- 1). Start at the bottom corner of an outside wall and position the first sheet of OSB horizontally, unless the OSB sheets have vertical nailing lines, in which case you will install them vertically.
- 2). Align the bottom of the OSB sheet flush with the sill plate. The sides of the OSB should "break" on the center of a wall stud. This means that the edge of the sheet will extend to the center of a stud. You'll probably need at least one assistant to hold the sheet in place while you attach it to the studs.
- 3). Nail the first sheet into place with a nail gun, fitted with 1¾-inch nails. Unless your local code specifies a different nailing pattern, insert one nail every 6 inches along the sides of the OSB sheet and one every 12 inches in the studs that run beneath the middle of the sheet. Use the nailing lines on the sheets as guides.
- 4). Position the next OSB sheet beside the first, but leave a 1/8-inch gap where the two sheets meet to allow for future expansion.
- 5). Nail the second sheet into place as you did the first, with the bottom of the sheet flush with the sill plate.
- 6). Continue installing OSB sheets along the bottom row and then start on the row above, maintaining a 1/8-inch gap between rows.
- 7). Cut the top row of OSB to fit, if necessary, positioning the cut edge up away from the row beneath it. Cut OSB to fit around large windows and doors. For small windows, install the OSB over the window and cut out the hole later from the inside with a reciprocating saw.
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