Continuous sheathing is a construction method that provides structural integrity to walls. Simply put, it means applying a layer of structural sheathing panels across an entire wall surface without significant breaks.
Understanding Continuous Sheathing
According to the reference provided, continuous sheathing methods require structural panel sheathing to be used on all sheathable surfaces on one side of a braced wall line including areas above and below openings and gable end walls.
This means:
- Full Coverage: The sheathing panels cover the entire surface of a wall on one side of a specific structural line (a "braced wall line").
- No Gaps: This coverage extends even into areas that might otherwise be skipped, such as:
- Above windows and doors (header areas).
- Below windows.
- Gable ends (the triangular part of a wall under a sloping roof).
- Structural Panels: The sheathing must be structural panels, commonly materials like OSB (Oriented Strand Board) or plywood, which contribute to the building's resistance against lateral forces.
Why Use Continuous Sheathing?
Using continuous sheathing is primarily a method for strengthening a building's resistance to forces like wind and seismic activity.
Key benefits include:
- Enhanced Lateral Bracing: By creating a continuous diaphragm, the sheathing helps transfer wind and seismic loads down through the structure to the foundation.
- Increased Wall Strength: It makes walls more rigid and better able to resist racking (diagonal distortion).
- Improved Building Envelope: A continuous layer can also contribute to a more airtight and energy-efficient building envelope when properly sealed.
This method is often required by building codes in areas prone to high winds or earthquakes to ensure buildings can withstand these forces more effectively.
In Practice
When building with continuous sheathing, builders ensure that the structural panels are fastened according to specifications, covering all designated areas on the wall line. This differs from older methods that might use only diagonal bracing or intermittent sheathing panels.
This approach is a modern standard for robust wall construction, providing a strong, unified layer that protects the building from environmental stresses.
