To sheathe or not to shethe??
Hey Guys,
I’m doing a bedroom/bathroom remodel on my parents house, built 1939, and am replacing windows as well as gutting the interior walls. The house is stick framed 2x4s (real 2x4s!!) with diagonal 2×4 bracing and redwood bevel siding directly over the framing. My delima is, I need to replace some siding because of the windows and some rot, so I am wondering whether I should remove all the siding on that exterior wall and shethe with 1/2″ CDX to add structural stability and prevent cracks in my new drywall, or just leave well enough alone. What would you guys do? My gut says make it right and shethe, but maybe I am being too ‘dramatic’…..
Thoughts?
Thanks!!
Replies
I cast my vote for sheathing and 30# felt under the new siding. Carefully flash all openings with Ice and Water Shield.
Your description sounds like there was originally nothing between siding and frame. What was rotten? I'll guess framing near the windows.
Is the house in your same earthquake zone?
Bill
The only thing between the stud and the siding is lightweight kraft paper. Amazing enough the backside of the siding looks great. the rot has actually been on the exposed side. My guess is the openness of the walls (no insulation of course) has allowed quick air drying of any moisture inside. It's a SF Bay Area home, so top tier seismic zone.
So the surface of the siding has the rot, right? And it is redwood. Is it original 1939 vintage? It must be a mouldy weather area where that house sits for exposed vertical redwood to rot on the surface exposed to air. Wow.You are fortunate that the framing is good. I assume the walls will be insulated when you do the sheathing/siding? Gonna do dense pack cels?Bill
Yes, the SF area can get pretty moist, and it's in a very tree covered area.
What's wrong with leaving the diagonal 2x4 bracing? If it's held this long, it should be good. Seems like a lot of unnecessary work to add CDX.