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I am considering buying a new home from Ryan Homes….it appears that they use rigid foam shething with no wood product sheathing underneath (OSB, plywood, etc)
I have heard of this before but am concerned about structure integrity and more importantly, security.
A bold theif with a 3$3 utility knife could cut thru vinyl siding/foam insulation/drywall and be in the house in a matter of minutes!!
any thoughts…Jerry Parker
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Jerry,
Welcome to the future of home consruction.The foam sheathing is becoming more and more common.The corners should be reinforced with sheer panels, usually osb, plywood, or in some cases, hold on to your coffee, drywall.Is this a strong house? I don't know. Building code says so, but why? Maybe lots of lobbying from big money groups like foam manufacturers?For my money I like to see sheathing. Reinhard
*Time not engineering is the true test, so we'll see. The main way that the new approach is "better" is cost. I hadn't even though of the security issue -- not to mention how easily damaged a wall made of air froth would be -- but really can't see why a few hundred dollars of OSB is too much. It is probably safe and it sure won't rot -- the sheathing in the middle of the wall doesn't do much -- but is it what you want? It has a lot to do with the builder's bottom line. If you believe in quality construction put your dollars with small builders who deliver it.As for the thief, most of them don't do a lot of thinking. A typical exterior door can be opened with a good mule kick and a window with a small pry bar -- attracting a bit less attention than digging your way through the wall.
*Jerry. See my post on this matter at Foam sheathing vs plywood sheathing.GeneL.
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Thank you all for your thoughts and insights....Jerry
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I am considering buying a new home from Ryan Homes....it appears that they use rigid foam shething with no wood product sheathing underneath (OSB, plywood, etc)
I have heard of this before but am concerned about structure integrity and more importantly, security.
A bold theif with a 3$3 utility knife could cut thru vinyl siding/foam insulation/drywall and be in the house in a matter of minutes!!
any thoughts...Jerry Parker
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