What is the best material for wall 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.

Can DensGlass be used as structural sheathing?

DensGlass panels also protect and help stabilize structural framing. DensGlass Sheathing is extremely resistant to rippling, buckling and sagging, even under humid conditions—which makes it particularly suitable for soffits.

What can I use instead of OSB?

In addition to OSB, builders can choose plywood, fiberboard, rigid foam, diagonal boards, and fiberglass-faced gypsum panels. If you’re a dyed-in-the-wool OSB user, it might be time to consider some of the available alternatives to OSB.

What is code for exterior wall sheathing?

1304.13 EXTERIOR WALL SHEATHING. (a) Wooden structural sheathing panels shall be installed on all exterior frame walls.

Is plywood or OSB better for sheathing?

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.

What type of sheathing is used for exterior walls?

There are many exterior wall sheathing options available, with wood sheathing being one of the most commonly used materials. Wood sheathing materials include plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), and waferboard. Plywood is made of whole sheets of wood that are cross-laminated.

Do you need plywood under DensGlass?

It all depends on your expectations and plans. The sheathing is a barrier protecting your home from different weather conditions, and it is considered additional insulation in certain cases. Let’s go ahead and introduce both Densglass sheathing and plywood so you can make a choice.

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.

Is OSB a structural sheathing?

Install structural sheathing (plywood/OSB) in exterior walls to ensure the building will resist design wind pressures.

What are builders using instead of plywood?

Oriented Strand Board (OSB) was introduced to the building industry in the late 1970s and quickly became the sheathing material of choice for North American home builders in place of plywood.

What is stronger CDX or OSB?

Although some people will ultimately choose CDX, many experts argue that OSB is better overall for roofing. OSB is far less likely to expand and contract when exposed to humidity and moisture, even though it will take longer to dry. With wrapping, though, it can withstand the elements without issue.