treated plywood (1/2″) as sheathing?
toby100
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I’m refurbing an old barn that has suffered a fair amount of termite damage over the years. This will be an ongoing project, so the sheathing will be exposed to rain and sun before I get around to wrapping it and covering it with siding.
Any reason NOT to use treated 1/2″ 4×8 plywood as sheathing, other than the expense? And if no good reason NOT to use it, better to use stainless steel nails or stainless steel screws as fastener, other than the expense?
thanks,
toby100
Replies
I've made it policy to sheath with PT plywood on the first horizontal course on most houses and dwellings.
It's been my observation on a lot of remodels that folks like to let their shrubbery get out of control next to the house and creating a trap for cobwebs, leaves, and rain and snow and, eventually rot behind the siding. Poor maintenance of landscaping can be nearly as destructive as placing a wood structure below grade level.
It's also a good idea on barns, although there are some cautions (and in some areas code restrictions) about placing PT where domestic animals can gnaw on it....horses in particular.
Thanks for getting back to me on this. Livestock will not be an issue. Turning the barn into a wood shop, so the only animals will be the carpenters.
How about fasteners? What do you typically use?
toby
I usually use SS 8d ringshanks in the situation you describe, but hot -dipped hand-driven galvies are probably OK, too.
Be sure to use corrosion resistant fasteners even on untreated plywood if you're nailing into a treated mudsill or posts.
"I've made it policy to sheath with PT plywood on the first horizontal course on most houses and dwelling"
That's not a bad idea. It's certainly where most of the rot is and like you say, an awful lot of houses have shrubs penetrating the building envelope in the bottom four feet.
just be aware the 1/2" PT plywood is usually not too flat - or at least not here in the SE. Not a big deal, but not particularly easy to work with solo either. When you buy the stuff you can cull out the really bad pieces. Or if you are having it delivered, scope out the pile at the BS and if it looks kinda bad order extra with intention of returning some.
Will do. Thanks for the heads up!