So our house in Northern California was built in the early 1960’s. The materials from inside to out go: studs, brown paper, then siding. For the parts with stucco there is the brown paper, then wire mesh, then stucco. My first question is, what is this brown paper called? It is extremely brittle and easily crumbles. My second question is, I am planning in the future to build a home in the Nevada Desert, and when I do, can I get away with not using sheathing since it seems so many homes don’t use it? Thanks.
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I would not recommend building a house without sheathing. Sure you can skip it. But a lot has changed in building science in the last 60 years and current trends are for tighter houses with less air infiltration. Also since you’re in CA where there are earthquakes I sheath the house for the extra rigidity it provides the framing.