Do you space out your sheathing?

[Viper98912]

Hello GJ'er's,

Currently in the process of building my shed and wanted to know if others' on here space out their OSB sheathing on the walls and roof? For example, by using a couple of small nails between sheet edges as spacers, which would allow for slight expansion due to humidity and reduce the potential for edge puckering.

 

[CraigStu]

I believe that is standard practice for roof sheathing/underlayment. Maybe for home wall sheathing also. But on a shed, if the sheathing is going to be the outermost layer, and therefore exposed to rain etc, I am not sure. You could space it and caulk it w/ a never hardening paintable sealer.

 

[Viper98912]

Thanks Craig.

For more context, the roof will have synthetic underlayment and asphalt shingles, and the walls will be house wrapped and have hardie siding. Basically, the shed is being built like a mini house.

 

[Rusted Nut]

Yes, you should; to allow for expansion and to eliminate buckling. A shed is small, so probably not much of an issue though. No more than 1/8” between sheets.