Which statement correctly describes which item is not required in exterior nonbearing walls?

Which statement correctly describes which item is not required in exterior nonbearing walls?

• A. Load-bearing headers
• B. Insulation
• C. Sheathing
• D. Weather barriers

Answer: (A)

Exterior nonbearing walls don’t carry vertical loads from the roof or upper floors, so there’s no structural weight to transfer around openings. A load-bearing header is the member that carries that weight in openings of bearing walls, so it isn’t required in exterior walls that aren’t supporting load. Insulation, sheathing, and a weather barrier are still needed in exterior walls to meet energy codes, provide wind resistance, and keep moisture out. So the statement that isn’t required in exterior nonbearing walls is a load-bearing header.