How far down should sheathing go?

For a one story house, the sheathing should extend from the bottom of the lowest framing member to the top of the highest framing member (as shown in blue).

Moreover, how far should sheathing overlap foundation?

Re: Sheathing overlap You don't want the very outside surface of the wall to be flush with the foundation. You want the drip edge to be at least 1/2 inch outside.

One may also ask, how thick should sheathing be? 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.

Beside above, which side of plywood goes out?

For most projects, these types of plywood will work because you can put the higher rated side facing out while the lower rated side is hidden facing in.

Should wall sheathing cover the sill plate?

sheathing does not have to be secured to the sill plate. This same post started on TIJ--I figured I would try here as well. As Brandon Chew (PE) stated on the other site, the sheathing must be secured to the top and bottom wall plates and studs.

32 Related Question Answers Found

Do you need sheathing under siding?

Sheathing Exterior Walls. Most new walls need sheathing to strengthen them, to act as a nailing base for siding, and/or to boost insulation. Existing walls usually do not require sheathing unless you are stripping off the old siding and applying a different type that calls for sheathing.

What side of OSB should face up?

Answer. 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.

What is the best exterior sheathing?

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 kind of nails do you use for sheathing?

Fasten panels with a minimum of 8d Common (0.131-inch by 2-1/2-inch) nails spaced a maximum of 6 inches on center at supported panel ends and edges. At intermediate supports, fasten panels 12 inches on center. In high-wind areas, more fasteners may be required.

Should roof sheathing overhang fascia?

It is at 45-3/4 in. Measure up the rafter 45-3/4 inch from the cut end of the truss tail and snap a line along the trusses. This indicates the upper edge of the first row of roof sheathing—leaving enough overhang that the subfascia and fascia will tuck neatly underneath when the time comes.

Should OSB be installed vertically or horizontally?

However, when used in wall construction as a shear diaphragm for wind or seismic loads, the panels can be run either vertically (parallel to the studs) or horizontally (perpendicular to the studs). The shear resistance of the wall stays the same regardless. In 8-ft.

What size OSB should be on exterior wall?

Panel Dimensions

When applying OSB sheathing to shear walls in a zone of seismic risk, the minimum recommended thickness is 15/32 inch.

Can I use a framing nailer for sheathing?

The answer is, yes. Framing nail guns can be used for siding installation, if the nail being used is long enough to attach the siding firmly to your exterior wood sheathing. You may also find that siding nailers are a few pounds lighter than framing guns.

Does it matter which way you lay plywood?

Dry-setting is important. It is exceedingly important that the first whole line of plywood sheets be perfectly straight and square. Each subsequent piece of plywood will depend on the first piece being installed correctly. If you do this properly, you'll have a beautiful plywood subfloor.

Which way is plywood stronger?

As a point of fact, this plywood may actually be stronger across its face grain direction than with its face grain direction. And the reason has to do with the thickness of the face plies.

Which side of CDX plywood decking goes down?

The “C” graded side is the face side, used where it is more visible, and the “D” graded side is the reverse side, usually mounted in a way that hides it.

How do you seal OSB edges?

Use a measuring tape to mark off the needed length and width of OSB. Cut the wood using a circular saw.
Mix a can of exterior waterproof paint using a stir stick. Use a small paintbrush to coat all newly cut edges.
Allow the paint two hours to dry.
Give the wood an additional two hours of drying time.

What do the lines on OSB mean?

OSB has its advantages. Some panels have a textured surface, which makes them less slippery when used for roof sheathing. OSB panels often have lines at 16- and 24-in. intervals so you know where underlying studs, rafters and joists are for nailing.

Is Waferboard the same as OSB?

Waferboard was the precursor to OSB (or Oriented Strand Board) however, there was a time when both were being produced. OSB is made from fast-growing harvested trees generally Aspen or Pine. A popular misconception is that OSB is made from scraps of other wood products but this is simply not true.

What kind of wood is CDX plywood?

CDX is a type of plywood. Basically, plywoods are thin veneer sheets that are glued and held together with linking plies. Plywoods are known for their strong resistance to cracking, breaking, or twisting. There are different grades/classes of plywood which are represented by letters A, B, C and D.

Is 7/16 OSB OK for roofing?

Wall panels 7/16 Category may be used on studs spaced up to 24” o.c. LP OSB sheathing panels are designed for use in roof, wall and subfloor systems in commercial and residential projects, maintenance, remodeling or new construction. OSB sheathing panels comply with the following industry standards and certifications.

What is the best thickness for roof sheathing?

Most Common Thickness

For rafters spaced 20 or more inches apart, 1/2- or 5/8-inch plywood is recommended. The most common rafter spacing is 24 inches, and 5/8-inch plywood is recommended for that. It will support roof loads for most situations and is the standard for most roof applications.