Fastening 2×8 Plywood Sheathing to Framing
Y_Knot
| Posted in General Questions on
We are remodeling a 1960’s ranch and the exterior sheathing is 2’x8’ (running horizontally) stapled to 2”x4” on 16” centers. My contractor says we need to block every two feet due to the 2×8 size but I’m not convinced.
My plan would be to nail it down for extra security and then tape the seams and then 1.5” of rigid foam (taped and attached) and 3/4” treated plywood strips for furring. Then hardboard or smart side.
What are y’all’s thoughts?
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Replies
Y_Knot,
The only reason I can think of that you would need to block the edges of the sheets is if you are in a high seismic area and need to increase shear resistance. If that is the case, you should also be doing various other improvements at the same time.
I think the contractor's suggestion is valid. I wish you the best of luck with your remodeling project!
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block blast
Is the 2x8 plywood sheathung at least half inch thick and in good condition? If so, no modification necessary.
Nailing instead of stapling is a great improvement. Blocking every two feet may not be necessary if the sheathing feels solid after nailing. Check local codes and consider staggered seams for added stability. This is just my guess.
If you're in an area with high winds or seismic activity, adding blocking could help improve lateral strength. You might also want to check with a structural engineer or local code requirements. Read about that in wayfair reviews https://wayfair.pissedconsumer.com/review.html last week. Maybe that helps