Sheathing

Sheathing is the part of the wall that gives it surface area. As we just learned the Studs or Posts in a wall are used to support the loads of things that are above them either the second floor or roof.

Sheathing serves 2 purposes in walls on the inside of the stud wall we place drywall to give a nice appearance and living space. On the outside of the wall we apply Plywood or a similar material like OSB to protect the home and to give lateral strength to the wall.

When you apply Plywood Sheathing to the outside of a home it comes in 4×8 foot pieces. There is a directional structure in the plywood and on the face it will tell you if you can apply it horizontally or vertically. For the most part it should be applied Vertically but in larger wall system 10 or 12 feet in height the contractor may start with a half sheet at the bottom and then apply a full vertical piece above it.

When it is nailed to the plywood it is best if construction adhesive is also used but it is not totally necessary.

Nails should be 6 inches on center running up and down the stud wall which can be tricky since you can’t see inside the wall. It is often best to check the plumb and bow of a stud wall before you apply the plywood.

Some contractors will apply the plywood before lifting the stud wall vertical. This is a good solution if you have more then a few men to help lift the wall. If not you can build the stud wall and then apply the plywood after.

Lateral Movement. The plywood helps stabilize the wall so that it will not fall down like a deck of cards in a storm or earth quake. It is important to know your seismic stress loads for your location when building the stud wall and applying the sheathing because you may need to add additional bracing or brackets.

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