Structural Board Association (SBA)

The SBA represents a group of international OSB producers. The association was founded in 1976 representing five companies and six mills. Their mission was to coordinate research, establish a distinct identity for waferboard as a commodity building panel, promote acceptance in building codes, and develop technical information in support of market end uses. The association has quite a history and has gone through some name changes. It finally incorporated in the U.S. in 1994. But it was in 1978 and 1979, when SBA coordinated the development of the first North American standards for waferboard, that OSB distinguished itself from particleboard. Then in 1980, the U.S. Model Codes and the National Building Code of Canada specified separate and distinct waferboard end uses.

SBA undertakes and supports short- and long-term technical and research programs which will enhance OSB quality, improve product manufacturers, and provide technical support for market expansion programs. They continue to promote the recognition of OSB as a structural-use wood panel product in worldwide building codes and standards.

To learn more about the association and the use of OSB in floor, roof, and wall sheathing, write to them for their 28-page booklet, OSB In Wood Frame Construction, at:

Structural Board Association
45 Sheppard Ave. E., Suite 412
Willowdale, Ontario
Canada M2N 5W9
416-730-9090
http://www.sba-osb.com

Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA)

This organization was established to promote the structural insulated panel industry, including panel manufacturers as well as their suppliers and customers. It maintains ongoing communications between its members and other interested parties, including government agencies, trade associations, industry professionals, and code agencies, to ensure that SIPA interests are recognized and its members are kept abreast of relevant issues. They organize forums, workshops, mailings, and other activities for members, all designed to share information and provide business opportunities.

SIPA conducts an ongoing publicity and information program to gain visibility for the industry and to promote the interests of its members. Press releases, articles, directory listings, and a national workshop series all generate inquiries and direct leads for SIPA and its members. They assist the structural insulated panel industry in promoting professional business ethics among its members. Their newsletter, Spotlight On SIPA, is packed full of information. To learn more about this organization, contact them at:

Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA)
P.O. Box 1699
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Phone 253-858-7472, Fax 253-858-7472
http://www.sips.org
E-mail: staff@sips.org

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