Is plywood or OSB better for wall sheathing?
OSB sheathing is typically considered to be more economical than plywood. Over the years, however, a negative stigma has developed in association with OSB, as builders have reported the sheathing to swell, lose structural strength and even develop bio-organic growth (BOG) when exposed to moisture.
Can you use OSB for wall sheathing?
OSB is now used for about 70 percent of all floor, wall and roof sheathing in North America. Building codes, the Engineered Wood Association, architects and most builders rate plywood and oriented strand board (OBS sheathing) equal in strength and durability.
What thickness OSB should be used for walls?
OSB used for wall sheathing should be 7/16 inch thick.
Can you use 3/8 plywood wall sheathing?
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.
Is 7/16 OSB good for exterior walls?
Exterior walls Minimum thickness of wall sheathing for use on walls; 3/8″ plywood or 5/16″ OSB. If you use fibre cement siding, go with 1/2″ plywood or 7/16″ OSB for the exterior walls. The wall sheathing can be nailed or stapled (check your local building code).
How thick should plywood be for exterior walls?
What size OSB should be on exterior wall?
Exterior walls Minimum thickness of wall sheathing for use on walls; 3/8″ plywood or 5/16″ OSB. If you use fibre cement siding, go with 1/2″ plywood or 7/16″ OSB for the exterior walls.
Can you use OSB for exterior walls?
Install structural sheathing (plywood/OSB) in exterior walls to ensure the building will resist design wind pressures. This guide provides an overview of wood structural sheathing in exterior walls with a focus on applications in hurricane-prone regions or other high-wind areas.