Leon wrote:

"George E. Cawthon" wrote in message
...

Most houses rely on the sheathing (or at least plywood pannels in the
corners) for part of the structural rigidity.

Yeah but when used that way, it is protected from the elements. A home with
a plywood exterior does not hold up as well as those with non wood
exteriors.

I don't see why you
wouldn't do the same with a shed and T1-11 will serve quite well.

There is not a problem with using T1-11 for the exterior as long as you
realize that in a humid climate it will require more maintence than brick or
fiber cement siding.

Corner bracing with 45 degree pieces may be common some places but not
where I live.

Slapping up a 4 x 8 plywood sheet is cheaper in labor
costs and doesn't decrease the insulating area thickness.

In Houston TX, one of the cheapest places to buy a new house, the 45 bracing
is quite common. 20 to 30 years ago you could hardly buy a new home in
Houston with out it having T1-11. Now all the builders are switching to
Hardy plank and board. In Houston, you will seldom find a house built 15 or
more years ago that has T1-11 that is still in good shape. For a few
dollars more the builders are using Hardi plank and board and not having to
worry about what the house is going to look like in a few years.

Well of course it takes more maintenance that brick, and stone,
and concrete, and.........
Nobody is arguing that T1-11 is as good as brick.

Hope you realize that you just made a good argument for not buying a
house in Houston. OTOH, I wouldn't live in Houston if the house was
free!