FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
Sponsored Post
Tools & Materials

Building for Resilience: Glass-Mat Sheathing in Residential Construction

Discover a non-combustible, moisture-resistant, and mold-resistant sheathing option.

By Aron Jones

Sponsored by USG

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
/
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions settings, opens captions settings dialog
    • captions off, selected

      This is a modal window.

      Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.

      Text
      Background
      Window
      Font Size
      Text Edge Style
      Font Family

      End of dialog window.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      Aron Jones, co-founder and supervisor at Big Dog Construction, explains why glass-mat sheathing is quickly becoming a popular alternative to traditional sheathing. Not only is it moisture and mold resistant, but it’s also non-combustible, making it a perfect option for tightly-spaced neighborhoods or areas prone to wildfires.

      Glass-Mat Sheathing in a Residential Setting

      While you may not be familiar with glass-mat sheathing, it has been used for a very long time in commercial construction, and more recently in the last few decades, it’s starting to make inroads into residential construction. What you are familiar with is Sheetrock® Brand panels which we’ve seen on the inside of our homes since post-World War II.

      What is Glass-Mat Sheathing?

      USG Securock® Brand Glass-Mat Sheathing is a vapor-open, non-combustible, structural sheathing, and it solves a variety of residential building challenges. One that comes to mind is zero-lot-lines. So we’ve got residential construction very close together — non-combustible gypsum sheathing solves that issue.

      It also helps with urban wildfires and, for that matter, if you’re building in a rural location where wildfires could be an issue, glass-mat sheathing may solve some of those problems for you. It also provides architects, engineers, and builders with a variety of options for cladding.

      It is a cost-effective, readily available, easily installed product. Another unique feature of glass-mat sheathing beyond it being a vapor-open product is it is also moisture and mold resistant. That leads to better indoor air quality and overall, a more comfortable and durable home for occupants.

      Easy to Install

      A common exterior wall assembly that you’re most likely familiar with is a pre-2015 building code wall assembly. I’m familiar with this particular assembly, mostly in a zero-lot-line setting. This is one of the situations where glass-mat sheathing shines. It’s gypsum core, fire-resistant (which is why we use it in a zero-lot-line situation). The gypsum core is also moisture-resistant, the facer is moisture and mold resistant, and the sheathing is designed for exposure for up to a year.

      Depending on the environment you build in and your local code, the amount of bracing or blocking may vary. For installers, you don’t need any special tools — just a utility knife. You literally score and snap it. We’re going to install it using an exterior grade screw or a hot dip galvanized roofing nail. If you can install drywall, you can install glass-mat sheeting.

      Considerations for Continuous Exterior Insulation

      Energy requirements are evermore increasing, and continuous exterior insulation is becoming standard practice, much like you see on this wall assembly here. As you can see, we’ve got a Sheetrock® Brand panel in the back, fiberglass cavity insulation, we’ve got our glass-mat sheathing, a self-adhered WRB, continuous exterior mineral wool insulation, 3/4-in. rain screen, and lap siding.

      Securock® Brand Glass-Mat Sheathing provides great fire resistance and with a properly detailed vented rain screen, it gives architects and engineers a variety of options when designing for walls with continuous exterior insulation.

      As an alternative to field-applied WRBs, Securock® ExoAir®430 panels come with a factory-applied air and water control layer. It doesn’t matter whether you’re using Securock® glass-mat panels or Securock® ExoAir® panels. The installation process is exactly the same. Whether you’re on the ground, up on a lift, or on staging, the panels are easily maneuverable, easily cut, and installed.

      Glass-Mat Sheathing with Stone and Stucco

      Finally, we’re showing glass-mat sheathing with a stone and stucco veneer system. As you can see, we have our WRB, our ventilated rain screen with our mortar mesh, and we have our stucco veneer and our stone veneer. On all of these assemblies, we’re not changing the wall system. We’re simply changing out traditional sheathing with glass-mat sheathing and offering the benefits of a gypsum-based product.

      As a builder, if I’m doing a stucco detail, glass-mat sheathing is a solid option. It is moisture and mold resistant. I have seen wall assemblies exactly like this in the commercial world stand up for decades, so why wouldn’t I use glass-mat sheathing in one of my home builds?

      In summary, properly installed Securock® Brand Glass-Mat Sheathing is a resilient, durable sheathing option for residential construction with proven performance and commercial applications. It’s cost efficient, it’s easy to install, and it enhances the performance of exterior walls to better resist air and water infiltration, mold growth, and flame spread. To learn more about Securock® Brand Glass-Mat Sheathing, visit usg.com.

      RELATED STORIES

      • A Deep Dive Into Continuous Exterior Insulation
      • Drywall with Some Eco-cred
      • Efficient Methods for Installing Wall Sheathing

      Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters
      ×

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      New Feature

      Fine Homebuilding Forums

      Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

      • X
      • facebook
      • linkedin
      • pinterest
      • email
      • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

      Log in or create an account to post a comment.

      Sign up Log in

      Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

      Up Next

      Video Shorts

      Featured Story

      Putting Drywall Sanders to the Test: Power, Precision, and Dust Control

      A pro painter evaluates a variety of drywall sanders and dust collection systems for quality of finish, user fatigue, and more.

      Featured Video

      How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

      Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

      Related Stories

      • The Unabashed Maximalist
      • A 1980s Condo Goes Retro Vintage
      • A Practical Approach to Exterior Insulation
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Designing and Building an Efficient Slab-On-Grade Home

      Discussion Forum

      Recent Posts and Replies

      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      View More Create Post

      Highlights

      Fine Homebuilding All Access
      Fine Homebuilding Podcast
      Tool Tech
      Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

      "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      Video

      View All Videos
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Designing and Building an Efficient Slab-On-Grade Home
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Insulating and Air-Sealing Behind a Masonry Wall in a Remodel
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Insulating the Roof of a Small Balloon-Framed House
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Old Home Insulation Troubles - How to Find the Right Contractor
      View All

      Insulation

      View All Insulation Articles
      • Insulation Shield for Wafer Lights
      • Ranch Redux
      • Save Batt Bags for Reuse
      View All Insulation Articles

      Fine Homebuilding Magazine

      • Issue 331 - June 2025
        • A More Resilient Roof
        • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
        • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
      • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
        • Deck Details for Durability
        • FAQs on HPWHs
        • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
      • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
        • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
        • A Kominka Comes West
        • Making Small Kitchens Work
      • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
        • How a Pro Replaces Columns
        • Passive House 3.0
        • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
      • Issue 327 - November 2024
        • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
        • Plumbing Protection
        • Talking Shop

      Fine Home Building

      Newsletter Sign-up

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

      • Green Building Advisor

        Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      • Old House Journal

        Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X

      Membership & Magazine

      • Online Archive
      • Start Free Trial
      • Magazine Subscription
      • Magazine Renewal
      • Gift a Subscription
      • Customer Support
      • Privacy Preferences
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Careers
      • Terms of Use
      • Site Map
      • Do not sell or share my information
      • Privacy Policy
      • Accessibility
      • California Privacy Rights

      © 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

      Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

      • Home Group
      • Antique Trader
      • Arts & Crafts Homes
      • Bank Note Reporter
      • Cabin Life
      • Cuisine at Home
      • Fine Gardening
      • Fine Woodworking
      • Green Building Advisor
      • Garden Gate
      • Horticulture
      • Keep Craft Alive
      • Log Home Living
      • Military Trader/Vehicles
      • Numismatic News
      • Numismaster
      • Old Cars Weekly
      • Old House Journal
      • Period Homes
      • Popular Woodworking
      • Script
      • ShopNotes
      • Sports Collectors Digest
      • Threads
      • Timber Home Living
      • Traditional Building
      • Woodsmith
      • World Coin News
      • Writer's Digest
      Active Interest Media logo
      X
      X
      This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

      Main Menu

      • How-To
      • Design
      • Tools & Materials
      • Video
      • Blogs
      • Forum
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Magazine
      • Members
      • FHB House

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Popular Topics

      • Kitchens
      • Business
      • Bedrooms
      • Roofs
      • Architecture and Design
      • Green Building
      • Decks
      • Framing
      • Safety
      • Remodeling
      • Bathrooms
      • Windows
      • Tilework
      • Ceilings
      • HVAC

      Magazine

      • Current Issue
      • Past Issues
      • Magazine Index
      • Subscribe
      • Online Archive
      • Author Guidelines

      All Access

      • Member Home
      • Start Free Trial
      • Gift Membership

      Online Learning

      • Courses
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Podcast

      More

      • FHB Ambassadors
      • FHB House
      • Customer Support

      Account

      • Log In
      • Join

      Newsletter

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • X
      • YouTube
      • instagram
      • facebook
      • pinterest
      • Tiktok

      Join All Access

      Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

      Start Your Free Trial

      Subscribe

      FHB Magazine

      Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

      Subscribe

      Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

      Already a member? Log in

      We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

      Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

      Start your FREE trial

      Already a member? Log in

      Privacy Policy Update

      We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

      Cookies

      Analytics

      These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

      Advertising/Social Media

      These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

      Essential

      These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

      Delete My Data

      Delete all cookies and associated data