Installation of wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing over foam insulation creates the need for wall cladding, such as lap siding or vinyl siding, to be installed over WSP as nailable sheathing. On the other hand, many builders have elected to install foam insula- tion over WSP sheathing.
Continuous sheathing methods require structural panel sheathing to be used on all sheathable surfaces on one side of a braced wall line including areas above and below openings and gable end walls. Braced wall panels shall be constructed in accordance with one of the methods listed in Table R602.
What is sheathing in plywood?
Plywood sheathing is a structural building material used for residential and commercial construction. The panels must be grade-stamped to meet building code.
What is sheathing for?
Sheathing is the supporting structure that acts as a cover for the surfaces of a building. The main function of sheathing is to provide a surface where other materials can be applied to, either on either floors, roofs, or walls of structures. It also provides additional structural integrity to buildings.
What is a WSP panel?
Exterior (WSP)
Extend sheathing to foundation sill plate. Exterior braced wall lines shall have a braced wall panel located at each end of the wall line.
Do interior walls need bracing?
All buildings are required to have some form of lateral bracing. Exterior and interior wall coverings are usually used with conventional light-frame construction. Braced Wall Panel: All exterior walls shall be braced in accordance with the International Residential Code Section 602.10.
What are wood structural panels?
Wood structural panels are available in many thick- nesses, ranging from 1/2″ – 11/2″. These panels are prima- rily used in residential construction as roof sheathing, wall sheathing, subflooring, as single layer floors under carpet and pad, in structural insulated panels, I-joist webstock, and rim boards.
What is sheathed wall?
Wall sheathing is primarily a structural material. It is attached to the exterior wall framing and prevents walls from swaying or bending. Builders use sheathing as a nailing base for siding, creating the walls of a building.
What is the difference between sheathing and plywood?
Sheathing: Standard construction plywood used for wall sheathing, roof decking, floor structures (subflooring) and general rough construction where looks and surface imperfections aren’t important. Sanded plywood: General-purpose “project” plywood with decent-looking face veneers that have been sanded smooth.
Why is it called sheathing?
In very general terms, ‘sheathing’ is a covering or supporting structure that has a similar function to the sheath of a blade; that is, it acts as a cover or case.
Which is better OSB or plywood?
Wood fiber is used more efficiently in osb. Osb is stronger than plywood in shear. Shear values, through its thickness, are about 2 times greater than plywood. This is one of the reasons osb is used for webs of wooden I-joists.
Which is more water resistant OSB or plywood?
Plywood is porous and is susceptible to damage when exposed to water for longer time. OSB is not water resistant and hence cannot be used for exterior projects.
What is stronger MDF or OSB?
OSB is considered to be stronger than MDF. OSB is suitable for structural projects and withstands water, moisture, and weather conditions better than MDF. However, MDF is more versatile and easy to work with than OSB and preferred for projects requiring a smooth finish.
What type of sheathing is used for exterior walls?
Plywood and OSB are largely considered the best wall sheathing choices because of their overall abilities to hold fasteners well, create a strong bond between studs, and provide some thermal advantages. The “big two” aren’t the only selections available however. Structural fiberboard is one such option.
What are 4 types of sheathing?
Five common structural exterior sheathing options include wood-based, gypsum, glass mat, cement board, and Barricade® Thermo-Brace®.
What is the best plywood for exterior walls?
The International Residential Code specifies 3/8-inch plywood for sheathing walls with a standard stud spacing of 16 inches, if the siding is nailed to the studs through the sheathing. If the nails penetrate the sheathing, but not the studs, the minimum plywood thickness that the IRC designates is 1/2 inch.
What is a good substitute for OSB?
Most builders are so comfortable with OSB wall sheathing that they never consider using an alternative material. In fact, a wide range of materials can be used to sheathe a wood-framed wall. In addition to OSB, builders can choose plywood, fiberboard, rigid foam, diagonal boards, and fiberglass-faced gypsum panels.
Why is OSB sheathing so expensive?
Increasing OSB prices are due to demand over supply, increasing construction starts, and several natural disasters. As contractors, architects, and building owners struggle to offset the high OSB prices, an excellent alternative sheathing product to consider is Barricade Thermo-Brace.
Is there a cheaper alternative to OSB?
All three types of rigid-foam insulation, to include expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS) and polyisocyanurate can be used as substitutes for OSB in sheathing exterior walls and roofs.
Can you use foam board instead of OSB?
OSB Replacement. Styrofoam Residential Sheathing offers a lightweight, efficient sheathing alternative to high-priced OSB panels. One solution: Specify rigid Styrofoam Residential Sheathing instead of OSB, for sections of the home that can be brought to code with other stiffening measures.
What is the disadvantage to using rigid foam sheathing on exterior walls?
Disadvantages. Rigid foam insulation in wall cavities must be tightly fitted to stop air infiltration. Joints between sheets and boards must be taped to prevent air flow. Rigid foam is susceptible to sunlight.
Is foam board better than plywood?
More effective insulation
With R-values ranging from 3.6 to 8.0, rigid foam sheathing has much better insulation per inch than other materials (i.e. plywood has an R-value of 1.25 and fiberglass batts have an R-value of 3.14).
What is Styrofoam sheathing used for?
While it’s lightweight and easy to handle, Styrofoam™ Brand Residential Sheathing provides sturdy protection against the impacts of moisture and air and boosts effective R-value in exterior walls by 20%.
Does foam board need a vapor barrier?
Foam insulation usually does not require a vapor barrier. For some foam insulation types, such as closed-cell spray foam and foam board insulation, the insulation itself stops the movement of most water vapor.
Can Foamboard get wet?
Foam board insulation products are generally considered water and mold resistant but expanded polystyrene foam boards (EPS) have air bubbles that can collect moisture and become wet.
