I'm working on my attached garage addition and I've got a high wall that measures 99 inches from the bottom to the top. The top and bottom plates are both doubled up, and there's 8 feet from the top of the foundation to the bottom of the top plate. I'm considering a few options for installing 4x8, 1-inch thick Zip System sheathing. Here are my ideas so far:
1. Install the panels vertically with a 3" strip at the top.
2. Lay down two horizontal rows with a 3" strip at the top.
3. Go vertical but avoid overlapping the bottom two 2x4s of the bottom plate and the top two of the top plate.
What do you think is the best approach, or do you have any other suggestions?
5 Answers
You might want to cut your sheathing into pieces of 72" and 27" or use a staggered measurement you prefer. Just don’t put a super thin strip across the top; that could create weaknesses.
Make sure to check with the inspector about their requirements. I’d suggest snapping a line to run it horizontally, starting with the lower row. After that, place a 2x6 block between the studs to span the gap before putting in the top piece. Remember to leave a 3/4" gap on the top plate for proper ventilation if you're insulating!
You could check out what Stud Pack did on their garage. They have a solid installation method that you might find helpful! Here's a link to their video: [https://youtu.be/am6Y9nYlAEY?si=IWvehxvUJM6O30rd](https://youtu.be/am6Y9nYlAEY?si=IWvehxvUJM6O30rd). Just fill in any gaps with spray foam and zip tape it once you're done.
If it were me, I’d go for 9' sheets, but I tend to be a bit extra about these things! For option two, you could add a strip at the top, which would probably look best since it'll be hidden in the soffit later anyway.
From what I know, the sheathing should hang slightly below the bottom plate, so I wouldn't recommend option three. It's better to install it vertically, follow the manufacturer's guidance for overlapping the bottom plate, and you could throw a 1x4 batten over the seam for a nice finish.