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)

In exterior nonbearing walls, the wall isn’t carrying vertical loads from the roof or floors, so you don’t need structural headers to transfer those loads around openings. That’s why load-bearing headers are not required in this type of wall. Other elements remain necessary: insulation is needed for energy efficiency, sheathing provides structural bracing and a surface for weather barriers, and weather barriers protect against moisture and air leakage. So the statement that fits is that load-bearing headers aren’t required, while insulation, sheathing, and weather barriers are.