Plywood sheathing vs asphalt fiberboard

Jan 21, 2006 2 Replies

I can't find any info on this on the web.



I will be replacing masonite-like siding on my house with Hardie siding. The original sheathing is a thin (1/8") cardboard covered in foil and will be replaced. Does anyone have any pro/con information on a 1/2" plywood & 15 lb felt paper combo vs 1/2" asphalt fiberboard sheathing? I live in Houston and like the idea of not having wood for the termites and carpenter ants to munch on so I am leaning toward the asphalt sheathing. It also appears to me as a good way to ventilate while keeping the moisture out.



Thanks in advance.


I'm definitely no expert, but I would use the plywood. The plywood should provide much greater structural rigidity than the fiberboard.

Bill Gill

That is definitely a consideration here as hurricanes do blow through here with high winds from time to time.

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