Wall Sheathing: Choosing the Right Material

Wall Sheathing 101: Choosing the Right Material for Strength and Airtightness What Is Sheathing? Sheathing is a core layer in construction, placed between a building's frame and its exterior finish. It strengthens walls, roofs, and floors, while also helping to manage moisture and improve energy efficiency. The building envelope -- which includes sheathing -- acts as your home's protective shell, keeping temperatures stable, blocking moisture, and ensuring structural stability. Structural Support and Load Distribution Sheathing binds the structural frame together, turning individual studs into a unified, rigid system that improves stability. With integrated sheathing, cladding can be attached directly, enhancing the overall strength of the building. In some cases, interior sheathing is also added, offering extra air and vapor control to further reinforce the structure. Insulation and Energy Efficiency When sealed properly, sheathing helps reduce air leaks, stabilizes indoor temperature...