Sheathing 2 story garage

[sansert]

As I mentioned in an earlier post, we are building a 22W x 28D garage. The first floor will have 9' walls with 14" wood I joists sitting on top wrapped with rim board. 2nd floor will have 8' walls. Are there any codes that state how I must lay out the sheathing or how big pieces must be?

 

[strutaeng]

Are you under a building code? What edition? I don't believe it matters. IRC Table R602.3(3) footnote (a) states, "Panel strength axis parallel or perpendicular to supports."

https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/document/code/553/9815776

As far as panel size, 4x8 would be common/typical.

 

[Jackfre]

Nail pattern matters. 6" on perimeter and 12" in the field.

 

[gearhead1]

When I researched for mine, I seem to remember the panels to remain horizontal as slightly better. There was controversy on it within the construction industry. My county was OK with a mix. I put all mine horizontal but on the gable ends I went vertical to maximize the amount of panel above and below the top plate. Code gave a minimum dimension that had to be above and below the top plate. However it was easier for me to stand them up at that point to maximize the OSB and minimize cutting. The county inspector wasn’t concerned about that, but like previously mentioned the nail pattern does. It is 6 inches on the perimeter of each sheet and every 12 inches within the sheet. The reason for that is shear. The whole point of the OSB being nailed on to the studs is that is what prevents the structure from transitioning into a parallelogram type shape when the wind pushes on it.

 

[ForceFed70]

So long as you lay the sheathing horizontal with each row staggered you'll be fine.

 

[sansert]

So long as you lay the sheathing horizontal with each row staggered you'll be fine.

OK see that is what I was wondering if it had to be staggered. Should it be staggered if mounting vertical?

 

[Kevin54]

OK see that is what I was wondering if it had to be staggered. Should it be staggered if mounting vertical?

You'll have less strength mounting the sheets vertically. Mount the sheets horizontally and stagger the sheets by 4'. And make sure the sheets are also tying together the first and second floor.

 

[sierradmax]

Hang it and bang it. But seriously, I'd try to break a sheet on the center of the joist to help strengthening the lower & upper wall.

 

[kbs2244]

I like keeping sheathing horizontal with staggered joints.
I think it is stronger and I know it is easier.

You do not want any "4 corners"
Think of laying a big brick wall.

 

[jack stand]

In my book, either horiz. or vertical.
A slight advantage of vertical is no edges that don't land on framing* for possible leakage of air (or water). The structural advantage of horizontal is not needed.

* This would be handled by a good (Tyvek or Typar) house wrap that I recommend in either situation other than with a "Zip" panel, taped.

 

[RocketScott]

This discussion comes up on a frequent basis. I don't understand where the confusion comes from

Horizontal or vertical, doesn't make a difference, AS LONG AS ALL THE PANEL EDGES ARE NAILED

I'm yelling the last part because that's what usually gets left off in the discussions. If you want to put a block line every 4' go right ahead. Most people don't and that's why they make 9' and 10' sheets.

In this situation I would use 9' sheets downstairs 8' up and rip 8' sheets lengthwise to span from the bottom plate of the top wall to the top plate of the bottom wall

 

[James-W]

I don't know if this is code all over, or if it is just around here, but if you are constructing a house wherever there is a sheathing seam you have to put blocking over the seam. When my buddy and I were building the house he wanted to build and sell, we laid the sheathing horizontal. The inspector told us we had to put blocking in the walls to cover up the seams, so that is what we did.

 

[Kevin54]

I don't know if this is code all over, or if it is just around here, but if you are constructing a house wherever there is a sheathing seam you have to put blocking over the seam. When my buddy and I were building the house he wanted to build and sell, we laid the sheathing horizontal. The inspector told us we had to put blocking in the walls to cover up the seams, so that is what we did.

And most blocking comes from scraps anyways. Cut them, and power nail them. Done in no time.

 

[spudley]

This discussion comes up on a frequent basis. I don't understand where the confusion comes from

Horizontal or vertical, doesn't make a difference, AS LONG AS ALL THE PANEL EDGES ARE NAILED

I'm yelling the last part because that's what usually gets left off in the discussions. If you want to put a block line every 4' go right ahead. Most people don't and that's why they make 9' and 10' sheets.

In this situation I would use 9' sheets downstairs 8' up and rip 8' sheets lengthwise to span from the bottom plate of the top wall to the top plate of the bottom wall

Ding ding ding, give that man a cigar. Kinda hard to nail every 6" along the osb edge with 16" oc studs without blocking.

 

[Homerr]

Nail pattern matters. 6" on perimeter and 12" in the field.

Minimum. Check with your local building department officials before you start.