Exterior gypsum sheathing fasteners should be spaced apart by how many inches?

Exterior gypsum sheathing fasteners should be spaced apart by how many inches?

• A. 6 inches
• B. 12 inches
• C. 3 inches
• D. 7 inches

Answer: (D)

Seven inches apart is the spacing specified for exterior gypsum sheathing fasteners. This schedule ensures the panel stays firmly attached to the studs, stays flat, and resists wind loads and temperature-driven movement, which helps prevent buckling or cracking and provides a solid base for the exterior finish. Gypsum sheathing is relatively brittle, so evenly distributed fasteners prevent gaps and nail pops. Using closer spacing would be unnecessarily dense, while spacing much farther apart (like twelve inches) could allow the panel to loosen under stress or weather exposure, and three inches would be excessive.

Seven inches apart is the spacing specified for exterior gypsum sheathing fasteners. This schedule ensures the panel stays firmly attached to the studs, stays flat, and resists wind loads and temperature-driven movement, which helps prevent buckling or cracking and provides a solid base for the exterior finish. Gypsum sheathing is relatively brittle, so evenly distributed fasteners prevent gaps and nail pops. Using closer spacing would be unnecessarily dense, while spacing much farther apart (like twelve inches) could allow the panel to loosen under stress or weather exposure, and three inches would be excessive.