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Builders can choose from a variety of wood sheathing products that
range in cost, strength, insulation value, and ease of installation.
Of the options available, plywood and oriented strand board (OSB)
are the strongest and most durable. Wood sheathing panels add shear
and racking strength important characteristics that are engineered
to help a structure withstand the forces of high winds and earthquakes.
Wood-sheathed walls are also easy to build and easy to insulate
for high R values.
Structural
insulated panels (SIPs)—which commonly consist of rigid
foam board sandwiched between structural wood sheathing (plywood
and OSB)—can be used in place of stud-framed construction for
both walls and ceilings.
While manufactured wood products often perform as well or better
than lumber, glues used in the manufacturing process can cause indoor
air quality problems. Engineered wood products made with exterior-type
glues (phenolic resins) and urethane (polyurea) adhesives give off
some of the lowest emissions. Because they're susceptible to damage
from termites and dry rot, some wood products also are pressure-preservative
treated. These products can also sometimes negatively affect indoor
air quality if not used properly.
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