At RoyOMartin, we are continuously researching ways to improve our products and installation methods for safer, more resilient, and aesthetically pleasing building sites. Combining our marine layer best performance practices with our consistent OSB products ensures builders in marine layer and more humid climates can be confident that the wall sheathing will maintain minimal moisture absorption and maximum surface uniformity.
Best practices for controlling moisture in interior corridor shear walls in high-risk applications for multi-story, multi-unit buildings:
- Construct a light framing wall out of lumber at both ends of the corridor. 2×4 or 2×6 light framing is recommended in this application. Species of the product can be determined by what is being covered on site.
- Cover each of the walls and any openings (doorway entries) into the corridor with opaque plastic sheeting. (Note: Clear sheeting is not recommended for this application, black is the recommended color.) Do not seal off the entire building as ventilation on the end of the corridor is required for the system to work properly. The diameter of the ventilation opening in the opaque plastic sheeting at the end of the corridor can very between 8-12″ depending on the size of the air mover.
- 3. Position industrial pro air movers into the corridor spaced 30-50 feet apart. Velocity should be 1930 FPM max and air movement should be 500 CFM minimum and 885 CFM maximum. Position commercial dehumidifiers into the corridor. Position the dehumidifiers 1-2 feet behind the air movers. All units must face in one direction.
- Per on-site and/or local codes run the proper electrical equipment needed into the corridor. (Note: Requirements may vary based on local or on-site codes, or vary based on direct or generator supplied power.)
- Place panels to be installed in the corridor and allow them to acclimate for at least 72 hours.
- Once panels have acclimated, tack panels into place. (Note: Space panels 1/4″ on ends and edges and tack into place using 12″ nails spacing on the ends, edges, and in the field.)
- Turn on dehumidifiers and air movers and allow the system to run for at least 24 hours.
- Shear nail the panels into place per the job site requirements, ensuring that the corridor remains dry from rain, snow, or other precipitation. Leave the installed system running 24 hours per day until adverse conditions cease, and the floor of the corridor being worked on is closed in.
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