QA

Quick Answer: How To Install Plywood Wall Sheathing

Should wall sheathing be installed vertically or horizontally?

On roofs and floors, sheathing is installed perpendicular to supports because this is the orientation that results in the strongest roof or floor. Wind loads perpendicular to a wall are similar to floor and roof loads, and installing sheathing horizontally makes walls better at resisting wind pressure.

Do you stagger wall sheathing?

As Thor states in his book, if your designer requires staggering, then “stagger away”. In most cases by fully sheathing the wall, we already have a wall that is far stronger than it needs to be. So be careful about using the argument that because it is stronger that is the way it should be done.

What type of plywood is typically used for wall sheathing?

Structural Fiberboard 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.

Should plywood sheathing be vertical or horizontal?

If the height of a wall is less than 8-feet, install the plywood (or OSB) vertically. If the height of a wall is greater then 8-feet, install the plywood (or OSB) horizontally.

Does sheathing have to end on a stud?

Placing structural exterior wall sheathing Measure the sheathing so that the side edges land in the center of a wall stud. Correct placement of the sheathing is when the edge of the sheet lines up perfectly with the outer wall, and the other end of the sheet is on the center of a stud.

Can plywood sheathing be installed horizontally?

It should always be perpendicular to the studs, rafters or joists. Sheathing is generally installed vertically on walls, but horizontally on weight-bearing surfaces. Horizontally puts more roofing rafters or more floor joists under each sheet.

Should wall sheathing overlap foundation?

In the same way that siding should overlap the foundation, so should sheathing. The sheathing is the material that goes directly onto the framing. The logic is that by overlapping the sheathing over the foundation by 1/2-inch, your 2-inch siding overlap is still significantly past the edge of the sheathing.

Does wall sheathing cover the rim joist?

The wall sheathing should extend below the rim joist, which is inset on this house to allow for a continuous band of insulation. The wall sheathing below dictates the overhang.

How thick should wall sheathing be?

The U.S. Department of Energy has determined that 7/16-inch sheathing is the minimum appropriate thickness for structural wall sheathing with an exception for gable end walls, where the minimum thickness is 3/8 inch.

Can I use 7/16 OSB for wall sheathing?

Install structural sheathing (plywood/OSB) in exterior walls to ensure the building will resist design wind pressures. Select the appropriate thickness for wood structural sheathing panels. Minimum: 7/16” thickness. (Exception: 3/8” for gable end walls structural sheathing.)Sep 27, 2020.

What side of plywood sheathing faces out?

Using OSB Safely When installing in vertical applications such as wall sheathing, you’ll want to orient the smooth or stamped side facing out. The smooth side has a better moisture resistance and will ultimately provide better performance against weather.

Do you nail or screw OSB board?

Tools for Hanging OSB A hammer and 8d nails are standard for installing OSB, but you can speed up the installation by using a nail gun. If the force of the nail gun is too strong, the head of the nail can penetrate the OSB, which reduces the nail’s holding power.

Should I nail or screw OSB?

Nails are often preferred for structural joining, including framing walls, because they are more flexible under pressure, whereas screws can snap. Nails are also called upon when securing plywood sheathing for exterior walls, installing hardwood floors, and attaching siding and roofing.

Can you use screws on OSB?

You only need a #8 wood screw that is 1 1/2 inches long for 5/8 inch OSB or at most 2 inches long for 3/4 inch plywood. Also, deck screws have a coating that helps protect the screw from exterior exposure, which is not needed indoors. Deck screws will also cost more than the screws needed for your subflooring.

What is the difference between sheeting and sheathing?

As nouns the difference between sheathing and sheeting is that sheathing is something that wraps around or surrounds something, as a sheath encases its blade while sheeting is fabric used to make sheets (bedding).

What side of OSB board goes up?

OSB roof panels should always be installed with the grade stamp facing into the attic and the screened surface (with the nail guide lines) facing up. When the grade stamp is covered by roofing, the building inspector will not be able to confirm that the correct OSB roofing panel was used.

What kind of nails do you use for sheathing?

Traditional sheathing material typically comprises 15/32-inch plywood or oriented-strand-board (OSB) panels. Builders generally use 8d common nails, which are approximately 2 ½ inches long and 131/1000 inch wide in diameter.