Sheathing boards
Sheathing boards are a fundamental part of many construction projects. They can provide an outer structural layer that protects the structure of the build and allows the programme to progress. They then provide more benefits to the building once construction is complete. STEICO’s range of wood fibre sheathing boards are suitable for most projects and provide a range of benefits at all stages of construction and building operation
What are sheathing boards and how are they used in a build?
Traditional external sheathing boards, also called ‘construction boards’, provide structural capacity to a building during construction but very little in the way of thermal performance. They are installed before the building is weather tight and serve several basic purposes:
- Strengthen the structure and integrity of the building, making it rigid.
- Act as a base for cladding and other finishing materials.
- Protect the building from wind, rain and snow before the building is sealed typically in conjunction with an external breather membrane.
The most common materials used for sheathing boards include cement boards, plywood and oriented strand board (OSB). Each option will be suitable for different types of builds and projects.
STEICO sheathing boards are all about thermal and not structural capacity, distinguishing them from traditional sheathing boards. Read on to learn more about the thermal and acoustic benefits STEICO sheathing boards could provide to your project.
STEICOuniversal dry
Sarking and sheathing board made using the "dry process". Secure rain protection.
STEICOuniversal
Sarking and sheathing board made using the wet process. Secure rain protection.
STEICOspecial dry
Sarking and sheathing board made using the dry process. Secure rain protection.
STEICOsafe
Base sheet for flat sloping roofs and for use behind facings.
What are the potential advantages offered by sheathing boards once construction is finished?
Once the construction process is complete, STEICO sheathing boards offer a range of potential benefits if they have been specified and installed correctly, including:
- Thermal efficiency – Sheathing boards can reduce the possibility of air leaks which affect heat transfer, contributing to improved thermal efficiency in your home.
- Acoustic insulation – They can also act as another layer of acoustic insulation in your wall build up that plays a role in achieving your desired acoustic rating.
- Temperature regulation – The boards create a continuous layer which helps maintain the internal temperature. They can add significant thermal mass which supports the building fabrics ability to mitigate the impact of summer overheating.
Key features and benefits of STEICO wood fibre sheathing board
The primary focus of STEICO wood fibre sarking boards is to protect the building fabric from weathering and to keep the new or existing timbers warmer which reduces the risks of interstitial condensation. Additionally, they can play a role in meeting your sustainability and environmental goals in the following ways when specified and installed appropriately:
- Responsible sourcing – STEICO sheathing boards are manufactured from PEFC-accredited timber (PEFC/04-31-2550).
- Carbon binding – A cubic metre of a STEICO wood fibre sheathing board (e.g. STEICOuniversal) binds 458kg CO2eq during Life Cycle Stage A1 as defined in EN 15804+A2.
STEICO’s range also includes sheathing boards with extra characteristics that can offer even more benefits in the right circumstances:
- STEICOspecial dry – Can act as a render board as well as a regular sheathing board. Adds additional thermal performance to the building fabric and can be directly render finished.
- STEICOsafe – A sheathing board with an integrated laminated membrane to offer additional weathering protection.
