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// CODE SNIPPET

R603.9.2 Determination of Minimum Length of Fullheight Sheathing

2017 FBC - Residential, 6th edition > 6 Wall Construction > R603 Cold-Formed Steel Wall Framing > R603.9 Structural Sheathing > R603.9.2 Determination of Minimum Length of Fullheight Sheathing
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The minimum length of full-height sheathing on each braced wall line shall be determined by multiplying the length of the braced wall line by the percentage obtained from Table R603.9.2(1) and by the plan aspect-ratio adjustment factors obtained from Table R603.9.2(2). The minimum length of full-height sheathing shall be not less than 20 percent of the braced wall line length.

To be considered full-height sheathing, structural sheathing shall extend from the bottom to the top of the wall without interruption by openings. Only sheathed, fullheight wall sections, uninterrupted by openings, which are not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) wide, shall be counted toward meeting the minimum percentages in Table R603.9.2(1). In addition, structural sheathing shall comply with all of the following requirements:

  1. Be installed with the long dimension parallel to the stud framing and shall cover the full vertical height of wall from the bottom of the bottom track to the top of the top track of each story. Installing the long dimension perpendicular to the stud framing or using shorter segments shall be permitted provided that the horizontal joint is blocked as described in Item 2.
  2. Be blocked where the long dimension is installed perpendicular to the stud framing. Blocking shall be not less than 33 mil (0.84 mm) thickness. Each horizontal structural sheathing panel shall be fastened with No. 8 screws spaced at 6 inches (152 mm) on center to the blocking at the joint.
  3. Be applied to each end (corners) of each of the exterior walls with a minimum 48-inch-wide (1219 mm) panel.

Exception: Where stone or masonry veneer is installed, the required length of full-height sheathing and overturning anchorage required shall be determined in accordance with Section R603.9.5.

TABLE R603.9.2(1)

MINIMUM PERCENTAGE OF FULL-HEIGHT STRUCTURAL SHEATHING ON EXTERIOR WALLSa, b

WALL SUPPORTINGROOF SLOPEULTIMATE WIND SPEED AND EXPOSURE
(mph)
115 B126 B< 139 B126 C< 139 C
110 C115 C
Roof and ceiling only (one story or top
floor of two- or three-story building).
3:1299121620
6:121315202635
9:122325305058
12:123335406675
One story, roof and ceiling (first floor of a
two-story building or second floor of a
three-story building).
3:122730355066
6:122830405874
9:123840557491
12:12455065100115
Two stories, roof and ceiling (first floor of
a three-story building).
3:1245515884112
6:1243456090113
9:1253558098124
12:12576590134155

For SI: 1 mph = 0.447 m/s.

  1. Linear interpolation is permitted.
  2. For hip-roofed homes the minimum percentage of full-height sheathing, based upon wind, is permitted to be multiplied by a factor of 0.95 for roof slopes not exceeding 7:12 and a factor of 0.9 for roof slopes greater than 7:12.

TABLE R603.9.2(2)

FULL-HEIGHT SHEATHING LENGTH ADJUSTMENT FACTORS

PLAN ASPECT RATIOLENGTH ADJUSTMENT FACTORS
Short wallLong wall
1:11.01.0
1.5:11.50.67
2:12.00.50
3:13.00.33
4:14.00.25

R603.9.2.1 Full Height Sheathing

The minimum percentage of full-height structural sheathing shall be multiplied by 1.10 for 9-foot-high (2743 mm) walls and multiplied by 1.20 for 10-foot-high (3048 mm) walls.

R603.9.2.2 Full-Height Sheathing in Lowest Story

In the lowest story of a dwelling, multiplying the percentage of full-height sheathing required in Table R603.9.2(1) by 0.6 shall be permitted provided holddown anchors are provided in accordance with Section R603.9.4.2.

Related Code Sections


R603.9.2 Wall Construction, Determination of Minimum Length of Fullheight Sheathing
The minimum length of full-height sheathing on each braced wall line shall be determined by multiplying the length of the braced wall line ...
2017 FBC - Residential, 6th edition > 6 Wall Construction > R603 Cold-Formed Steel Wall Framing > R603.9 Structural Sheathing > R603.9.2 Determination of Minimum Length of Fullheight Sheathing
R602.12.3 Wall Construction, Bracing Unit
of bracing units shall be determined by dividing the wall segment length by the minimum bracing unit length. Full-height sheathed segments of wall narrower ...
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Fasteners shall have the greater of the minimum length specified in Table R703.3(1) or as required to provide a minimum penetration into framing ...
2017 FBC - Residential, 6th edition > 7 Wall Covering > R703 Exterior Covering > R703.3 Nominal Thickness and Attachments > R703.3.3 Minimum Fastener Length and Penetration
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Fasteners shall have the greater of the minimum length specified in Table R703.3(1) or as required to provide a minimum penetration into framing ...
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2014 FBC - Building, 5th edition > 23 Wood > 2322 High-Velocity Hurricane Zones— Sheathing > 2322.2 Roof Sheathing
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