless, CDX plywood ranks as a convenient and affordable sheet of wood composed of several layers. If this plywood is exposed to the wood again and again then it will make it porous and susceptible to water damage. Some small knots are allowed in the face/back. It may also be a great option for subflooring because the air can travel around the plywood and keep it from becoming too wet. Always be sure to consult with a professional and plan your construction with purpose. Plywood holds up well to sharp blows, fork tine impact and other in-service abuses, which in turn means lower replacement costs. It started raining before we could get the tar paper on, and it rained for five days straight and there’s issues. This CDX plywood becomes heavy when it gets wet. Defective material? It's rated for exterior exposure during construction. “CDX” should only be used for applications as outlined under Exposure 1 above. Residential PV Installations in Florida Remain Strong. Exterior plywood has good waterproof properties and can be exposed to weather/water for long time . In other cases, the values given in the tables should be adjusted for special conditions using the factors listed in the “Table of Adjustment Factors.” Table 1 applies to unsanded plywood and is based on APA RATED SHEATH-ING (marked PS 1) grade. However, if a building project drags on and the CDX plywood experiences repeated assaults of rain and snow, say over the course of the winter, then this can pose a severe problem for the building project. Elder, Chicago, IL. You must be a magazine subscriber to access this feature. During the CDX plywood adhesive process, manufacturers carefully position the wood grain elements of the plywood so that they are aligned in a way that reduces shrinkage. A roofing contractor I frequently work with even said it shouldn’t get that bad. One side is a different lot number from the other, but both are CDX roof sheathing rated plywood. As you can see, CDX plywood offers a lot of pros and cons. When considering CDX plywood thicknesses, remember that these are nominal sizes, and you should account for a deduction of about 1/32 inches after sanding, which most projects will require. Sign up to get updates on all of the latest innovative building products. It’s an exposure plywood. When you think about it, this single piece of CDX plywood actually has a lot of elements to consider! To ensure a long life of plywood outside, it is necessary to weatherize it. Thanks. For example, a few days of rain exposure that happens in the middle of a building project should not be a problem. Your email address will not be published. 6 months of rain? Instead, it is typically used as added support underneath shingles, beneath roofing felt, and behind insulation and siding. As Bill said, If you are experiencing widespread failure there is something wrong with the plywood. If you are set on using CDX plywood for your next home building project, then it is time to explore the options available in terms of size, thickness, and availability. How long can CDX plywood be exposed? This one waves red flags as CDX plywood isn’t intended for prolonged exposure to weather. Whether you’re building a small bookcase or backing exterior siding, the type of home construction project will make a big difference as to whether or not CDX plywood is fit for the job at hand. Many smaller DIY projects can use CDX plywood as long as appearance isn't a primary concern. Moreover, this plywood type absorbs water, slightly expanding all the while. I have a good test case for this: a doghouse roof. Utilizing wrong panels or sheathing could compromise a structure exposed to weather. These features are assessed and then assigned a rating – either A, B, C, or D. Just like in school, A is the highest rating that denotes top quality, while D is the lowest rating that denotes a lower level of quality. The Best Ways to Paint and Seal Plywood. CDX plywood is not exterior plywood . Only use CDX plywood for the interior of a house, where water damage is far less likely. Because of these differences, OSB is generally the better choice for exterior roofing projects and shingle foundations. Your email address will not be published. Classification Exposure 1 : Plywood suitable for uses not permanently exposed to the weather. But the truth is that, even though both OSB and CDX plywood are commonly used in a single home construction site, there is a big difference between these two plywood types! Your source for the latest products and trends within the architecture, construction, interior design, and building materials industry. If you use interior plywood outdoors, it won't be long before the corners of the sheets separate, and eventually the plywood will become spongy and disintegrate. When you put it all together, CDX plywood is made by bonding at least three layers of wood together, and the finished product ultimately features a different grade of plywood veneer on either side, one C-rated piece and one D-rated piece. CDX plywood is a kind of economical plywood . Let us go through it one by one. While the classification of CDX plywood may seem like it is not a very durable option, CDX plywood is actually a perfectly suitable choice for a lot of home building projects, both inside and outside of the home! 10 days of rain? How long can wood framing be exposed to weather before it becomes water-damaged? Manufacturers produce it by infusing regular plywood with chemicals under pressure to give it added resistance to mold and mildew. Plywood improves on wood's well-known ability to absorb shock. Antonius J. This CDX plywood is a kind of economical plywood. For example, many first-time homeowners confuse CDX plywood with OSB plywood. Exterior plywood means "plywood for outdoor use" . Exposure 1 essentially means that it can be exposed to moisture, but it can’t be expected to hold up under consistent moisture forever. CDX plywood is moisture resistant but can not be exposed to water or weather for long time . However, they are not suitable for long-term exposure post-construction. Formation. Can you increase the efficiency of a gas fireplace with a long exposed flue pipe? 30 days of rain? https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-2-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-CDX-Plywood-1062/305626156 Exterior grade plywood can be used indoor , too . One side is just fine, no delamination at all, just discolored with that cape cod gray look. In addition, the resin and glue bonding approach actually makes OSB board better suited for enduring moisture, unlike CDX plywood which can become warped when moisture builds up between the bonded layers. Rain and snow can serve as a serious threat to the integrity of a structure made with CDX plywood. The ‘CDX’ is actually a combination of ratings that provide information as to the quality and construction of the plywood. The good news is that CDX plywood is available at most home and garden stores, since it is a common material used for home DIY and construction projects. (Most people mistakenly think that it stands for “exterior”.) For sheathing grade panels that will be exposed long-term to weather, specify APA Rated Sheathing Exterior (C-C Exterior plywood under PS 1). ie. CDX plywood is much thicker and can be bought for low prices in large volumes. DEAR RICHARD: I am at a little disadvantage since I can't see the wood. Unless you had some kind of major deluge for five days with a long period of mugginess after so the material could never dry out, I think you have a case with the manufacturer. While this may sound similar to CDX plywood, it is a very different composition process, and OSB board is generally much less durable than CDX plywood. Some knots and knot holes exist in the face/back . OSB which stands for oriented strand board, is composed of wood chips bonded together with resin and glue. Utilizing the wrong panels or sheathing could compromise the structure which is exposed to weather. I put it on two years ago and then got busy and never put the shingles on (to match the main house). CDX plywood is moisture resistant but cannot be exposed to water or weather for long. CDX plywood Question dan99 | Posted in General Discussion on January 25, 2007 07:45am I’m installing a 5/8″ CDX roof tomorrow and am having trouble determining which face is the C … I haven’t been able to find a definite answer for this online. Granted, CDX plywood is never used as the final exterior layer, because of its lack of durability. This means that it can withstand some moisture for a limited period of time. Use exterior rated plywood for permanent outdoor structures that will be exposed to water long-term. The exposure rating is supposed to let the material be exposed for a reasonable period of construction, which I’d think should be at least a few weeks to a few months. Given a few days, this moisture is able to release and the CDX plywood dries out in a way that it still maintains its original size and shape. Certainly, exposed CDX plywood sheets can withstand exposure to high dampness conditions or even rain without compromising the integrity of the structure. With that said, CDX plywood is capable of withstanding limited exposure to moisture – including rain and snow. Picking the right type of wood for home building projects is absolutely essential, as the type of wood can impact performance, durability, and long-term maintenance to be expected. if you have it covered with synthetic underlayment it can be left exposed for around 4 months without any issues. This plywood is also useful to make small storage boxes or even shelves in a garage. Homeowners considering using CDX plywood for their next project should recognize that, by no means is CDX plywood fit for extensive exposure to the elements, because it is not weatherproof. Sometimes, a lower quality wood is used for interior layers, reserving the better layers for the outside. What Temperature Is Too Cold For Roofing. This feature has been temporarily disabled during the beta site preview. The other side is a different story: some of the plys have wrinkled and buckled. Panels classified as Exposure 1 are intended to resist the effects of moisture on structural performance as may occur due to construction delays, or other conditions of similar severity. "CDX" should only be used for applications as outlined under Exposure 1 above. Plywood is tough but it still needs to be sealed, especially on the edges, to prevent moisture penetration when used outdoors. Ago and then got busy and never put the shingles on ( to match the main house ), is. Tine impact and other in-service abuses, which in turn means lower replacement costs help of the shears... 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T get that bad expensive than interior grade plywood can be Read directly from the.! Lower replacement costs to weather fork tine impact and other in-service abuses, which turn! Of elements to consider and ‘Exposure 1’ there ’ s issues for.! Some Builders Avoid Foam insulation exposed in winter ratings that provide information as to the,. Red flags as CDX plywood as an integral part of building exterior walls because its., reserving the better choice for exterior walls because of its water resistance as an integral part of building walls. No delamination at all, just the list grade plywood can tell a. Plywood refers to the exterior, OSB board for prolonged exposure to wet weather it mean for our homes how... Specifically designed to better withstand moisture and mold buildup of delimitation on subfloors, but both are CDX sheathing. A long exposed flue pipe mold buildup updates on all of the innovative! 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