How To Install DensGlass Exterior Sheathing

By Todd Fratzel on Framing

DensGlass Gold Exterior SheathingDensGlass Exterior Sheathing

DensGlass Exterior Sheathing is an excellent gypsum sheathing product specifically designed to be moisture resistant and fire resistant. It’s an excellent substrate behind lots of exterior cladding systems including brick, stucco, EIFS and lap siding products. It has a moisture resistant gypsum core and fiberglass exterior mats instead of similar paper faced products. The really nice thing is the manufacturer warranties the product for 12 months exposed to the environment prior to finishing the exterior siding.

Installing DensGlass On Metal Stud Framing

We are using the DensGlass Exterior Sheathing on a commercial project for an entry way that’s framed with metal studs. The entry way will eventually get a brick facade placed over the framing. For this project we’re framing the wall with 3-5/8″ 20 gauge metal studs with 5/8″ thick DensGlass Exterior Sheathing. We’ll then be installing 2″ of foam board, leaving a 2″ air space, then installing the 4″ thick brick.

DensGlass Exterior SheathingWe are installing the 5/8″ DensGlass directly to the metal studs. For this project we’re screwing the sheathing to the studs with self tapping bugle head screws. The nice thing about this product is you can cut it with a utility knife just like using regular drywall. Georgia Pacific publishes a pretty good resources for showcasing and using DensGlass Sheathing.

Once we’ve installed all the DensGlass then we’ll be installing two inches of DOW blue board foam insulation. Next the mason will install masonry anchors followed by a brick facad supported on the foundation brick shelf.

So far I’m impressed with this material. The composite action between the metal studs and the Densglass creates a really strong wall. Once we get the interior drywall in place it will be even stronger. I must say metal stud construction is really starting to grow on me, especially for commercial buildings.

Be sure to check back for posts on the finished project in the coming weeks.

About the author

Todd Fratzel

I'm full time builder for a large construction company in New Hampshire. I run their design-build division that specializes in custom homes, commercial design-build projects and sub-divisions. I'm also a licensed civil and structural engineer with extensive experience in civil and structural design and home construction. My hope is that I can share my experience in the home construction, home improvement and home renovation profession with other builders and home owners. I'm also the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Tool Box Buzz. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, suggestions or you'd like to inquire about advertising on this site.

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20 Comments

  1. Thanks so much for a great article on installing DensGlass(tm) Exterior Sheathing.

    The DensGlass brochure you link to is 6 years old! We’d love for you to post the more current version, or better yet, just link to the following URL and this link will always present the most current version of our literature.

    http://www.gp.com/build/product.aspx?pid=4674

    Please call our technical hotline at 800-225-6119 if you or your readers have any technical questions.

    Thanks again.
    Nicole Lipson
    Sr. Marketing Manager
    Georgia-Pacific Gypsum

  2. R. Mueller says:

    One thing that concerns me about the discussion of this wall assembly is the lack of mention of a weather-resistive barrier (“WRB”) covering the DensGlass. While the fiberglass coating of DensGlass does provide moisture resistance (of the gypsum material) it does not constitute a WRB as required by Code. G-P product literature for DensGlass does not specifically require a WRB, but does indicate that a WRB should be installed where required by Code. The IBC requires two layers of WRB behind brick veneer cavity wall assemblies. Rigid insulation does not constitute a WRB.

    • Todd says:

      You are correct. At the time of that project, the location was not under the jurisdiction of the IBC code. In addition, the local building official ruled that properly sealed XPS would count as a weather-resistive barrier. Frankly I tend to agree with that assessment considering 2″ of XPS is considered a vapor barrier and the sealed joints would keep out water and moisture.

      Regardless, I do agree with the comment.

  3. Frank Mazzio says:

    I plan on using 2″ galvnaized screw to fasten my 5/8″ Denseglass to 2×6 wood framing. Two questions:
    #1 can i use galvanized roofing nails instead? Was wondering because it would be quicker,just not sure if it suffice
    #2 After it is installed do i have to tape the joints or will Tyvek wrap be enough..Finish coating will be stucco

    Thanks for any advice !!!

    • Todd says:

      I would not recommend roofing nails for this application. While screws may take a tad longer they will be far superior in holding strength.

      You should check out the Densglass website for specific details with direct applied stucco. I would be VERY hesitant to omit taping the joints and/or skipping some type of drain plane.

      • Frank Mazzio says:

        Thanks for your response…I did have another question..We are currently under construction and have some bad weather going on right now..Everything is exposed to the elements including the newly installed Denseglass,will this be a problem?
        Again thx for your help !!!

  4. J Scott says:

    What are the fiber glass mat thicknesses on the Exterior side of DensGlass? And, the thickness of the Interior side of Densglass?

  5. Gill says:

    When you install densglass Exterior sheathing on steel stud with fibreglass batts, do you have to apply a air barrier coatings ontop of the Densglass?

  6. dick donovan says:

    I was wondering how to make an existing wood sided home ge a one hour ire rating using your products

  7. Eric Bodmer says:

    Is there any requirement to tape seams of Densglass? Our installers had a pretty tight fit but was wondering if they made a tape for seams?

  8. Jess says:

    I would like to know if other than utility knife, what else can be used to cut dens glass? Is their a saw that can cut it? Thank you.

    • Todd Fratzel says:

      Jess – We cut windows and doors out using a recip saw. It’s not bad to score with a utility knife and cut though.

  9. Georgia Pacific has released DensElement which incorporates an integral air barrier and offers a full range of details for addressing joints, penetrations and rough openings. DensElement is designed to allow 12 months exposure prior to installation of cladding system.

  10. Kevin Lightbourn says:

    I have ti intall Densgkass underneath a overhang, whats the best way to hang it

  11. Jeremy Davis says:

    I’m building a metal framed home. Welded structure and 6 inch 18guage studs on exterior. I’m thinking of using densglass for sheathing. Will it be acceptable for spray foam insulation?
    Thank you
    Dan

    • Todd Fratzel says:

      Sure…but you’ve got another problem that spray foam won’t fix. Unless you put insulation on the outside, you’re going to have serious thermal transmission through the stud into the living space. You REALLY need exterior insulation to prevent that.

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