Exterior walls typically require a type of plywood that is highly resistant to weather, water, and potential rot or pest infestations. This type of plywood is referred to as cdx plywood (“C-D Exposure 1”).
CDX plywood is made with a minimum of one layer of resin-saturated, overlaid “grades” (like A, B, or C), and the cores may be composed of veneers from different wood species. The letters, C and D, refer to the rating of the face side and back side respectively, which are defined by the American Plywood Association.
An “X” is used to denote that the panel is made with exterior glue. CDX plywood is inexpensive and widely available in a range of thicknesses that make it ideal for exterior wall applications. If a more aesthetic look is desired, Hardie Panel vertical siding can be applied over the plywood.
How thick should exterior wall sheathing be?
The thickness of your exterior wall sheathing depends on several factors, including the type of sheathing you are using, the type of wall construction you have, and the climate where your home is located.
Generally, 5/8-inch exterior sheathing is recommended for most climates and wall types. If you are in a particularly cold climate and/or constructing a frame wall with two layers of 2×6 studs, then thicker exterior sheathing of 3/4 inch or even 1 inch may be necessary.
Before you select a sheathing material, it is best to consult with a building professional in your area to determine the best solution for your needs.
Which is better OSB or plywood?
Ultimately, both OSB and plywood are great building materials and the choice between them depends on the specific job they will be used for. OSB and plywood are both engineered wood products that are made from wood chips, wires, and adhesives.
OSB is stronger, more flexible, and more consistent than plywood. It is also generally a more cost effective option than plywood and easy to work with. Plywood is stiffer and heavier but offers a smoother surface for painting and finishing.
It is also more resistant to moisture, rot and warping.
When it comes to which is better, OSB or plywood, the answer depends on the application and the desired result. OSB is best used in flooring, sheathing, and roof decking applications, while plywood is better suited for furniture, wall and roof sheathing, cabinetry, and interior and exterior finishes.
Both have their pros and cons and it’s important to consider the project when making a decision. Both materials can offer great results when properly installed.
Can you use 3/8 plywood walls?
Yes, you can use 3/8 inch plywood for walls. Plywood is one of the most popular materials used for wall construction because it is strong and durable yet cost effective. It can be used as sheathing or as a backing layer for drywall, providing improved strength and rigidity.
Plywood is also a great choice when building walls that need to bear weight or hold up to abuse, such as those in barns or other outbuildings. It is also naturally resistant to moisture and fungus, making it an ideal choice for wet or humid environments.
In addition, 3/8 inch plywood panels can be easily cut and trimmed to fit around electrical, plumbing and other desired features.
How do you sheath an exterior wall with plywood?
Sheathing an exterior wall with plywood is a straightforward process. Before getting started, you will need to make sure that you have the appropriate materials, such as plywood, sheathing nails or screws, and a sheathing membrane, such as a waterproofing wrap.
First, you will need to measure the wall, cut the plywood panels to fit, and make sure there is an overlap of 1/4 to 1/2 inch at each join. Once the plywood is cut and laid flat, it is time to secure the wall with sheathing nails/screws driven into the studs.
As you go, use a level or straight-edge to make sure the plywood remains flush against the framing. For best results, add extra fasteners near the edges and corners.
Next, it is time to attach the membrane. Unroll the material and cut it to size so it covers the entire area of the plywood. Overlap each panel by several inches and staple it in place. Make sure that all seams are sealed properly with caulk.
Once the membrane is secure and all seams are sealed, it is time to install the siding of your choice.
By following these steps, you will be able to quickly and efficiently sheath an exterior wall with plywood. If you are uncertain about any part of the process, it is always a good idea to seek the advice of a professional contractor.
What size OSB should be on exterior wall?
When selecting OSB for exterior wall sheathing, it is important to look for OSB that is rated for exterior use. Exterior grade OSB is labeled with a logo (OSB/WS) and will likely be marked as “exposure 1”, which indicates that it is designed to provide long-term, durable performance when regularly exposed to the elements.
The general rule of thumb is to use a minimum of 7/16 inch thick OSB sheathing on walls. However, some local building codes may require thicker sheathing in certain scenarios, such as for taller walls or walls with steeper roof pitches.
Furthermore, if using an insulated sheathing system such as ZIP system, a minimum thickness of 19/32 inch OSB is required in order to allow enough depth for the wall fasteners and the foam insulation.
Keep in mind that it is key to apply the sheathing with a minimum 6d nail (2.5 inch) into wall framing at no more than 6 inches on center, and that standing seams should overlap 12 inches as recommended by APA (American Plywood Association).
How thick should OSB be for walls?
When selecting the correct OSB board thickness for walls, it’s important to consider several factors, such as the type of construction, climate, exposure to moisture, and the weight of the material being used.
Generally, the thicker the OSB is, the higher its load-bearing capabilities. For walls in normal residential construction, OSB board with a minimum thickness of 5/8-inch is recommended. Depending on the size, weight, exposure and other variables, thicker OSB boards ranging from 1/2-inch to 1-inch may be suitable, as well.
When wall studs are spaced 16 inches on center, install thicker (1/2- or 5/8-inch) boards to help the walls withstand greater loads; when the studs are spaced 24 inches on center, the wall will require a thicker (3/4- or 1-inch) OSB board.
When constructing walls in a damp or humid area, such as a basement or bathroom, choose OSB with a moisture resistance rating like OSB/3 or OSB/4. This type of OSB is density- and strength-graded, designed to withstand additional moisture.
In a high-wind-resistance application, select an OSB designated with a Technical Assessment (TA), such as the OSB 8 designation, which provides ratings against wind uplift testing.
It’s important to choose the correct OSB thickness and resistance rating for walls in order to ensure that the wall structure is secure, stable and long-lasting, regardless of the environment or weather conditions.
Which is cheaper plywood or drywall?
When it comes to plywood versus drywall, it depends on various factors. Generally speaking, plywood is going to be more expensive than drywall. Plywood will also require more time and skill to install.
However, plywood can also add a stronger structural significance compared to wallboard and can provide a more heavy-duty strength. Additionally, there is a greater surface area provided with each sheet of plywood, making installation easier and faster, while drywall is more labor intensive.
Plywood tends to offer greater sound dampening and is more fire-resistant than drywall boards. While drywall is arguably simpler to install and usually cheaper than plywood, it is not a very durable material and can crack or chip more easily.
Ultimately, the decision of which material to use will depend on the particular project and the client’s needs and budget.
Is plywood or drywall better for garage?
The better choice between plywood and drywall for a garage depends on a few factors, including what you intend to use the garage for and the condition of your garage.
If you plan to use the garage for storage, plywood might be the better choice because it provides a more durable, heavy-duty option that can bear the weight of heavier items. Additionally, because the walls are already finished, you don’t need to use joint compound, tape, and sanding, which is part of the drywall installation process.
On the other hand, if you plan to use the garage as a living or work space and want it to have a smooth and consistent finish, then drywall would be the better choice. It allows you to install insulation and provide a smoother, more finished look to the space.
You can also paint drywall for a more aesthetically pleasing interior.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which option will work better for your specific project and goals.
Can 7/16 OSB span 24 inches?
No, 7/16 OSB is not designed to span 24 inches without a support, such as a truss, beam, or joist. Even if you did manage to span it, the panel would still be very weak and could easily buckle under its own weight.
7/16 OSB is only rated for spanning up to 16 inches when used for most applications. For anything longer than that, you should use a thicker OSB panel such as a panel with a minimum thickness of 5/8 inch.
Can OSB be used for wall sheathing?
Yes, Oriented Strand Board (OSB) can be used for wall sheathing. It’s one of the most popular materials due to its strong and versatile nature, as well as affordability. OSB is made from compressed wood strands that are arranged together in uniform layers and bonded with adhesives.
It’s far less susceptible to moisture than standard particle board and plywood, plus it offers high-performance, even when exposed to harsh weather. OSB is structural and compliant with building codes, making it an ideal choice for wall sheathing as it will form a strong weather resistive barrier.
Additionally, it is easy to install, delivers consistent quality, and is available in a range of thicknesses and sizes to suit your needs. When installing OSB wall sheathing, a vapor barrier should be used to provide additional insulation and protection against moisture, however, be sure to use a breathable type vapor barrier to prevent moisture build-up on the walls.
What is the difference between 1 2 and 7/16 OSB?
1/2 inch OSB (Oriented Strand Board) has wood strands that are arranged in cross-oriented layers and compressed with resins and wax. This is the most common thickness found in typical construction projects, both commercial and residential.
Its light weight, combined with its strength and stability makes it a great choice for wall and roof sheathing, as well as subflooring.
7/16 inch OSB is the thicker version of 1/2 inch OSB. It is a little heavier, and the strands of wood in its layers are pressed together more closely than in 1/2 inch OSB. This strength and stability make it highly suitable for structural applications such as floor underlayment and mezzanine decking.
It is also a popular choice for exterior wall and roof sheathing, as it provides the extra strength needed to withstand weather elements. Its higher stiffness rating and its resistance to water penetration also make it a strong contender on sheathing projects.