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Taping OSB Seams

tjones1014 | Posted in General Questions on

We’ll be taping the OSB seams on our exterior before adding new WRB, rain screen, & Hardie siding. Do we need to make sure they’re taped at the tops (by the soffit) and bottom (at the slab foundation), or will taping the sheet seams be enough?

It’s an older home, so we don’t want to make it too tight, just improve its efficiency.

Climate zone 3A/4A (North GA area)

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Replies

  1. Malcolm_Taylor | | #1

    tjones,

    The more air-sealing you do the better the house will perform. Definitely tape the bottom of the sheets as that is where air typically infiltrates houses, and that will reduce the air-leakage into your roof space through the ceiling.

    1. tjones1014 | | #2

      Can I use the same tape I use for the seams, or will I need something more robust to be able to stick to the foundation?

      1. samebrock | | #3

        Look at Siga Fentrim tape. It’s meant for that conditions. Alternatively, you could use a liquid product like Prosoco Joint and Seam Filler or Zip Liquid Flash for that joint but it’s a bit more work.

        We just did Prosoco on two houses (approx 140’ of joint each) and it took me a full day per house. These are slab on grade so laying on my side and cleaning the joint prior to application increased the time it took.

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