Commercial Building Inspector B2Wall Construction and Wall CoveringsMedium
An inspector is reviewing the installation of a wood-frame exterior wall for a commercial building. The wall is designed to resist wind loads and contains 2x6 studs spaced at 16 inches (406 mm) on center. What is the minimum nominal thickness of wood structural panel sheathing required for this wall, assuming the sheathing is applied with the long dimension perpendicular to studs and has a span rating of 24/16?
- A1/2 inch (12.7 mm)
- B7/16 inch (11.1 mm)
- C3/8 inch (9.5 mm)
- D5/8 inch (15.9 mm)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 1/2 inch (12.7 mm)
For wood structural panel sheathing applied perpendicular to studs spaced at 16 inches on center, a panel with a span rating of 24/16 or 32/16 would be appropriate. The minimum nominal thickness for a 24/16 panel, when used for wall sheathing, is 1/2 inch (12.7 mm).
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 7/16 inch is a common thickness but not the minimum for a 24/16 span rating on 16-inch centers for walls.
- C. 3/8 inch is typically for roof sheathing or closer stud spacing.
- D. 5/8 inch is typically used for higher loads or wider stud spacing.
Wood Structural Panel Wall Sheathing
Minimum nominal thickness of wood structural panel sheathing for exterior walls, based on span rating and stud spacing.
- Span rating indicates maximum recommended spans for roof and floor applications.
- When used for walls, the second number in the span rating (e.g., '16' in 24/16) typically corresponds to stud spacing.
- Perpendicular application increases strength and stiffness.
Memory trick: Sheathing's strength depends on span, spacing, and how it's laid.