Is it necessary to isolate an OSB enclosure?

[afsgr88]

Hi everyone!

The enclosure from my burm is built from OSB (Oriented strand boards), and even though the seller (which happens to be also the breeder) told me it wouldn't be necessary to isolate it, this issue has been bugging me... I am capable of mantaining the temps and humidity, even though I always need to keep a close eye on the last one. But I do feel like a lot of the heat and moist escapes through the wood. I am also a bit worried about the fact that the wood may not be capable of surviving the high humidities that burms need, and I honestly want this enclosure to last me at least one more year.

Would it make sense to isolate the material? If yes, how? I always used glass enclosures, but I like the look of the wooden ones (silly me, I know -.-), so I decided to try it.

What do you guys think?

[jay's reptiles]

food grade butcher block oil works its all natural and is safe for animals. just make sure to let the smell clear out of the cage first. its not that pleasnt of a smell.

[afsgr88]

food grade butcher block oil works its all natural and is safe for animals. just make sure to let the smell clear out of the cage first. its not that pleasnt of a smell.

Wow, I have no idea how I am gonna find something like that in Germany! Where do you usually get it?

[jay's reptiles]

Wow, I have no idea how I am gonna find something like that in Germany! Where do you usually get it?

walmart/hardware stores/ you could always ask around town as well.

hope this helps

[afsgr88]

I will try to find it. The trick will be to find how that is called in german :D Thanks!

[daisymaisy]

Hello! I think you mean sealing the wood? I have used water based sealant on my wooden vivs and just let it thoroughly dry out for at least a couple days. I used several coats to ensure a good covering. I think it is a good thing to do because the wood can absorb bacteria and odors without some kind of sealant. OSB does not stand up to moisture too well so I think you'll be glad you sealed it. Have fun!

[afsgr88]

Hello! I think you mean sealing the wood? I have used water based sealant on my wooden vivs and just let it thoroughly dry out for at least a couple days. I used several coats to ensure a good covering. I think it is a good thing to do because the wood can absorb bacteria and odors without some kind of sealant. OSB does not stand up to moisture too well so I think you'll be glad you sealed it. Have fun!

Yes, that's exactly what I meant! Thanks for the tip!

What about the separations and corners where the wood plaques come together? Would it be wise to use some kind of silicone there to seal those parts as well?

[daisymaisy]

I used aquarium safe silicone sealant for that purpose. It seems to be working well so far. Good luck!

[afsgr88]

I used aquarium safe silicone sealant for that purpose. It seems to be working well so far. Good luck!

Thank you daisymaisy :) I already bought those supplies, actually, including the aquarium sealant. I am just waiting for better weather, so that can do that stuff outside :D

[jay's reptiles]

I used aquarium safe silicone sealant for that purpose. It seems to be working well so far. Good luck!

I think food grade butcher block oil does the same thing. if its wood.