Wall Sheathing
Wall systems are made up of various components including sheathing. The quality of the structural wall sheathing is important to meet building and energy codes but some brands such as TallWall® and Windstorm® can offer further cost savings and benefits. West Fraser’s Trubord® is a 4×8 structural sheathing and in some applications can certainly be used in wall application.
However the smarter choice would be to opt for taller OSB wall-sheathing panels such as TallWall or Windstorm. Why? Using TallWall 9’ or 10’ wall sheathing can reduce wall air leakage by as much as 60% vs 4×8 because TallWall minimizes the number horizontal joints that air moves through. Using TallWall eliminates the need for all the blocking at horizontal joints plus it allows the wall cavity to be filled completely and quickly with insulation for a tighter building envelope. All this adds up to less material, less construction time and less labour.
In high wind markets the best choice is Windstorm structural sheathing. With lengths from 97 1/8″ up to 145 1/8″ in both 7/16 and 15/32 thickness categories Windstorm allows the design professional to choose the right length and fastener schedule to meet hurricane codes. Windstorm and the fastener schedule can reduce or even eliminate expensive metal hardware and the time and expense to install all that metal. The saving can add up to $1,000 or more per house. Plus Windstorm offers you the same advantages as TallWall with reduced air leakage, open bays to insulate etc.
Both TallWall and Windstorm are perfect partners of Raised heel (Energy) trusses. Raised heel trusses are a great way to take advantage of the energy codes that allow lower attic insulation R-values when full-depth insulation extends to the outside edge of the top plate without compression. Insulation is far more effective when it is full depth at the outside edge of the wall. The perfect partnership combines TallWall or Windstorm sheathing with raised heel trusses.
Roofs
Trubord® 4×8 square edge panels are ideal for roof sheathing in residential single and multi family houses as well as light commercial construction and modular homes.
Stepping up to radiant barrier sheathing can be a huge advantage, not only to the builder but the home owner. A house with Solarbord® radiant barrier sheathing has a head start on comfort. Up to 97% of radiant heat from the sun is blocked by Solarbord, so the attic can be as much as 30°F cooler. The hotter it gets the more effective Solarbord is.
Stepping up to radiant barrier sheathing can be a huge advantage, not only to the builder but the home owner. A house with Solarbord® radiant barrier sheathing has a head start on comfort. Up to 97% of radiant heat from the sun is blocked by Solarbord, so the attic can be as much as 30°F cooler. The hotter it gets the more effective Solarbord is.
This means the rest of the house will be cooler too. Some HERS raters have told us that when Solarbord roof sheathing is used in their markets that they can calculate reduced AC requirements by 1/2 ton. That alone can be hundreds of dollars in savings by using West Fraser Solarbord radiant barrier sheathing.
Thinking of, or using spray foam insulation? Take the time to compare the few hundred dollars cost for Solarbord compared to the thousands and thousands of dollars for spray foam and the payback on Solarbord will be many years shorter than foam.
For further information regarding any of the above mentioned West Fraser products call ( 919 ) 523-1619, Craig.Doehner@Norbord.com or visit www.WestFraser.com.