What To Do With Holes In & Gap Between Wall Sheathing Butt | Chaulk vs Flashing Tape For Air Sealing

The most basic function of sheathing, in any application, is to form a surface onto which other materials can be applied. Sheathing also provides a necessary structural strength to house frames. Most importantly, sheathing acts as both an air barrier and moisture barrier. But when installing plywood or OSB board, it is recommended and required by most local building code to leave a gap of 1/16' or 1/8" between panels. So if sheathing acts as an air barrier, what do you do with the gaps between the sheathing or holes caused by misfired nails or other improper cuts? Should you use chaulk to fill the gaps or is it better to use tape? The answer would depend on whether you live in a colder or milder climate. But to be on a safe side and because chaulk, not matter how flexible it is, might harden over time, the use of tape is advisable. There are many tapes for this purpose, but in the video we are featuring 2 of them, here are the #ad links should you be interested:

1. https://amzn.to/3qCFW7G | 3M Flashing Tape 8067 - 2 in x 75 ft - Waterproof - Adhesive Backed - All Weather - Seal Doors, Windows, Openings in Wood Frame Construction
2. https://amzn.to/3o3z9C6 | Huber ZIP System Flashing Tape | 3.75 inches x 30 feet | Self-Adhesive Flashing for Doors-Windows Rough Openings

Using tape instead of silicone chaulk would allow the wood to expand accordingly. No matter how good the chaulk is or how flexible it is claimed to be, over time it will harden and therefore would cause the sheathing panel to warp from thermal expansion.

3M Flashing Tape:

STICKS AND STAYS STUCK: Unique acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive sticks and stays stuck to seal around windows, doors and other openings – eliminating the need for primers or staples.
BONDS TO MOST COMMON BUILDING MATERIALS with surface temperatures as low as 0F (-18C) or as high as 176F (80C). It even adheres to damp surfaces.
CONFORMS AND SEALS: To prevent moisture intrusion, the thin backing construction effectively conforms and seals around nails and staples with less buildup under siding.
PASSES NAIL SEALABILITY before and after thermal cycling according to AAMA 711-05.
WILL NOT LIQUEFY, BLEED, OR MELT when in contact with many building sealants (i. e. , (i. e., synthetic rubber, butyl, polyurethane, silicone, silane terminated hybrids) or in extreme summer temperatures.
FAST APPLICATION: Split-liner for easy and accurate positioning of tape - especially long lengths.
RESISTS UV EXPOSURE for up to 12 months.

Hubert ZIP System Flashing Tape:

ZIP System Tape is ideal for both seam sealing and flashing
Installation temperature range from 0 - 120 degrees Fahrenheit
Advanced acrylic adhesive delivers superior bonding and resists heat and UV light
Compatible with a wide range of materials and substrates, including PVC windows
Withstands up to 180 days of direct UV exposure

For the purpose of sealing the small gaps the 2-inch 3M All Weather Flashing tape is cheaper for linear foot than the Hubert Zip System.

For smaller holes it would be fine to use chaulk. The best chaulk would be GE, and here's the #ad link for the one we recommend:

https://amzn.to/2XTRzKT | GE Sealants & Adhesives GE5070 Advanced Silicone 2 Kitchen & Bath Sealant, 10.1oz, White

100% WATERPROOF: This 100% silicone formula offers ultimate protection from water damage, providing a reliable seal in areas prone to consistent water exposure
10-YEAR MOLD-FREE PRODUCT PROTECTION: Protects against stain-causing mold and mildew growth
40% MORE FLEXIBILITY & 5X STRONGER ADHESION: Stays permanently flexible with a high-performing, durable seal
30-MINUTE WATER-READY: Ready for water exposure in as little as 30 minutes
SHRINK & CRACK-PROOF: Withstands extreme expansion and contraction associated with temperature fluctuations
WON’T BLEMISH METALS: Will not discolor most high-end metal finishes like chrome, bronze and nickel
LOW ODOR: Neutral-cure formula results in low odor while curing

In the next few videos we will be discussing how to install the Tyvek house wrap, windows, insulation, wiring and more...

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NOTE: This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Recording Date: January 13, 2021
Video URL:    • What To Do With Holes In & Gap Between Wal...