Sheathing in construction
In very general terms, 'sheathing' is a covering or supporting structure that has a similar function to the sheath of a blade; that is, it acts as a cover or case.
In the construction industry, the term ‘sheathing’, or 'sheathing board' can be used to refer to a layer of board or panel material that forms a part of floor, wall and roof assemblies. The outer sheathing board strengthens the assembly, provides a surface for other materials to be applied to and may give some degree of weather resistance.
The materials most commonly used for sheathing include; engineered timber, plywood, gypsum and oriented strand board (OSB).
Floor sheathing is typically a tongue and groove material that carries live loads down to the floor joists beneath. It is generally installed after a floor frame and been built but before the walls have been built up.
Wall sheathing can be structural or non-structural and on external walls can help protect against wind and water penetration.
Roof sheathing is generally structural as it helps to brace the roof frame. A covering is generally applied over the top of the sheathing.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The context, schemes, standards, roles and relevance of the Building Safety Act.
Retrofit 25 – What's Stopping Us?
Exhibition Opens at The Building Centre.
Types of work to existing buildings
A simple circular economy wiki breakdown with further links.
A threat to the creativity that makes London special.
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
The smart construction dashboard, as-built data and site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill
An outline of the bill with a mix of reactions on potential impacts from IHBC, CIEEM, CIC, ACE and EIC.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Comments