What aspect of a light-frame building is specifically designed to resist lateral loads?

The correct answer is sheathing because it plays a critical role in providing lateral stability to light-frame buildings. In construction, sheathing is typically attached to the exterior of walls and roofs and is often made from materials like plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). The primary function of sheathing in this context is to add rigidity and help transfer lateral forces—such as wind or seismic loads—through the structural framework to the foundation.

When forces are applied in the lateral direction, such as during a storm or earthquake, the sheathing acts as a diaphragm, creating a rigid surface that helps resist these loads. This resistance is essential in preventing excessive movement or swaying of the structure, maintaining its overall stability and safety.

While the foundation, columns, and bearings are vital components of a building's structure, their primary functions relate more to vertical loads and overall structural support rather than specifically resisting lateral forces. Thus, sheathing is uniquely crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of light-frame buildings against lateral loads.