A hot idea that's really cool: Solarboard.
It's a typical hot day in the south. 95 degrees in the shade. So what's the temperature inside a Solar board house?

It’s a lot cooler.

A house protected by Solar Board® radiant barrier sheathing has a head start on comfort. Up to 97% of radiant heat from the sun is reflected by Solar Board, so the attic will be as much as 30° cooler. This means the rest of the house will certainly be cooler too. Cooler attic. Cooler house.

Lower energy costs.

A house kept comfortable by Solar Board is easy on energy bills. And today a house that conserves energy is a whole lot more attractive to home buyers, so the small additional cost of Solar Board for roofs and walls is a real good investment.

A cool 20 year warranty.

Solar Board is made right here in the USA and is backed by a 20 year warranty. That’s a real plus for new home buyers too.


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SOLARBOARD VIDEO

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

END USES

HANDLING AND STORAGE


 

INSTALLATION

WHERE TO GET SOLARBOARD

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FEATURES AND BENEFITS

Solar Board is a radiant barrier sheathing product for roofs and exterior walls – a combination of two products - heat-reflecting foil laminated to OSB (Oriented Strand Board). The union of the materials results in a radiant barrier sheathing that is unsurpassed in reducing heat transfer.

Homebuyers benefits

  • Reduces radiant heat transfer through the roof by 97%.
  • Reduces attic temperatures by up to 30ºF.
  • Increases the efficiency of attic duct work.
  • Prolongs life of heating/air conditioning system.
  • Increases comfort level significantly.
  • Reduces cooling costs.
  • Helps hold heat in your home during winter.
  • Requires no maintenance. Does not deteriorate over time.
  • As solar heat increases, Solar Board’s effectiveness goes up.

Homebuilders benefits

  • Provides an important reason for homebuyers to buy your home instead of your competitor’s.
  • As easy to install as regular sheathing.
  • The ideal sheathing for roofs and walls.
  • Does not increase labor costs.
  • OSB certified by APA-The Engineered Wood Association and HUD.
  • Costs only a few dollars more per sheet than regular sheathing.
  • No adverse effect on shingles.
  • Made by Norbord, a company builders can count on for quality and reliability.

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END USES

The main application for Solar Board is for roof sheathing and external walls.

Installing Solar Board on gables reduces heat gain through the attic even more. Solar Board is particularly effective on gables with southern exposures that endure solar rays for prolonged periods. (Please see installation guide)

Installing Solar Board as exterior wall sheathing provides maximum interior comfort and energy savings benefits. (Please see installation guide)

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HANDLING AND STORAGE

  • Always store Solar Board panels in a clean, dry area.
  • Do not store panels in direct contact with the ground.
  • Keep panels well supported and neatly stacked to prevent warpage.
  • Protect Solar Board from moisture with plastic sheeting or tarpaulins. Cover sides loosely to provide adequate air ventilation.
  • Handle Solar Board with care. Do not drop on corners or crush panel edges. Avoid damage to foil surface.
  • Follow installation instructions carefully. Solar Board Radiant Barrier Sheathing is an engineered wood product and is subject to natural expansion and contraction due to changes in humidity and temperature.

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INSTALLATION

Norbord structural panels are to be installed according to the APA's (The Engineered Wood Association) Construction Guide E30 and the appropriate building code. Below are some key installation points.

Solar Board on Roofs

  1. Make sure rafter alignment is uniform and square.
  2. Allow a minimum of 1/8” spacing between ends and edges of panels.
  3. Check local building codes for roof ventilation requirements.
  4. For maximum performance, protect Solar Board panels from moisture prior to and during installation. Exposure to certain moisture conditions could result in development of mould & mildew.
  5. Cover roof as soon as possible with shingle underlayment (or #15 roofing felt) to protect panels from weather. If construction delays are anticipated, cover with #30 roofing felt.
  6. Place Solar Board Radiant Barrier Sheathing panels on rafters – foil side facing down, toward the attic air space.
  7. Do not allow insulation or other materials to come in contact with foiled surface of Solar Board. Maintain minimum 3/4” airspace. The use of baffles may be required to maintain the air space.
  8. Use 8d nails to fasten Solar Board panels to rafters at a minimum of 6” on center at supported panel ends and edges, and 12” on center at intermediate supports. Check your local building codes.
  9. Cover roof as soon as possible with shingle underlayment (or #15 roofing felt) to protect panels from weather. If construction delays are anticipated, cover with #30 roofing felt.
  10. Allow Solar Board Radiant Barrier Sheathing to adjust to atmospheric conditions before installing shingles. (Heavier weight or textured shingles provide better performance than lightweight fiberglass shingles).
  11. Fastener spacing*

Solar Board on Gables

  1. Install the Solar Board panels with foil side facing in, toward the attic space.
  2. Allow 3/4" air space between foiled surface and all other building materials in the attic.
  3. Maintain 1/8" spacing between panel ends and edges.
  4. Keep Solar Board panels protected from the elements prior to, during and after installation.
  5. Make sure the support alignment is uniform and square.
  6. Fastener spacing*

*Consult your local building codes for local requirements and specifications and the APA Construction Guide E30

Click here to download Frequently Asked Questions About Solarboard (PDF - 64KB)

Click here to download the Solarboard Warranty (PDF - 89KB)

Click here to download the Solarboard Brochure 1 (PDF - 89KB)

Click here to download the Solarboard Brochure 2 (PDF - 89KB)

Click here for the APA web site

Click here for the Norbord Industries web site

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