Whether oriented strand board is completely ruined when it gets wet depends heavily on the duration of exposure, the amount of water absorbed, and how quickly the material is allowed to dry out. Brief exposure to light rain during active construction is typically survivable if the panels are given adequate time and airflow to dry completely without pooling water. However, if OSB gets thoroughly soaked or submerged, or if water ponds on the surface for extended periods, the compressed wood flakes absorb the moisture deeply, causing the edges to swell significantly and thickness to increase permanently. Once this irreversible swelling and edge-degradation occurs, the structural integrity is compromised, and the panel is generally considered ruined.
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