removing "exterior" sheathing on interior wall

[jmilana]

Strange title, but I didn't know of another way to put it. I'm refinishing an addition done in the 40's to a 1932 house. The house had a detached garage with a breezeway connecting the two structures. The breezeway was removed, and the house extended to meet the garage. (See pics) A large family room on the first floor, and a new master bath & sitting room on the second floor. The family room was paneled & has about "50" can lights in the ceiling that gotta go. Plan is to remove all the paneling & ceiling & drywall the entire room.
The original exterior wall of the house (red line in drawing 2) still has the original pine plank sheathing on it, and was simply paneled over. I would like to remove this sheathing if possible & hang my drywall directly to the studs. Can I do this?

[dgbldr]

Sure. Make sure you're RRP certified and follow protocol.

[James Eggert]

Why do you feel the need to remove it now? When built the sheathing helped keep the box square, then they simply added the addition which probably could replace any racking provided by the old sheathing.

Is the intent to fully open the room in both old and addition making a larger room?

[jmilana]

Why do you feel the need to remove it now? When built the sheathing helped keep the box square, then they simply added the addition which probably could replace any racking provided by the old sheathing.

Is the intent to fully open the room in both old and addition making a larger room?

Jim, the original wall was framed over to make room for plumbing & ductwork. It is essentially a double wall. The cedar siding is still on the original exterior wall, hidden by the new wall. The house now has HVAC in the attic for the second story so no need for the "wet wall". The framing that was added to hide the original wall is a mess & needs to go.

I ned to run some new electrical in that original wall, but with that pine sheathing on that wall(and insulation filled stud bays) it will be difficult. Also, I hate to hang drywall directly to that old sheathing.