People install waterproof plywood on furniture, cabinets, wall panels and in the internal construction of houses and other structures because it is durable (strong) and can absorb moisture. However, the long-term performance of waterproof plywood will be affected by the type and quality of the plywood as well as by how it was installed. Incorrect installation of waterproof plywood can result in decreased strength, loss of structural integrity, and decreased overall performance.
Not Properly Preparing the Surface
The biggest mistake people make when installing waterproof plywood panels is not properly preparing the surface onto which they will install the panels. If the surface is not level, clean or completely dry, the plywood will not adhere properly or sit flat over the surface.
A non-level surface will create excessive tension in the plywood panel and eventually cause it to warp, twist or loosen. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the surface is adequately prepared, clean, dry and level in order to achieve the proper alignment inside the space where the panel is installed.
Using Inappropriate Fasteners
Using an inappropriate type of fastener, nail or screw when installing sheets of waterproof plywood will severely weaken the ability of the fasteners to hold the plywood in place. If nails or screws are too short, are improperly spaced from each other, or if they are installed in a place that does not receive adequate load or support, they will not support the plywood sheet properly.
The spacing between the screws or nails is critical to achieve uniform load distribution over each sheet of plywood. If each sheet of plywood is not installed level relative to other sheets installed in the same area, the plywood will shift while the structure is under load, which will eventually result in cracking and/or structural failure.
Not Leaving Expansion Spaces
Water moves through wood, and in combination with changes in temperature and humidity, wood expands and contracts. A common installation mistake people make is to install waterproof plywood sheets too tightly to each other and not to leave an adequate spacing or expansion area between each sheet.
When expansion spaces are not provided between each sheet of waterproof plywood, as the surface sheets of plywood expand, the surface sheets will push against each other. This excessive pressure will warp or distort the surface of the plywood sheets and/or create voids. Providing a sufficient expansion space (typically 1 inch) between the plywood sheets will allow for adequate movement of the wood product.
Not Properly Sealing Edges
Although waterproof plywood resists moisture, the edges of waterproof plywood can be damaged during the installation process if exposed. If the edges of waterproof plywood are not sealed during the installation process, moisture can penetrate into the board.
When the edges are sealed properly during the installation process, sealant and/or a protective coating can be used to prohibit the penetration of moisture into the interior of the plywood sheet.
Lack of Support
The last common mistake made in the installation process of sheets of waterproof plywood is not providing adequate support to each sheet of plywood installed. Large sheets of wood (whether used for furniture bases, wall panels or shelves) require that there are sufficient supports or frames under each sheet of plywood installed.
If there is not enough support for the plywood sheets, plywood can flex under load and cause potential structural failure.
Conclusion
Avoiding installation mistakes will greatly affect the ability of waterproof plywood to perform satisfactorily over many years. To ensure that you will have years of performance from your waterproof plywood, you must prepare the surface to receive the plywood adequately, install using proper fastening and nailing techniques, leave adequate expansion spaces between each sheet, adequately seal the edges of each sheet and use sufficient supports under each sheet installed. If you install high-quality waterproof plywood made from advanced bonding technologies, such as Royale Touche, you will receive many years of performance.