Structural insulated sheathing panel methods of use

A structural sheathing and insulating method for a building having a structural frame, the method comprising:

• fastening a first structural panel assembly to a frame structure;
• fastening a second structural panel assembly to the structural frame in a position adjacent to the first structural panel assembly, wherein the adjacent structural panel assemblies each have at least one edge, wherein each of the adjacent panel assemblies aligns with its at least one edge proximate to the at least one edge of the adjacent panel assembly to define a seam between the adjacent panel assemblies,
• wherein the adjacent structural panel assemblies each include:
• a structural panel having an outer surface and an opposite inner surface,
• a water-resistant barrier layer secured to the outer surface of the structural panel,
• an insulation layer secured to the inner surface of the structural panel, and
• a reinforcing layer secured to the insulation layer opposite the structural panel,
• wherein the structural panel, the water-resistant barrier layer, the insulation layer, and the reinforcing layer of each of the adjacent panel assemblies are pre-formed into an integral four-layer arrangement, and
• wherein the pre-formed adjacent panel assemblies are each placed external to the structural frame, with the reinforcing layer facing inward toward the structural frame, and fastened to the structural frame by fasteners extending all the way through the panel assembly and into the structural frame;
• and
• applying a water-resistant sealant to seal the seam between the proximate edges of the adjacent panel assemblies;
• wherein in use the adjacent structural panel assemblies and the water-resistant sealant form a structural sheathing and insulating system for the building, and
• wherein in use the installed structural sheathing and insulating system exhibits at least the minimum allowable shear capacity (pounds per linear feet (plf)) for braced wall panels constructed according to method 3 described in 2006 International Building Code (IBC) Section 2308.9.3, and as determined in accordance with 2006 IBC and International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) Acceptance Criteria 269 (AC269).

A sheathing and insulating method for a building having a structural frame, the method comprising:

• fastening a first structural panel assembly to a frame structure;
• fastening a second structural panel assembly to the structural frame in a position adjacent to the first structural panel assembly, wherein the adjacent structural panel assemblies each have at least one edge, wherein each of the adjacent panel assemblies aligns with its at least one edge proximate to the at least one edge of the adjacent panel assembly to define a seam between the adjacent panel assemblies,
• wherein the adjacent structural panel assemblies each include:
• a structural panel having an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, wherein the structural panel is made of a lignocellulosic material,
• a water-resistant barrier layer secured to the outer surface of and coextensive with the structural panel;
• an insulation layer secured to the inner surface of the structural panel, and
• a reinforcing layer secured to the insulation layer opposite the structural panel, wherein the reinforcing layer is made of a lignocellulosic material and has a thickness that is less than about 50% of a thickness of the respective structural panel, and wherein the reinforcing layer is not structural-rated but provides added strength to increase a shear capacity of the panel assembly,
• wherein the structural panel, the water-resistant barrier layer, the insulation layer, and the reinforcing layer of each of the adjacent panel assemblies are pre-formed into an integral four-layer arrangement during manufacture of the first and second structural panel assemblies, and
• wherein the pre-formed adjacent panel assemblies are each placed external to the structural frame, with the reinforcing layer facing inward toward the structural frame, and fastened to the structural frame by fasteners extending all the way through the panel assembly and into the structural frame;
• and
• applying a water-resistant sealant to seal the seam between the proximate edges of the adjacent panel assemblies,
• wherein in use the adjacent structural panel assemblies and the water-resistant sealant form a structural sheathing and insulating system for the building,
• wherein in use the installed structural sheathing and insulating system exhibits at least the minimum allowable shear capacity (pounds per linear feet (plf)) for braced wall panels constructed according to method 3 described in 2006 International Building Code (IBC) Section 2308.9.3, and as determined in accordance with 2006 IBC and International Code Concil Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) Acceptance Criteria 269 (AC269), and
• wherein in use the installed structural sheathing and insulating system is structural without installing additional structural bracing.