South London loft conversion specialist finds multiple uses for West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero

A family-run firm from Surrey, which specialises in loft conversions and the creation of bespoke garden rooms, is making extensive use of SterlingOSB Zero from panel product manufacturer, West Fraser, based on the board’s value, performance and ease of installation.

MB Loft Conversions, based in Caterham, was established eight years ago by Mark Bell and undertakes contracts right across South London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent.  Typically, the company completes up to a dozen loft conversions and other projects each year. Mark purchases his SterlingOSB Zero from Selhurst Timber and other builders merchants’ local to clients’ properties.  While he mainly prefers to use 18mm tongue and groove boards for their strength and excellent alignment when laid, some of MB Loft Conversions’ builds also use quantities of 11mm (square edge) SterlingOSB Zero. 

Mark Bell commented: “I started out in the building trade as a carpenter but soon began concentrating on loft conversions and really enjoy the work which is all for private clients.  The jobs vary in size; we have done quite a number of larger projects typically with two rooms in the loft, along with two en-suites. The garden rooms can be very large as well.

“There is a number of reasons why we prefer to use both West Fraser’s 8×4 and 8×2 T&G Sterling OSB Zero, apart from it being a product I’m very familiar with.  We know we can rely on the quality, while the 18 mm T&G boards are like gold when it comes to doing flat roofs and make a really good deck.  We also use them for the cheeks of the dormer windows, while we switch to the 11mm for internal walls. There are also many applications for SterlingOSB Zero when it comes to our garden rooms.”

As part of a comprehensive, overall carbon negative product range, SterlingOSB Zero T&G presents specifiers with precision-engineered tongue and groove boards, which are typically specified for pitched or flat roof decking and timber frame construction, as well as for flooring and other applications.

Also from an environmental viewpoint, the ‘Zero’ in the name means no formaldehyde is added during its manufacture, which is a first in the UK – encouraging its specification on improved health and safety grounds. 

Available in thicknesses of 18 and 22mm, the boards are produced in 2400 x 1200mm and 2440 x 1220mm sizes with T&G joints on two edges, as well as an 18mm thick version with T&G profiles around all four edges and face dimensions of 2400mm or 2440mm by 625mm. They are strong enough for use in most load-bearing applications, while BBA certification and recognition NHBC Technical is a key assurance for housebuilding applications.  SterlingOSB Zero T&G also bears the coveted UKTFA Q-mark, a quality certification which provides a benchmark for manufacturers and offers confidence to designers and end-users across the UK.

To find out more about West Fraser’s products for housebuilders, get in touch with Dan Clarke – email Daniel.Clarke@westfraser.com or download product brochures from the housebuilder page of the West Fraser website https://uk.westfraser.com/housebuilders/

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit Uk.westfraser.com

For further information on MB Loft Conversions, email mbloftconversions@gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/MBLoftConversions/