How To Put Up Gypsum Sheathing Outside?

Gypsum sheathing is a cost-efficient and easy-to-install material that enhances the performance of exterior walls by resisting air and water infiltration, mold growth, noise transmission, and flame spread. It is designed to be covered by an exterior wall cladding, and local weather conditions will dictate the application method. Gypsum sheathing should be installed consistent with the applicable standards, such as using fiberglass-faced gypsum panels on the exterior and applying them to ceilings at right angles to framing members, then to walls.

The installation process occurs after the structure’s walls are framed, secured to the slab, plumbed, and braced. Gypsum sheathing can be nail or screw attached, easy to cut with a knife or saw, and can be applied to various substrate types. The installation process involves installing plywood or OSB sheathing directly to the framing, mounting a diagonal piece of wood in a notch created in the framing, and providing exterior claddings to protect gypsum sheathing from long-term weather exposure.

In conclusion, gypsum sheathing is a cost-efficient and easy-to-install material that enhances the performance of exterior walls by resisting air and water infiltration, mold growth, noise transmission, and flame spread. It is important to follow the applicable standards and ensure that the exterior claddings are provided to protect gypsum sheathing from long-term weather exposure.

How do you fasten exterior sheathing?

Secure the sheathing with 2 ½ inch 8p ring nails every 6 inches, starting at the top left corner and fastening it to the vertical side stud from top to bottom. Fasten the top part to the top horizontal stud until it reaches the vertical stud adjacent to the vertical side stud. Fasten the bottom part to the bottom horizontal stud until it reaches the vertical stud adjacent to the vertical side stud. Fasten the panel to the first vertical inner stud, moving from top to bottom. Repeat steps until the panel is secure along all studs of the frame.

Cut holes into the sheathing for windows and doors by drilling a 1/2-inch wide hole into each corner of the door and window frames. Wear goggles and cut the sheathing along the edge of the frame with a reciprocating saw. Saw through the sheathing until all four sides are cut. When cutting a door hole, instruct a fellow worker to hold the sheathing inside the door frame to prevent it from falling or tearing away from the wall frame.

How far apart should fasteners be for exterior gypsum sheathing?

It is imperative that all openings are securely sheathed with nails or screws, with a distance of 4 inches between each nail or screw along the ends and edges, and 8 inches in the field. Additionally, 3-inch and 6-inch staples must be used, respectively.

How thick should Gypsum Sheathing be?

Exterior Gypsum Sheathing is a specialized performance panel made of a noncombustible, moisture-resistant core wrapped in glass mat facers. It is available in thicknesses of 1/2″ (12. 7 mm) and 5/8″ (15. 9 mm), with a 48″ width and lengths from 8′ (2440 mm) to 16′ (4880 mm). The panels are manufactured with square edges in both thicknesses and lengths. The panel is manufactured with ASTM C1177, and its cost-efficient performance in multi-family construction since the mid-80s is well-proven.

Gypsum Sheathing offers weather protection, mold resistance, and fire resistance. Its moisture-resistant core and glass mat facers provide extended protection against water and air infiltration, while its anti-microbial core treatment prevents costly mold growth and decay. The panel’s vapor permeability allows exterior walls to release moisture before it becomes a bigger issue.

The 5/8″ (15. 9 mm) Gypsum Sheathing, produced with a Type X core and UL-classified for use in fire-rated assemblies, provides tested resistance to burning and low flame spread and smoke-generated values.

Can gypsum board be used as exterior sheathing?

Exterior Gypsum Sheathing is a popular choice for single-family homes due to its fire, mold, and moisture resistance, and its lack of wood, making it resistant to wood boring insects. It is easier to install and repair than wood products and is suitable for various substrates like stucco, EIFS, stone, brick, wood, and composite siding. Although it lacks racking quality, this can be addressed by adding bracing. Overall, exterior Gypsum Sheathing offers advantages for both multifamily and single-family home builders.

How to install gypsum sheathing?

Gypsum panels should be installed according to ASTM C840 and GA-216 methods, with cutting and scoring from the backside. Before installation, inspect framing materials and repair defects. Apply gypsum panels to ceilings at right angles to framing members and then to walls, using boards of maximum practical length. Bring panel edges into contact but do not force them into place. Install batt or blanket ceiling insulation before gypsum panels and immediately after when using loose-fill insulation.

Locate gypsum panel joints at openings, ensuring no joint occurs within 12 inches of the opening edges unless controlling joints are installed. Stagger vertical end joints and remove improperly driven nails or screws. Provide a minimum 1/4 inch (6. 4 mm) clearance between boards and adjacent concrete or masonry to minimize moisture wicking. Maintain a room temperature of 40˚F (4˚C) during panel application. Installers should wear long pants and a loose-fitting shirt, use protective gloves and eye protection, and wear a dust mask when sanding.

Do not use a power saw to cut this product. Caution: Gypsum contains fiberglass, dust and glass fibers may be released during normal handling, causing eye or skin irritation or difficulty in breathing. Consult the SDS for this product before use.

Is exterior Gypsum Sheathing the same as plywood?

Exterior gypsum sheathing is a fire-resistant material used in steel frame modular builds, typically used in conjunction with plywood to reinforce the sheer wall. It is made of a gypsum core sandwiched between fiberglass mats and is less strong than plywood or OSB. Fiberboard exterior sheathing, an engineered wood/paper product made from recycled wood materials, is more thermally resistant and dimensionally stable, but less dense than solid wood.

It is more affordable than solid wood but may not hold fasteners as well or provide structural integrity. Additional wall bracing may be required. Both options offer benefits and drawbacks in terms of cost and structural integrity.

Is exterior gypsum sheathing the same as plywood?

Exterior gypsum sheathing is a fire-resistant material used in steel frame modular builds, typically used in conjunction with plywood to reinforce the sheer wall. It is made of a gypsum core sandwiched between fiberglass mats and is less strong than plywood or OSB. Fiberboard exterior sheathing, an engineered wood/paper product made from recycled wood materials, is more thermally resistant and dimensionally stable, but less dense than solid wood.

It is more affordable than solid wood but may not hold fasteners as well or provide structural integrity. Additional wall bracing may be required. Both options offer benefits and drawbacks in terms of cost and structural integrity.

Can gypsum sheathing get wet?

Exterior Gypsum Sheathing is a water-resistant product used for attaching to exterior side-wall framing as an underlayment for various siding materials. It is made with a wax-treated, water-resistant core and water-repellent paper on both surfaces and long edges. Available in 1/2″ and 5/8″ thickness, it is suitable for fire-rated assemblies and contains no asbestos. American Gypsum’s gypsum wallboard is also available.

What is the nailing pattern for exterior sheathing?

The most commonly utilized nails are those of 16 gauge, otherwise known as “common nails.” The staples are 5 inches in length and are spaced a maximum of 3 inches along the edge and 6 inches in the material’s field. The aforementioned staples are positioned at a distance of six inches along the edges and twelve inches within the material’s field.

Do you nail or screw exterior sheathing?

Exterior Jobs Nails are a popular choice for roofing, siding, and sheathing projects due to their lower price point and the need for fasteners. However, there are better times to use nails vs. screws. Historically, nails were chosen over screws due to their quicker fastening in place. Advancements in tool technology, such as electric and pneumatic screwdrivers, led to an increase in the popularity of screws.

The cordless drill/driver, the most popular portable power tool ever invented, also played a significant role in the popularity of power-driving screws. Both nails and screws have their advantages and disadvantages in various applications and situations.