Cripple Walls

[jweinberg]

Are wood structural panels required on the inside of cripple walls of a 33 year old home with 2x6 vertical studs if there is already wood sidiing over plywood sheathing on the exterior of the wall?

What if it only had 2x4 vertical studs?

[David P. Valley]

Jeff,

Cripple walls do not require a wall covering on the inside, as long as there is no insulation installed with the vapor retarder exposed. Then a wall covering wiil be needed to cover the combustible vapor retarder.