Sheathing for a metal building

[Lucid Moments]

I am in the process of building a new house and shop. Both will be metal buildings. My builder called me today to discuss the sheathing. He does not normally do metal buildings so this a little bit of a learning experience for him. The sub that is going to be erecting the steel has recommended sheathing the buildings with 1/2 inch plywood. Says that the screws will hold better. The builder says he normally uses OSB for sheathing non metal buildings and has never had a problem.

The problem of course boils down to money. 1/2" plywood locally is roughly twice the price of OSB. Rough estimate of about 400 sheets for OSB and it makes a difference.

So I don't think there is any question that plywood is better, so the question becomes is OSB good enough? Does anyone know of a problem with screws pulling out of OSB?

 

[readhead]

Why are you sheeting the building and what is the girt spacing? I responded to both assuming one will be deleted.

 

[Lucid Moments]

Why are you sheeting the building and what is the girt spacing? I responded to both assuming one will be deleted.

I have asked for the other one to be deleted.

I am coming from a place of massive ignorance here. The builder is making most of the calls. Most buildings around here are sheathed, should they not be?

 

[readhead]

A metal building does not require any cover other than the metal siding. Maybe a better description of what you are building is in order.

 

[anythingyoucanimagine]

I have asked for the other one to be deleted.

And while you were doing that I was typing a (long) response that got lost when I hit submit


Congrats on the build. We are building too --they keep telling us it'll be worth it. Don't forget to have fun along the way!


I know nothing about metal structures. I know a little about stick frame stuff. Biggest question is: What does "metal building" mean? Are you trying to build a house (and a barn/shed/shop) with metal studs?


Check out this house:


https://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SolarHomes/SolarEfficient/SolarEfficient.htm


The only factual and productive things I can offer is that IBC recognizes foam as adding a certain amount of torsional rigidity (so a rectangle doesn't turn into a trapezoid) and that technically there is no requirement that states you must have wood sheathing on a structure.


Sheathing usually works because it is what people know. You have other options. Unfortunately I know nothing about metal structures or your build. As long as the framing meets requirements and you have moisture control you should be fine.


Only other things I was going to say is #1 --if they haven't done it before you are probably the test/experiment. A good builder should know this stuff. and #2, if you end up going with wood sheathing, I highly recommend the Zip stuff. Done properly it is two-birds, one-stone.


#3 is look into ICF (insulated concrete foundations, you can find info on that link I posted above) and micro rebar. It really does pay for itself. I did a small slab addition last year and it was awesome. Ended up being cheaper too. Initially was hard to find a concrete supplier to deal with but once they understood was very easy (and a lot cheaper). ICF people are amazing too.

 

[Stuart in MN]

The problem of course boils down to money. 1/2" plywood locally is roughly twice the price of OSB. Rough estimate of about 400 sheets for OSB and it makes a difference.

So I don't think there is any question that plywood is better, so the question becomes is OSB good enough? Does anyone know of a problem with screws pulling out of OSB?

In general terms, OSB is used all the time for sheathing so I don't think there's an issue there. Getting back to your situation, we need to know more about just what it is you're calling a metal building...a typical pole shed would have just metal screwed to the girts with no exterior sheathing, but we don't know if that's what you meant. I know in different parts of the country they have what's referred to as red iron buildings and they may have different construction methods, I'm not familiar with them.


This is a pole barn construction diagram:

 

[Lucid Moments]

So both buildings are going to be metal framed with 2"X 2" square tubing with steel trusses. The house will also have some non-structural wood framing on the inside to allow room for insulation and mechanicals.

 

[readhead]

So we are not talking metal buildings but rather metal framed buildings. Yes they need to be sheared and OSB will be fine. 2x2 tubing is an odd material to frame a house with. Is it a kit?

 

[Lucid Moments]

It will be steel on the exterior too. Steel roof and...... siding I guess since I don't know what else to call it.

 

[readhead]

Was this supplied as a kit or is someone making this up as they go? Is there a permit involved? If so all of the details should be called out.

 

[Moose97]

I am in the process of building a new house and shop. Both will be metal buildings. My builder called me today to discuss the sheathing. He does not normally do metal buildings so this a little bit of a learning experience for him. The sub that is going to be erecting the steel has recommended sheathing the buildings with 1/2 inch plywood. Says that the screws will hold better. The builder says he normally uses OSB for sheathing non metal buildings and has never had a problem.

The problem of course boils down to money. 1/2" plywood locally is roughly twice the price of OSB. Rough estimate of about 400 sheets for OSB and it makes a difference.

So I don't think there is any question that plywood is better, so the question becomes is OSB good enough? Does anyone know of a problem with screws pulling out of OSB?

I have asked for the other one to be deleted.

I am coming from a place of massive ignorance here. The builder is making most of the calls. Most buildings around here are sheathed, should they not be?

It will be steel on the exterior too. Steel roof and...... siding I guess since I don't know what else to call it.

Looks to me like you hired someone who knows about as much as you do to build this for you. You need a set of plans. Preferably designed by an engineer. That will tell you (and your builder) how the building should be constructed.


"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is"

 

[anythingyoucanimagine]

I am in the process of building a new house and shop.

... Both will be metal buildings.

...

Georgia, house and shop... What are you working with? Where I am (NY, RI, VT) you submit plans and apply for permits. When I buy engineered lumber with stamps I get stamps and papers that I can submit with my plans.


I'm with Moose97. 2x2 sounds insanely expensive. Georgia is a big state. Do you know your climate zone and wind requirements (and maybe snow loads)?