What should I use for exterior sheathing?

Five common structural exterior sheathing options include wood-based, gypsum, glass mat, cement board, and Barricade® Thermo-Brace®. Plywood sheathing is made from whole sheets of wood that are cross-laminated, which give the boards strength and stiffness. This helps with expansion and contraction.

What is the best plywood for exterior walls?

Structural Fiberboard

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.

How thick should house sheathing be?

The U.S. Department of Energy has determined that 7/16-inch sheathing is the minimum appropriate thickness for structural wall sheathing with an exception for gable end walls, where the minimum thickness is 3/8 inch.

What thickness is exterior plywood?

PLYWOOD – EXTERIOR PLYWOOD
Thickness Size Cut
1/2″ 4′ x 8′ Fir 15/32
5/8″ 4′ x 8′ Fir 19/32
3/4″ 4′ x 8′ Fir 23/32
1″ 4′ x 8” Radiata Pine 31/32
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Jun 8, 2018

Is sheathing plywood exterior grade?

CDX is the most common exterior plywood grade. … Oriented strand board (OSB) is an engineered plywood substitute that many builders use for sheathing and roof decking. It’s constructed with waterproof glue and performs best when only semi-exposed to the elements, as it is when covered with siding or roofing.

What is the best way to waterproof plywood?

Yes, you can make plywood waterproof by spraying it with liquid latex, waterproof paint, or varnish. You can also coat it with epoxy sealant or hard-drying oil to seal it and make it impervious to water.

Can OSB be used for exterior sheathing?

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

What is an exterior grade plywood?

Exterior means the panels have been waterproofed and can withstand inclement weather. Use exterior rated plywood for permanent outdoor structures that will be exposed to water long-term. Exposure 1 means the panels have been waterproofed and can withstand exposure to the elements during construction.

What is the difference between sheathing and plywood?

Plywood sheathing (OSB or plywood) is often mistaken for plywood underlayment. They are not the same. Plywood sheathing is most often used to construct the structural sub-floor. … OSB is constructed using long strips (strands) of wood that are held together with wax and adhesive.

Which is stronger plywood or OSB?

OSB and plywood offer similar (and sufficient) performance in terms of strength and functionality, though plywood is about 7% stronger. … Plywood will absorb moisture quicker than OSB, but consequently it will also dry quicker.

How do you install exterior plywood sheathing?

How far down should sheathing go?

Is exterior sheathing waterproof?

Exterior wall panels are the best sheathing options you can choose. Because they are cheap, waterproof and beautiful. It does no matter if the wall you want to cover is horizontal or vertical. … With them, all types of walls can be covered.

Is sheathing plywood waterproof?

How is Plywood Used Outdoors? Exterior plywood is weather (and water) resistant, so it’s strong enough to be used outside and also in areas that are exposed to water and humidity, like a garage. This type of plywood, often made from Douglas fir, is made stronger by adhering its layers with a waterproof glue.

Which is stronger OSB or CDX?

CDX plywood is not good moisture resistant. But it is stronger and more durable than OSB. It is used for roof sheathing, construction of crates and boxes, garage shelves, sub-flooring, and low humidity. Due to the cross structure of CDX, it can easily withstand heavyweight.

What is CDX plywood?

CDX Plywood is used primarily by contractors to build exterior walls and roofs. CDX plywood has one side veneer grade “C” and one side veneer grade “D”. The two are bonded together with glue which can withstand a little moisture. The APA would recognize CDX Grade Plywood as C-D Exposure 1 plywood.

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. The wall sheathing can be nailed or stapled (check your local building code).

Should fiberboard sheathing replace?

Unless the fiberboard actually absorbed water, can’t be dried, and / or is damaged, replacing it is not likely to be cost effective nor necessary. Unless there is a serious mold problem I’d leave the sheathing in place.