How can exterior siding be attached if wood sheathing is not used?
The Code provides specific prescriptive guidance on cladding attachment and allows you to attach cladding at 24″ centers. In the 7th Edition of the Massachusetts Building Code for One and Two Family Dwelling cladding attachment requirements are covered in Section 5703 Exterior covering with the majority of the requirements summarized in Table 5703.4 Weather-Resistant Siding Attachment and Minimum Thickness. When sheathings other than wood or wood structural panels are used (such as foam plastic insulating sheathing), the code requires that the cladding be fastened back to the studs. The stud spacing is not specifically stated in Table 5703.4 and therefore other sections of the code must be referenced for acceptability of stud spacing. This information is found in Section 5602.3.1 Stud size, height and spacing in conjunction with Table 5602.3(5) Size, height and spacing of wood studs listing that studs spaced at 24″ centers are acceptable for certain walls. Depending on the type of clad
