Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 10/17/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi.
When installing the OSB (Aspenite) on the wall, does the shinny side go outside or inside.  Also, if I need more than 2 sheets high (my walls are 100" high), do I put the small strip on the top against the top plate or in the middle of the 2 full sheets.
Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Shawn, I don't think it makes a difference.  If it did there would be a big stamp on the product  "THIS SIDE OUT".  If there is no stamp on the product regarding interior or exterior use then the next best approach is "What side does the building inspector want to see and does he want to verify the lumber stamp from the inside or the outside.  Generally speaking the identification stamp goes to the inside. In other words the stamp that shows the name of the product, the grade of the product, the edge spacing  and the stud spacing etc.  All these marks should be easily visible during inspection.  I hope this information helps, feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson, bejohnsonconsulting.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: And for the second question.  Since my walls plus the top plate, bottom plate and the second top plate measures 96"+1.5+1.5+1.5 = 100.5 and each sheet is 48", I will need a small strip of OSB of 4.5 inches.  Should this peace go between the 2 48" sheets or at the top.
Thanks again

Answer
Hi again Shawn, sorry I forgot to address that question earlier.  For Storm sheathing (wall sheathing) I believe you have to have a minimum of 12" ripper in any wall and solid edge nailing: meaning you will need a "cat" at each panel edge. This all depends on your local building codes.  A question I have for you is why use 96" studs?  Most wall studs are precut to allow for your double top plate and single bottom plate so that when the wall is built it is 97" tall allowing you to use 4' or 8' material without all that infill.  As far as location of the infill strip, structurally speaking I would put it in the middle of the wall so that the outer edges (top and bottom) are made up of the larger diaphragm of plywood/osb.   I hope this information helps, feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson, bejohnsonconsulting.com