wall sheathing vs windows
#1
09-06-08, 09:07 PM
wall sheathing vs windows
i am about to start framing an addition to my house. its a sun room so i wanted as much window space as possible. i have read that there needs to be a 4x 8 sheet of sheathing on a wall. i have also read that there is a framing factor which says for 24" centers there should be 25% of the wall covered with sheathing. i plan to have more than 25% covered but no full sheets of 1/2 " osb will be used. is there some rule of thumb to use or are either of these correct?
#2
09-07-08, 04:14 AM
You should be using 16" OC framing anyway, so disregard that opinion. Once you have it framed up including window openings, run continuous OSB over the entire outside and cut the window openings out. Don't try to checkerboard the OSB, as you will not achieve the structural strength needed. It will be easier to install using full sheets, too.
#4
09-07-08, 10:18 AM
Super Moderator
Well, just remember, 24" oc framing won't accommodate 24" ro windows. 24" oc will only give 22 1/2" clear opening.
#5
09-07-08, 10:38 AM
right. i am actually framing out at 24" r/o so symantics issue on my part. however, you made me check the size of insulation bats i had planned to use and they are 23" so will require some trimming under the windows as the opening there will 21" when the cripples are in place. thanks for making me think about all these aspects. i also started checking to make sure i have spaces available for wiring along the doors. along the floor i have a space below each window that will allow for my outlets and the wiring for them
#6
09-07-08, 11:47 AM
You won't be satisfied with the spacing at 24", believe me. Framing the windows using 16"oc is done every day, and it isn't a problem no matter what size window you are using. If you use constant 16" oc framing, 15" insulation will fit all around the room, and you will only have a few narrow pieces at the window sides to fill in.
