Sheathing Help ????????

[w_smith]

OK, I'm just getting started constructing a new home
(the slab should get started next week) &
I'm trying to decide/sort-out the choices
for sheathing the exterior walls.


Here in Houston OSB or plywood seems to be the most common stuff.

Pro's or Con's of either ????

Any point in considering the aspahlt coated stuff or Homesote ??

Tyvek or heavy felt ovet the sheathibg ? (I'm thinking Tyvek)

Thanks !!

[Rich]

Exterior sheathing.. Plywood is probably the best as far as structural sheathing with OSB in second. Can't really beat plywood for overall performance. Homesote has become a pretty good product if you're looking for a semi-insulated product... not sure about structural issues with it though.
With either Tyvek or felt (either is acceptable) it comes down to the installation. Are the windows taped and sealed, seams taped.. etc. Tyvek is the new age, of course, and felt has been around for eons.

[w_smith]

Exterior sheathing.. Plywood is probably the best as far as structural sheathing with OSB in second. Can't really beat plywood for overall performance. Homesote has become a pretty good product if you're looking for a semi-insulated product... not sure about structural issues with it though.
With either Tyvek or felt (either is acceptable) it comes down to the installation. Are the windows taped and sealed, seams taped.. etc. Tyvek is the new age, of course, and felt has been around for eons.


Thanks for the info.

I just read a thread on another forum, someone recommended CDX ?

What's that ???????/

[w_smith]

Oh, and what about Techshield for the exterior walls ??

[Rich]

CDX is an "X"terior grade glued plywood with a grade of C on one side and D on the other. Pretty standard for exterior wall/roof sheathing.
Never used Techshield - who makes it?

[w_smith]

Oh, and what about Techshield for the exterior walls ??

it's seems to be the radiant barrier everyone is recommending these days down here in TX, especially for the roof decking

www.lpcorp.com/prod/techshield/product/index.cfm

[doyle]

Oh, yeah! That's the plywood that has the foil material laminated on one side? It's supposed to reflect heat off the roof. The ad hype looks too good to be true.

[MikeD]

CDX is an "X"terior grade glued plywood with a grade of C on one side and D on the other. Pretty standard for exterior wall/roof sheathing.
Never used Techshield - who makes it?

Hi, I'm new here! This will be my 1st of many questions that will be asked later. Hope you guys don't mind. I'm glad I came across this board and am "soaking up" (learning) alot of stuff for home building which I'm planning on doing as an owner-builder next spring.

Regarding CDX plywood, how do I know which side is C and D? Does it matter which side is facing "outside" for sheathing or "upside" for subfloor?

TIA,
MikeD

[Rich]

I put the better grade to the exterior for a smoother surface for siding / roofing. As far as distinguising C from D - D will have more repaired knots, exposed knots, and rougher cuts of veneer.

[MikeD]

Are T&G sheathing to be used only for subfloor? Also, regular sheathing should be used for siding/roofing to allow for "expanding/contracting" due to elements? As for the roof, which is more recommended, H-clips or stud backing (not sure what the proper terminology is) for supporting edges of sheathing between joist? TIA.

[Rich]

T&G is typically only used for subfloor. I would recommend 5/8" ply/osb instead of relying on H-clips or stud backing. H-clips are more for thinner sheathing - where it gets "spongy" between rafter spans. The H-clip allows the sheathing to share load from span to span.

[Cole]

OK, I'm just getting started constructing a new home
(the slab should get started next week) &
I'm trying to decide/sort-out the choices
for sheathing the exterior walls.


Here in Houston OSB or plywood seems to be the most common stuff.

Pro's or Con's of either ????

Any point in considering the aspahlt coated stuff or Homesote ??

Tyvek or heavy felt ovet the sheathibg ? (I'm thinking Tyvek)

Thanks !!



There is a thread on here about the cons and pros of ply vs. osb, you should check it out. :D