protecting plywood sheathing

[rieferman]

I used 1/4" plywood as exterior sheething during the barn repair where saving existing siding was either impossible or not worth it. It is not CDX, but it did note "for exterior applications" directly on the plywood itself. I was ok with the thin width since I will ultimately do horizontal furring strips to hold vertical metal siding, and since it was $6 per sheet.

Gutters on the building are either missing, or **** really bad. So there's significant splash back against the plywood, causing discoloring (and I'm sure beginning to break down the plywood).

Anyhow, until I get around to the siding project (probably a full year from now, possibly longer) and the gutter project, I want to prevent the plywood from deteriorating.

Prime and paint the plywood? (easy and cheap.. will it protect it enough?)

House wrap just the areas where the plywood is? (also easy, not as cheap.. looks horrible.. but the plywood looks horrible too)


What would you do to buy some time?

 

[Northstar9126]

I would "paint" it with something like Thompson's Water Seal, paying particular attention to the edges.

 

[CenTex52Chevy]

second the thompson's water seal. the edges will probably take two heavy coats, the first will soak in right before you eyes.

 

[kbs2244]

It should last a year without care.
Even 1/4 ply comes with glue that is somewhat waterproof.

If it is an appearence thing, anything will work.

 

[rebrewer]

I'd use a good stain from Behr.