OSB panels come in 4-foot widths and 8-foot, or longer, lengths. If the inside finished ceiling height will be 8 feet, you can hang 9-foot OSB panels, vertically, on the exterior walls. The 9-foot panels will extend from the sill plate to the top wall plate without the need to cut and fit a portion of another panel at the top of the wall.
Can OSB sheathing be installed vertically?
Instead of the OSB sheathing providing the support, it actually serves to reinforce the frame beneath. Sheathing panels can be horizontally or vertically installed, across or parallel to the supports, so there isn’t much limitation to how you can place your pieces on the framing.
Can you hang OSB on the wall?
OSB panels come in 4-foot widths and 8-foot, or longer, lengths. If the inside finished ceiling height will be 8 feet, you can hang 9-foot OSB panels, vertically, on the exterior walls. The 9-foot panels will extend from the sill plate to the top wall plate without the need to cut and fit a portion of another panel at the top of the wall.
How do you install an OSB wall panel?
Position the first OSB panel vertically at one side of the wall. The long edge of the panel should be flush with the corner framing. The bottom edge should be flush with the bottom of the sill plate, which is the horizontal board that sits on the masonry foundation.
Can OSB be installed in a garage?
Store OSB panels in a garage or watertight shed before installation and install exterior siding immediately after hanging OSB panels. The edges of OSB can delaminate quickly if they get damp.
Is OSB stronger vertical or horizontal?
So, all things being the same, a horizontal orientation results in a stronger plywood garage wall as compared to vertical orientation.
Should sheathing go vertical or horizontal?
On roofs and floors, sheathing is installed perpendicular to supports because this is the orientation that results in the strongest roof or floor. Wind loads perpendicular to a wall are similar to floor and roof loads, and installing sheathing horizontally makes walls better at resisting wind pressure.
Which direction is OSB stronger?
No. OSB can be laid in any orientation and will have the same strength as long as it begins and ends on a stud/joist. The thickness is what determines its strength, not which way you decide to lay it.
Can you run plywood vertically?
However, when used in wall construction as a shear diaphragm for wind or seismic loads, the panels can be run either vertically (parallel to the studs) or horizontally (perpendicular to the studs). The shear resistance of the wall stays the same regardless. In 8-ft.
Which way do you install OSB?
OSB roof panels should always be installed with the grade stamp facing into the attic and the screened surface (with the nail guide lines) facing up. When the grade stamp is covered by roofing, the building inspector will not be able to confirm that the correct OSB roofing panel was used.
Can you install zip sheathing vertically?
Install ZIP System® sheathing panels positioned with the water-resistive barrier facing towards the exterior. The panels may be installed with the long side of the panel oriented either horizontally or vertically to the framing members.
Which side of OSB faces out on walls?
smoothUsing OSB Safely When installing in vertical applications such as wall sheathing, you'll want to orient the smooth or stamped side facing out. The smooth side has a better moisture resistance and will ultimately provide better performance against weather.
Do you nail or screw OSB board?
A hammer and 8d nails are standard for installing OSB, but you can speed up the installation by using a nail gun. The caveat when using a nail gun is to set the depth of the nail so the head just dimples the surface of the OSB.
What side of OSB should face up on floor?
Also, by installing the stamps down, the rougher side of the panels is kept upward which helps with worker traction on the jobsite. However,structurally there is no difference in how the panel will perform whether the side with the grade stamps is installed up or down.
Does it matter which way you lay plywood?
It is usually correct to lay sheet material across the direction of the joists, this ensures even distribution of loading on joists, however, plywood is cross laminated so each layer is of different direction providing a strong floor covering.
How do you install OSB sheathing on walls?
1:052:17How To Install OSB Wall Sheathing or Panels - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace the shooting material in a saddle of the hangers. Slide the sheathing into position and letMorePlace the shooting material in a saddle of the hangers. Slide the sheathing into position and let the hangers take the weight of the material off of you for a more accurate and uniform install.
Does wall sheathing need to be staggered?
When sheathing a house or building, whether it is a floor, wall or roof, the seams must be staggered in order to maintain its structural rigidity. When staggering seams, make sure that the end of the plywood does not fall in line with another sheet of plywood above or below it.
How much space between OSB panels?
When installing OSB, always maintain a 1/8” space between the panels to allow for expansion. It is natural for wood to swell and diminish as it adjusts to its environment (e.g., humidity, rain, moisture). If panels are jammed tightly together, the OSB does not have space to “breathe” and the panels may buckle.
When was OSB used?
Oriented strand board (OSB) has come a long way since its introduction in the 1970s. Use of OSB is now commonplace to integrate strength with durability for construction. From the most populated metropolitan areas to the most remote regions, builders count on OSB sheathing as sidewall, roofing, and flooring material.
Can you use a hammer to punch holes in OSB?
This seems like a no-brainer, but it must be said: using a hammer to punch holes in your OSB sidewall material after installation will ruin the physics of construction. The force of the hammer loosens the bond between oriented strands, causing the wall to lose its durability and toughness.
What is OSB sheathing?
OSB sheathing is a special type of board that is well-engineered being composed of strands of compressed wood which are layered and unionized together using a resin. It differs from commonly used plywood in many aspects. For example, it does not have voids or knots, or gaps and laps.
How thick should OSB sheaths be?
This is usually a prerequisite in building codes. You may choose between sheets that measure half an inch or 3/4 of an inch thick.
Why should a coated board be facing outward?
However, the one thing you do have to consider is that the coated side of the board should always face outward to ensure better protection from the elements. Since the opposite side is unfinished, it will absorb moisture from the weather and eventually rot.
Does OSB sheathing have voids?
For example, it does not have voids or knots, or gaps and laps. A lot of builders are considering OSB sheathing not just because of its strength but because it is inexpensive as well. This kind of material is actually a very practical choice.
Can OSB sheathing be installed directly?
You cannot install your OSB sheathing directly. For any material that you want to use as your wall or flooring, frames are essential. There are actually a lot of options available when it comes to frames, but wooden frames are the most preferable.
Where should OSB be placed?
Position the first OSB panel vertically at one side of the wall. The long edge of the panel should be flush with the corner framing. The bottom edge should be flush with the bottom of the sill plate, which is the horizontal board that sits on the masonry foundation. It’s important that the OSB not extend below the sill plate or moisture from the foundation can result in swelling and delamination.
What is OSB in construction?
Oriented strand board (OSB) is similar in appearance to plywood, and both are suitable for hanging on exterior walls, a process typically called “boxing.”. OSB is “structural,” meaning it lends strength to the house’s assembly when installed correctly, says The Engineered Wood Association. It’s usually a little less expensive than plywood ...
How long should OSB panels be?
OSB Panels for Exterior Walls. OSB panels come in 4-foot widths and 8-foot, or longer, lengths. If the inside finished ceiling height will be 8 feet, you can hang 9-foot OSB panels, vertically, on the exterior walls.
What type of saw is used to cut OSB?
A circular saw, fitted with a standard carbide blade, will cut through OSB with ease. A table saw also works well. A hammer and 8d nails are standard for installing OSB, but you can speed up the installation by using a nail gun.
What is the orientation of plywood?
Ashton Avegno, an engineer from New Orleans, Louisiana, replies: The orientation of plywood depends on its location and use. If used for floor or roof sheathing, where the primary purpose is to carry loads perpendicular to the face of the sheets, then it must be placed with the long direction of the sheets perpendicular to the supporting joists or rafters.
Can a shear diaphragm be vertical?
However, when used in wall construction as a shear diaphragm for wind or seismic loads, the panels can be run either vertically (parallel to the studs) or horizontally (perpendicular to the studs). The shear resistance of the wall stays the same regardless.
Does sheeting straighten a wall?
Because studs are crowned all up, sheeting horizontal will pull the crown out and straighten the wall up. Because plywood bends easily on its length, standing it vertical will only allow the stud to bow outwards, or inwards if it was crowned upside down.
Do you need to block plywood for shear wall?
For shear-wall construction, code requires blocking between the studs along every plywood joint. Although blocking is required by code for walls, floor or roof plywood systems do not require blocking. I wonder if a hurricane or an earthquake can really tell the difference.
