From: "Eric Tonks" 
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: Celotex Sheathing
Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 13:42:26 -0400

As others have stated, it is a fairly dated construction method. Here it was
known by a trade name of "Ten-Test" or "insul-board", of course it's
insulation value is next to nothing.

One big concern I would have with vinyl siding over it, is security. Are you
aware that a person with a sharp utility knife or drywall saw could enter
your home easily. It is relatively easy to cut through the thin vinyl
siding, then the tyvek, then cut or punch your way through the insul-board,
pull out the insulation then cut or punch through the drywall. I would
prefer something with more physical resistance such and OSB or plywood even
if it costs a bit more.


"Chas"  wrote in message
news:2vOpc.31863$U4.17880@bignews6.bellsouth.net...
> A local homebuilder whom I have been negotiating with for construction of
my
> new house has started using celotex sheathing (a black colored board made
of
> a fibrous material substance) in lieu of 1/2" OSB sheathing.  Exterior
wall
> covering will be vinyl siding.
>
> Question:  Is this celotex sheathing a good thing?  What are its pluses
and
> minues?  With vinyl siding I feel that a solid rigid material such as OSB
> would provide much greater structural integrity and lateral wall support.
>
>