The standard nailing pattern for sheathing depends on the type of sheathing material and the local building codes. However, a common nailing pattern for wood structural panels (plywood or OSB) is to place nails every 6 inches along panel edges and every 12 inches along intermediate supports (studs, joists, rafters).
Nailing of wall sheathing shall be increased to 8d ring shank or 10d nails on 4 inches on center along the edges and 6 inches on center in the field. Structural wood sheathing shall be extended to lap the sill plate and nailed to the sill plate using a 4-inch on-center nail pattern along the edges.
[BS] A304. 4.1. 1 Sheathing Installation Requirements
All individual pieces of wood structural panels shall be nailed with 8d common nails spaced 4 inches (102 mm) on center at all edges and 12 inches (305 mm) on center at each intermediate support with not less than two nails for each stud.
For example, according to the table, 7/16″ OSB (Oriented Strand Board) wall sheathing may be fastened with 6d common, box or casing nails OR 1-3/4″ 16 gage staples at 6″ on center at the panel edges and 12″ on center in the field (special conditions apply for shear walls).
A nail subject to the same forces is much more likely to bend without breaking, which in turn keeps the two pieces of wood joined together.
Typically, screws are best for OSB and softwoods due to the heightened chance of splitting and easier removal at a future date. This results in a weaker connection and can damage the integrity of the subfloor or sheathing. Plus, OSB subfloors applied with nails rather than screws are more likely to creak.
Using OSB Safely
The side stamped “This Side Down” is typically the smooth side. This is mostly for roofers so that they lay the smooth side down and can stand on the rough side facing up. When installing in vertical applications such as wall sheathing, you'll want to orient the smooth or stamped side facing out.
EAGLE 1 Metal Roofing Screws #10 - Painted Hex Head Self-Tapping Screws with EDPM Rubber Washer for Metal to Wood, Vinyl, Small Sheet Metal - Free Magnetic Driver (Burnished Slate, 2 Inch, 1000) Best screws I've found for 7/16" OSB. Others will strip very easily.
APA recommends a 1/8-inch space between panel edge and end joints. Plywood and oriented strand board (OSB), like all wood products, will expand or shrink slightly with changes in moisture content. If the wood structural panels are tightly butted, there is no room for expansion and buckling can occur.
These areas are normally included under the prescriptive sections of building codes. As such, the nailing schedule is typically the familiar 6 inches on center at supported panel edges, including gable-end walls and 12 inches on center over intermediate panel sup- ports.
For plywood sheathing, the most typical size nail used is the 8d nail. These nails are robust enough to penetrate the plywood and secure it effectively to the underlying studs or trusses. The 8d nail is approximately 2.5 inches long and offers the right balance of length and thickness to provide a stronghold.
For residential construction, the building code requirement typically is for a rated sheathing panel of either OSB or plywood of 0.95 cm (3/8 in) thickness when sheathing is required, as for shear wall sections; however, the common practice is to use sheathing thicknesses greater than code, which is referred to as “ ...
Answer. OSB roof panels should always be installed with the grade stamp facing into the attic and the screened surface (with the nail guide lines) facing up. When the grade stamp is covered by roofing, the building inspector will not be able to confirm that the correct OSB roofing panel was used.
It is designed primarily for structural applications like wall sheathing, roofing, and flooring.
Secure the sheathing with 2 ½ inch 8p ring nails, or manufacturer's recommended fasteners, every 6 inches. Important, DO NOT fasten the four corners first. To secure the panel to the stud, start at the top left corner of the panel and fasten the panel to the vertical side stud from top to bottom.
The standard nailing pattern for sheathing depends on the type of sheathing material and the local building codes. However, a common nailing pattern for wood structural panels (plywood or OSB) is to place nails every 6 inches along panel edges and every 12 inches along intermediate supports (studs, joists, rafters).
Using OSB as a finished surface? A paint job can help to create a more finished look. It doesn't matter which side of the board you paint, but choose a smooth or rough side that suits your particular application. Spread the panels out for 24-48 hours to let them adjust to the humidity conditions.
The APA (the Engineered Woo Association) recommends that construction professionals leave a 1/8-inch gap between each panel edge and end joint. As ambient moisture changes, your OSB or plywood panels will expand and contract.
Nails are a popular selection for roofing, siding and sheathing projects. The amount of fasteners that are needed in these projects makes nails a more attractive choice because they offer a lower price point.
"When fastening the upper layer of plywood, OSB, or 2x4s above the rigid foam, use the same number of screws that you would use for furring strips installed on walls—basically, one screw every 24 inches along each rafter, with a minimum penetration into solid wood of 1½ inch.
There are a variety of deck substrates to choose from for metal roofing projects, including plywood, B-deck, and OSB. The type of substrate you choose will dictate your installation process, so it's important to understand how these materials differ.
Also, by installing the stamps down, the rougher side of the panels is kept upward which helps with worker traction on the jobsite. However, structurally there is no difference in how the panel will perform whether the side with the grade stamps is installed up or down.
On an episode of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, someone said that installing structural sheathing horizontally on walls is superior to vertical installation, but APA (the Engineered Wood Association) maintains both installations are equal provided the panels are attached to framing or blocking.