Ainsworth Launches New pointSIX™ Subfloor
2.6.10
Revolutionary tapered-edge technology offsets effects of moisture exposure
Vancouver, CANADA (June 2, 2010) — Ainsworth, a leading manufacturer of Oriented Strand Board (OSB), is introducing an engineered subfloor solution that utilizes a unique technology to accommodate the effects of swelling due to moisture exposure.
New pointSIXTM Flooring features a patented tapered-edge technology whereby a thin layer of the highly compressed fiber along all four edges of the OSB panel is milled off, removing the part of the subfloor that’s most prone to swelling. PointSIX takes its name from research results indicating a .6mm taper depth to be the most effective in reducing edge swell.
The engineered solution was developed over five years of extensive research and testing, where pointSIX was subjected to repeated wet and dry cycles to simulate severe, wet jobsite conditions. In one rigorous test, the engineered panel was flooded for 14 days; after drying out the average edge swell was contained to 0.01 inch, not much more than a sheet of paper.
The taper on pointSIX is almost imperceptible, and it’s a dimension that won’t require sanding. With moisture, the wood fibers expand to essentially “fill up to flush” the micro-taper. If no moisture contacts the engineered subfloor, it does not require any filler or mastic. APA-approved for structural integrity, pointSIX features a precise tongue-and-groove profile for a secure fit.
“Builders recognize what many manufacturers are reluctant to admit: wood swells when it gets wet,” commented Robert Fouquet, vice president, marketing and sales for Ainsworth. “We’ve brought an entirely new approach to solving the problem before the subfloor gets to the job site, by engineering the panel to accommodate moisture,” he added.
The idea for pointSIX came from Steve Bailey, technical manager at Ainsworth’s OSB mill in Barwick, Ontario. “I suddenly had this epiphany: that by shaving a slight taper off the panel edge, we could avoid the problems associated with edge swell,” Bailey explained. The solution at first seemed too simple to be effective, but research, trials and field tests proved it to be a viable solution. “The big question we’ve had from builders is, ‘Why hasn’t someone thought of this before?’” said Bailey.
According to Fouquet, the pointSIX products will be priced competitively, with no additional cost for the new technology. “We believe that every builder should be able to expect subfloor that offsets the effects of moisture without paying a premium,” stated Fouquet.
Ainsworth is offering warranties that are unprecedented in the industry. For the premium level pointSIX Durastrand Flooring, suitable for high-end projects such as custom homes, Ainsworth offers a Lifetime Limited Warranty against delamination and a 180-day No-Sand Guarantee. For Ainsworth’s standard pointSIX Flooring, it’s a 25-year Limited Warranty.
PointSIX is available through a network of independent distributors. Ainsworth has published a technical white paper detailing the product’s technical aspects and describing the testing process. The white paper, along with more information on the product, is available for download at www.pointsixflooring.com.
About Ainsworth
Known for its innovation, quality and service, Ainsworth is a leading manufacturer and supplier of engineered wood products for residential, commercial and industrial applications. For more than half a century, Ainsworth has been respected as a successful forest products company. Current operations are located in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, Canada. AinsworthEngineered® OSB is APA-certified and known for its consistent quality and reliability. For more information about Ainsworth products, visit www.ainsworthengineered.com.