- Can QuietBrace be installed with the long edges perpendicular to the framing?Can QuietBrace be installed with the long edges perpendicular to the framing?:Yes. 2002 revisions to the IRC and IBC allow “horizontal” installation, where the long edges of the panels are perpendicular to the framing and blocked with suitable framing. Traditional “vertical” installation is also permissible.
- Can it be installed in less than 4' x 8' panels for bracing?Can it be installed in less than 4' x 8' panels for bracing?:No. Bracing performance is based on properly installed, full-sized panels. Panels cut for windows or doors cannot be counted as bracing panels. Small cutouts up to approxiately 144 square inches do not affect bracing performance and are acceptable.
- Can it be applied all around the structure?Can it be applied all around the structure?:Yes. QuietBrace can be applied as a structural sheathing to exterior wall areas where code-required racking resistance is necessary and on all other wall areas as a non-structural sheathing.
- Can it be used for bracing above the ground floor?Can it be used for bracing above the ground floor?:Yes. It is allowable on all stories of two- and three-story structures under IRC and IBC conventional frame construction provisions. Refer to the specific code for details of panel placement, amount required, wind or seismic restrictions.
- Can it be used behind vinyl siding?Can it be used behind vinyl siding?:QuietBrace is not a “nailable” product, but is allowed behind vinyl siding if the siding nails are placed at the wood framing members.
- Can it be used with stucco and EIF systems?Can it be used with stucco and EIF systems?:Yes. It is acceptable with stucco finishes and with some EIF systems. Check with the EIFS manufacturer for approval before installation. Apply a layer of #15 felt or equivalent over QuietBrace for stucco. Lath fasteners must penetrate the studs.
- Is it waterproof?Is it waterproof?:QuietBrace is not waterproof, Temple-Inland considers QuietBrace to be a water-repellant panel sheathing. Avoid exposure to constant moisture before, during and after installation. Consult code to determine if a weather-resistive barrier is needed.
- Can it be installed with the label facing inward?Can it be installed with the label facing inward?:Yes. This may be helpful for product identification after installation if the exterior wall covering has been installed. Marks for 3" and 6" bracing panel fastening are only on the labeled side, however.
- Is it acceptable for bracing in specific wind or seismic zones?Is it acceptable for bracing in specific wind or seismic zones?:Yes. Recently completed tests to evaluate QuietBrace for direct wind pressure resistance show that it surpasses the IRC and the IBC requirements for wind pressure resistance in 130 mph wind speed areas for walls in buildings having a mean roof height up to 30 feet and located in Exposure B (urban, suburban) areas.
The test values generated also show QuietBrace meets allowable design loads for walls where the building mean roof height is up to 60 feet in Exposure B areas, up to 40 feet in Exposure C areas (open terrain) and up to 15 feet in Exposure D areas (flat, unobstructed areas exposed to wind over open water, etc.). For detailed code wind pressure requirements, reference IRC Tables R301.2(2) and (3), and IBC Tables 1609.2.1(2) and (4).
QuietBrace is also acceptable in seismic design categories A-D2. Seismic suitability is in categories A, B, C with conventional light frame provisions for other categories in 2308.11 and 2308.12. - Can it be installed on metal framing?Can it be installed on metal framing?:Yes. Specific minimum-sized screws and their spacing are specified. Contact Temple-Inland for greater detail when installing QuietBrace on metal framing members.
- Can it be used in fire-rated wall assemblies?Can it be used in fire-rated wall assemblies?:Yes. There are three one-hour-rated exterior wall assemblies that include QuietBrace (fiberboard sheathing) as one of the components. See Gypsum Association (GA) File No. WP 8125, American Forest & Paper Association Assembly WS4-1.3 and the recently tested Underwriters Laboratories assembly U 356.
- Is a house wrap or building paper required over QuietBrace?Is a house wrap or building paper required over QuietBrace?:Each sheet of QuietBrace has a special coating that provides excellent water repellant characteristics without inhibiting its permeability. Because of this elevated resistance to moisture penetration, Temple-Inland does not require the use of a house wrap or taped joints. However, local building officials may require a house wrap, taped joints and specific flashing techniques for openings with certain exterior cladding systems.
- Can QuietBrace be used as a nail base?Can QuietBrace be used as a nail base?:No. QuietBrace should not be used as a base for any mechanical fastening including nailing.
- Should QuietBrace be applied below grade?Should QuietBrace be applied below grade?:No. QuietBrace should not be applied below grade.
- Can QuietBrace be used for floor or roof structural applications?Can QuietBrace be used for floor or roof structural applications?:No. QuietBrace is a structural wall sheathing product. Do not use QuietBrace for floor or roof structural applications.
