Roof, Wall and Floor Sheathing
From APA-The Engineered Wood Association
Builders can choose from a variety of floor, wall and roof sheathing
products that range in cost, strength, insulation value, and ease of installation. Of the options available, plywood and oriented
strand board (OSB) are the strongest and most durable. These wood structural panels add shear and racking strength; important
characteristics that are engineered to help a structure withstand the forces of high winds and earthquakes. Wood-sheathed
walls are also easy to build and easy to insulate for high R values.
Lateral Design
Wood-framed
buildings can be designed to withstand lateral loads such as those caused by high winds or seismic forces. The elements that
enable a building to withstand such forces are its shear walls and diaphragms. Framing, wood structural panel sheathing, and
connections are all important components in these construction systems.
Shear Walls & Diaphragms
A diaphragm is a flat structural unit acting like a deep, thin beam. The term is usually applied to roofs and floors. A
shear wall, however, is a vertical, cantilevered diaphragm. These construction systems can be used when designing a building
for lateral loads, such as those generated by wind or earthquakes.
House Wrap
Wrapping a
home or building in a weather-resistant barrier is not just good sense, it's a good building practice. Because it helps
combat water, moisture and air infiltration that are any structure's worst enemies. Allowed to penetrate behind siding,
wind-driven rain and moisture can saturate walls, creating a breeding ground for mold, mildew and wood rot.
