OK, so I am building a 16 X 10 ft shed. I have finished the wall framing (2×4’s) and went to install the 4X8 sheets of 15/32 OSB today. Here is my dilemma, The bottom plate + 92 1/4 stud + double top plate = 8 ft 3/4 in. So if I butt the OSB to the top of the top plate it only nails to the middle of the bottom plate and will not catch (tie / cover ) the subfloor or the rim joist. I was thinking of butting it to a leggier 3/4 of an inch below the sub floor on the rim joist and then adding a strip of OSB (off setting the seams) at the top. Does it matter? I am a b+ DIY’er but cannot find a picture in any book or internet..
Thanks
Tim
Replies
Yes, it matters, at least to me it would. Using the sheathing to tie the top plate to the rim joist will hold the structure together and give it a more finished appearance. You'll have to buy 9' sheets to run vertically or run your first course horizontial and flush with the bottom of the rim joist, the second flush to the top of the top plate and then a small ripper in the middle. But, I'd use 1/2" PT plywood for the bottom course for the horizontial layout or for all ot it vertically. Rot is the biggest enemy of sheds and Pt wil go a long way in preventing it.
On a 10' wide shed I don't think it will matter how you run the osb - although I would agree that 9' sheets are probably the way to go if you haven't purchased the sheathing already.
If shorter sheets are broken vertically simply have it break on a plate or blocking so the edges have something to nail to and that will do 99% as well as full height sheets for what you're doing.
Thanks for the help that will work.
Tim
If it were a house you'd want both top and bottom lapped for wind resistance, but for a relatively small shed it's not so critical. One thing you could do, though, is add a few hurricane ties at the top or bottom (whichever) where you decide to scrimp.
Horizontal not Vertical
Tim,
Run your sheets horizontally ( 4' tall), start by measuring up from the bottom of your rim joist 48", snap a level line all around the building, Run a second row around the building on top of the first , off-setting the joints, then rip a final strip the width thats left over at the top,(assuming 2x6 joists and 3/4" ply floor you should have approximately a 7" rip at the top, more than enough to tie the top plate and studs together. Plywood is intended to be run horizontally, not vertically, it offers more resistance to racking than vertical sheathing.
Good Luck ,
Geoff