Alexei Volkov
Plastic sheathing is a common way to protect walls from damage. It is often used as a temporary fix to cover walls and ceilings until drywall can be installed. It is also used as a vapor barrier in exterior walls to protect against wind-driven moisture. Plastic sheathing is also used in interior walls to protect against daily abuse, such as dents, scrapes, and scratches. The thickness of the plastic sheeting varies depending on the level of impact resistance required. When using plastic sheeting, it is important to consider the climate and materials used, as plastic barriers may not be suitable for all climates. For exterior wall sheathing, tongue-and-groove boards or oriented strand board (OSB) are commonly used to provide stability and strength, while also increasing energy efficiency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to use plastic sheathing | In extremely cold climates like Alaska, Canada or Montana |
| Purpose | To prevent energy transfer, keep out wind and rain, and protect walls from dents, scrapes and scratches |
| Materials | High-density polyethylene (HDPE), PVC, vinyl, fiber cement, wood, metal, tile |
| Thickness | Corresponds to the level of impact resistance required |
| Size | Various sizes available to ensure full coverage of vulnerable areas |
| Finish and color | Various options available to match or complement interior design; textured finishes can help hide scuffs and scratches |
| Installation | Should be installed directly over the sheathing or bracing, or directly to the studs |
| Seams | Should be covered with recommended tape to seal the boards and prevent moisture infiltration |
| Cost | Around $2.50 per square foot for material and labor costs |
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What You'll Learn
Using plastic sheathing for wall protection
Plastic sheathing is a versatile material used for wall protection in various applications, from construction to remodelling and painting. It offers heavy-duty protection for interior walls, shielding them from dents, scrapes, and scratches. The thickness of the plastic sheeting can vary, typically ranging from 0.040" to 0.060", with some options available in thicknesses up to 0.080".
When used as exterior wall sheathing, plastic helps to keep out wind and rain, and in some cases, it can also aid in preventing energy transfer, making the home more comfortable and energy-efficient. Plastic sheeting can be installed directly over the exterior sheathing or bracing and is typically screwed in place. It is essential to tape the seams with the recommended product to prevent moisture infiltration.
In interior applications, plastic sheeting can be used to protect walls during construction or remodelling. It can also be used as a paint protection film, attracting overspray and reducing paint flaking while also protecting surrounding areas from dust and debris. This type of plastic sheeting is typically self-adhering and semi-clear, allowing natural light to pass through.
Additionally, plastic sheathing can be used to create a vapour barrier in wall assemblies, particularly in extremely cold climates. This helps to prevent moisture issues and condensation, which can lead to potential rot and other damage.
It is important to note that the use of plastic sheathing may vary depending on geographical location and building codes. For example, in some regions, plastic visqueen-type barriers are generally avoided unless in extremely cold climates, as they can hinder vapour escape and cause condensation issues.
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Plastic sheathing for insulation
Plastic sheathing is often used as a vapour barrier to insulate walls. It acts as a barrier against condensation, ensuring that the drywall remains dry. This helps to regulate moisture inside the home and prevents moisture from causing rot in the building structure.
However, it is important to note that plastic sheathing can also create a moisture problem if not used correctly. Warm, moist air can become trapped within the wall assembly and condense, leading to potential issues with mould and condensation. This is more likely to occur in climates that are not extremely cold, as cold climates have predominantly internal heating. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid plastic visqueen-type barriers unless you live in an extremely cold climate.
To avoid moisture problems, it is recommended to use a house wrap material that allows vapour to pass through while blocking water. Tyvek is a popular commercial brand of house wrap that can be used instead of plastic sheathing. Kraft paper is another option, as it is a vapour retarder rather than a vapour barrier.
If plastic sheathing is used, it is important to ensure that there is only one vapour barrier in place. This means that if there is already insulation in place, such as fibreglass, it should be unfaced or unfoiled to avoid creating a second vapour barrier. Additionally, slits can be cut into the plastic sheathing to vent air and prevent condensation issues.
When installing plastic sheathing for insulation, it is important to follow the building codes and recommendations for your specific climate and region. It is also advisable to consult with a building or safety expert to confirm the correct placement of vapour barriers.
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Plastic sheathing for construction
Plastic sheathing is a common construction material used to protect walls from damage and improve a building's energy efficiency. It is often used in conjunction with other materials such as drywall and insulation to create a durable and stable structure.
One common use of plastic sheathing is as a vapour barrier, particularly in extremely cold climates. In these cases, warm, moist air can move through a wall assembly and condense. A vapour barrier on the inside of the structure can help to prevent this condensation by providing an insulated barrier. This is often achieved using plastic visqueen, though this should be avoided in warmer climates as it does not allow vapour to exit the cavity if it gets wet.
Plastic sheathing can also be used to protect walls from dents, scrapes and scratches. Heavy-duty polyethylene diamond plate protection sheets, for example, can be used to guard against traffic damage to interior walls. Plastic sheeting can also be used during construction to protect surfaces from paint overspray and dust, keeping the work area clean.
When using plastic sheathing, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your project. The thickness of the sheeting, for example, should correspond to the level of impact resistance required. It is also important to follow the building codes and philosophies relevant to your area. For example, while plastic visqueen is generally avoided, it may be recommended for use in extremely cold climates.
In addition to plastic sheathing, there are a variety of other materials that can be used for wall protection, including metal, tile, vinyl, fibre cement and wood. Each material has its own attributes, pros, cons and costs, so it is important to select the most appropriate option for your specific project.
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Plastic sheathing for interior walls
Plastic sheathing is often used on the exterior of a building to strengthen the wall system, provide a nailing base for siding, and protect the building from outside elements like rain, snow, and wind. However, it can also be used on interior walls, typically to protect them from damage and general wear and tear.
Plastic wall protection sheets come in various materials, sizes, and thicknesses. Common materials include high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and PVC, which offer excellent durability. The thickness of the sheet should correspond to the level of impact resistance required. For areas prone to heavy impacts, thicker, textured sheets can absorb more force and conceal damage more effectively. Sheets also come in various sizes, so it is important to measure your space to ensure full coverage of vulnerable areas.
In terms of installation, plastic sheathing can be applied directly to the interior walls. For example, one source describes how they used plastic on their ceiling and then strapped the ceiling with 1" x 2" furring strips before the sheetrock. Another source mentions that they installed plastic over their insulation before installing drywall. However, it is important to note that the use of plastic sheathing may depend on the climate and building codes of your area. Some sources mention that plastic visqueen-type barriers are generally avoided unless you live in extremely cold climates, as warm, moist air can condense on the walls.
Overall, plastic sheathing for interior walls can be a great way to protect your walls from damage and maintain their appearance, especially in high-traffic areas or buildings with heavy machinery.
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Plastic sheathing for exterior walls
Plastic sheathing is often used on interior walls to protect them from dents, scratches, and damage caused by daily abuse. It can also be used to cover walls before drywall installation, although this is typically done on ceilings.
When it comes to exterior walls, plastic sheathing is usually avoided unless you live in an extremely cold climate. This is because warm, moist air can move through a wall and condense, potentially causing issues. However, in very cold regions, a vapour barrier on the inside can be effective as these areas are predominantly heated indoors.
If you do choose to use plastic sheathing on exterior walls, there are a few options available. One is to use a product like ZIP System wall sheathing, which has been rated #1 in quality by BUILDER magazine since 2015. This product offers water and air management layers, providing a tight barrier against unwanted air leakage and helping to promote energy efficiency. It also allows water vapour to pass through, maintaining a balance between water protection and drying potential.
Another option is to use a non-structural exterior wall sheathing, also called insulating sheathing. This type of sheathing is installed on the exterior wall to add insulation and provide a radiant barrier. It can also help prevent the intrusion of water or wind. Thermo-Brace is one example of a non-structural sheathing that is water- and weather-resistant, contributing to continuous insulation.
Finally, a more traditional approach is to use cement board structural sheathing. This type of sheathing is made from Portland cement and reinforced with glass-fiber mesh, creating a sheet that attaches easily to a wall. Cement boards are non-combustible and provide a good base for tile or other masonry products.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic wall coverings are used to protect walls from dents, scrapes, and scratches. They can also be used to protect walls from paint overspray and dust during construction or remodelling.
Some examples of plastic wall coverings include ClingCover® Plastic Sheeting, CS By Design Metallics Collection of Plastic Rigid Sheets, and Diamond Plate sheets.
The thickness of the sheet should correspond to the level of impact resistance required. For areas prone to heavy impacts, thicker sheets are recommended.
Some alternatives to plastic wall coverings include wood, vinyl, metal, tile, and fiberglass.
Plastic wall coverings can be used on both interior and exterior walls, depending on the specific needs and goals of the project. For example, exterior wall sheathing helps to keep out wind and rain, while interior wall sheathing can protect against daily abuse or provide a decorative finish.
