It provides a surface for the application of materials like siding and helps shield a structure from rain snow wind etc.
Building science insulated sheathing wood siding.
The thermal resistance of each of the products will vary.
In order for insulated siding to qualify as home insulation it must be installed directly over a water resistive barrier and sheathing.
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Insulated sheathing in a cold climate.
However now that we have the sheathing on and are siding i have read people stating that r sheathing is not well suited for cold climates and that we should have used a thicker foam and placed it on the exterior side of the sheathing.
Residential housing design continues to move towards the development of high performance sustainable building systems.
When insulated siding is installed over furring strips the space between the furring strips must be filled in with rigid insulation or another appropriate building material.
As a result the siding cups cracks and sheds paint.
Hot sun can overheat wood siding causing it to dry excessively and crack.
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Foam is less permeable to water vapor and the back of the siding stays wet as the face of the siding dries.
Five common structural exterior sheathing options include wood based gypsum glass mat cement board and barricade thermo brace.
Structural sheathing gives a home or commercial building integrity and rigidity.
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Guide to insulating sheathing.
In general eps foam has the lowest r value per inch with xps being slightly more efficient and with polyisocyanurate having the best r value per.