Wood Construction Guide PDF
Wood Construction Guide PDF
Wood Construction Guide PDF
CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
Engineered Wood Construction Guide
2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ANY COPYING, MODIFICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR OTHER USE OF THIS PUBLICATION OTHER THAN AS EXPRESSLY AUTHORIZED BY APA IS PROHIBITED BY THE U.S. COPYRIGHT LAWS.
WOOD
The Natural Choice
Engineered wood products are a good choice for the environment. They are
manufactured for years of trouble-free, dependable use. They help reduce waste
by decreasing disposal costs and product damage. Wood is a renewable resource
that is easily manufactured into a variety of viable products.
Percent of Percent of
Wood products made up 47 percent of all Material Production Energy Use
industrial raw materials manufactured in the Wood 47 4
United States, yet consumed only 4 percent of the Steel 23 48
energy needed to manufacture all industrial raw Aluminum 2 8
materials, according to a 1987 study.
Good news for a healthy planet. For every ton of wood grown, a young forest
produces 1.07 tons of oxygen and absorbs 1.47 tons of carbon dioxide.
Wood: Its the natural choice for the environment, for design and for strong,
lasting construction.
NOTICE:
The recommendations
in this guide apply only
to products that bear
the APA trademark.
Only products bearing
the APA trademark
are subject to the
Associations quality
auditing program.
2 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Engineered Wood Construction Guide
3 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Engineered Wood Construction Guide
CONTENTS
4 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
GUIDE TO E NGINE E RE D WOOD PRODUCTS
The evolution of engineered wood products has greatly expanded building options and methods in all forms of residen-
tial and commercial construction. The product section of this APA guide provides product information and specification
recommendations for several of the most common engineered wood products plywood, oriented strand board, glulam,
and I-joists. Other engineered wood products that are often used in the construction systems described in this guide
include Rim Board and structural composite lumber (SCL).
Engineered wood describes wood products that are engineered for structural applications. Plywood has been used
since the 1940s, and is considered by many to be the original engineered wood product. All glued engineered wood
products are made by combining wood strands, veneers, lumber or other wood fiber with adhesive to form a larger com-
posite structural unit. They are designed and manufactured to maximize the natural strength and stiffness characteristics
of wood by optimally orienting the wood veneers, strands or laminations and by combining wood with durable adhesives.
VENEER GRADES
Manufacturing and Performance Standards
A
Smooth, paintable. Not more than 18
Panels for construction and industrial applications can be manufac- neatly made repairs, boat, sled, or router
type, and parallel to grain, permitted.
tured in a variety of ways as plywood (cross-laminated wood veneer), Wood or synthetic repairs permitted. May
oriented strand board (OSB) or other wood-based panel products. be used for natural finish in less demand-
ing applications.
B
Solid surface. Shims, sled or router
Some plywood panels are manufact ured under the detailed manu- repairs, and tight knots to 1inch across
facturing specifications or under the performance testing provisions grain permitted. Wood or synthetic repairs
permitted. Some minor splits permitted.
C
of Voluntary Product Standard PS 1-09 for Structural Plywood, devel- Improved C veneer with splits limited to
oped cooperatively by the plywood industry, user groups and the U.S. 1/8inch width and knotholes or other
open defects limited to 1/4 x 1/2inch.
Department of Commerce. Other plywood panels, however, as well as Plugged Wood or synthetic repairs permitted.
composite and OSB panels, are manufactured under the provisions Admits some broken grain.
C
Tight knots to 1-1/2inches. Knotholes
of APA PRP-108, Performance Standards and Qualification Policy for to 1inch across grain and some to
Structural-Use Panels, or under Voluntary Product Standard PS 2-10, 1-1/2inches if total width of knots and
knotholes is within specified limits.
Performance Standard for Wood-Based Structural-Use Panels, that estab- Synthetic or wood repairs. Discoloration
and sanding defects that do not impair
lish performance criteria for specific designated construction applications. strength permitted. Limited splits allowed.
Stitching permitted.
D
These APA Performance Rated Panels are easy to use and specify Knots and knotholes to 2-1/2inch width
because the recommended end use and maximum support spac- across grain and 1/2inch larger within
specified limits. Limited splits are per-
ings are clearly indicated in the APA trademark located on the panel. mitted. Stitching permitted. Limited to
Exposure 1.
By broadening the range of panel configurations and compositions,
5 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Guide to Engineered Wood Products
APA Performance Rated Panels allow more efficient use of raw materials. APA PRP-108
Performance Standards are recognized through ESR-2586 by the International Code
Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES, www.icc-es.org) and HUD(a). PRP-108, PS 1 and/or
the PS 2 grade conformance where applicable are given in the lower portion of the APA
trademark. Plywood panels manufactured to these performance standards, depending on
bond classification, veneer species and Performance Category, etc., are in many instances
identical to panel grades as defined in Product Standard PS 1-09.
Grade Designations
Structural panel grades are generally identified in terms of the veneer grade used on
the face and back of the panel (e.g., A-B, B-C, etc.), or by a name suggesting the panels
intended end use (e.g., APA RATED SHEATHING, APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR, etc.).
See Tables 24.
Veneer grades define veneer appearance in terms of natural unrepaired growth character-
istics and allowable number and size of repairs that may be made during manufacture. See
Table 1. The highest quality veneer grade commonly available is A. The minimum grade
of veneer permitted in Exterior plywood is C-grade. D-grade veneer is only permitted to
be used in panels intended for applications protected from long-term exposure to weather.
Unsanded and touch-sanded panels, and panels with B-grade or better veneer on one side
only, usually carry the APA trademark on the panel back. Panels with both sides of B-grade 1 Panel grade
or better veneer, or with special overlaid surfaces (such as HIGH DENSITY OVERLAY) 2 Span Rating
3 Tongue-and-groove
usually carry the APA trademark on the panel edge.
4 Siding face grade
5 Species group number
Thickness Designation and Performance Category 6 Bond classification
7 Decimal thickness
Up until 2008, the thickness of structural panels like plywood and OSB was designated and designation (this value is
labeled by the panels nominal thickness which was subject to a plus and minus tolerance generally at or near the
lower tolerance specified
specified in the Voluntary Product Standards PS 1 and PS 2. The tolerance on unsanded in PS 1 or PS 2)
8 Mill number
panel types used in construction is plus or minus 1/32inch of the designated thickness. The 9 Product Standard
tolerance on sanded grades of plywood is plus or minus 1/64inch of the designated thick- 10 APAs performance rated
panel standard
ness. These thickness tolerances were applied at the time of manufacturing or at a standard 11 HUD recognition
dry condition since it is recognized that actual panel thickness may naturally change due to 12 Performance Category
13 Panel grade, Canadian
changes in panel moisture conditions. standard
14 Panel mark Rating and
end-use designation per
Model codes, technical recommendations, designs and specifications have been based the Canadian standard
upon the use of these panel nominal thicknesses. However, packaging and labeling 15 Canadian performance
rated panel standard
regulations adopted as state and local law specify that labeling of dimensions comply 16 Panel face grain
orientation indicator
with standards developed by the National Conference on Weights and Measures. These
(a) HUD recognition of wood-based APA Performance Rated Panels is contained in Use of Materials Bulletin UM-40.
6 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Guide to Engineered Wood Products
regulations require dimensional labeling that is incompatible with the thickness tolerances specified in PS 1 and PS 2.
To jointly comply with these regulations while maintaining the specifications within model codes and other existing
specifications used in the construction industry, structural panels are now labeled with both a Performance Category
and a decimal thickness designation. The decimal thickness designation is generally at or near the lower thickness tol-
erance permitted in PS 1 and PS 2.
The term Performance Category is defined within PS 1 and PS 2 as a panel designation related to the panel thick-
ness range that is linked to the nominal panel thickness designations used in the International Building Code
(IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). For purposes of labeling, abbreviations PERF CAT, CAT, or
Category are permitted within the panel grade mark. The 2012 International Building Code (IBC) and International
Residential Code (IRC) state that the Performance Category value shall be used as the nominal panel thickness
or panel thickness whenever referenced in the code.
This publication widely uses the Performance Category as the panel designation. There are some places where tradi-
tional nominal thickness designations are used, and in those instances, they should be considered as equivalent to the
Performance Category.
Bond Classification
APA trademarked panels may be produced in two bond classifications Exterior and Exposure 1. The bond classification
relates to moisture resistance of the glue bond. Since aesthetic (nonstructural) attributes of panels may be compromised
to some degree by exposure to weather, installation recommendations in this publication are designed to provide opti-
mum overall performance.
Bond classification of the panel does not relate to fungal decay resistance of the panel. Fungal decay of wood products
may occur when the moisture content exceeds 20 percent for an extended period. See APA Technical Note, Controlling
Decay in Wood Construction, Form R495, for a discussion of fungal decay. Prevention of fungal decay is a function of proper
design, material specification, construction and maintenance of the structure. While this publication includes many of
the applicable provisions, reference to local building codes and other design documents is also necessary.
Exterior panels have bonds capable of withstanding repeated wetting and redrying or long-term exposure to weather
or other conditions of similar severity.
Exposure 1 panels are suitable for uses not involving long-term exposure to weather. Panels classified as Exposure 1
are intended to resist the effects of moisture due to construction delays, or other conditions of similar severity. Exposure
1 panels may also be used when exposure to the outdoors is on the under-side only, such as at roof overhangs, although
appearance characteristics of the panel grade should also be considered. Exposure 1 panels are made with the same
exterior adhesives used in Exterior panels. However, because other panel compositional factors may affect bond per-
formance, only Exterior panels should be used for long-term exposure to the weather.
C-D Exposure 1 APA Rated Plywood Sheathing, sometimes called CDX in the trade, is occasionally mistaken as an
Exterior panel and erroneously used in applications for which it does not possess the required resistance to weather.
CDX should only be used for applications as outlined under Exposure 1 above. For sheathing grade panels that will be
exposed long-term to the weather, specify APA Rated Sheathing Exterior (C-C Exterior plywood under PS 1).
Continued on page 12
7 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Guide to Engineered Wood Products
TABLE 2
APA STRUCTURAL I Unsanded grade for use where shear and cross-panel strength
RATED SHEATHING(c) properties are of maximum importance, such as panelized roofs
Typical Trademark and diaphragms. Can be manufactured as OSB, plywood, or other
wood-based panel. BOND CLASSIFICATIONS: Exterior, Exposure 1.
COMMON PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES: 3/8, 7/16, 15/32, 1/2,
19/32, 5/8, 23/32, 3/4.
APA RATED SIDING For exterior siding, fencing, etc. Can be manufactured as plywood,
Typical Trademark as other wood-based panel or as an overlaid OSB. Both panel and
lap siding available. Special surface treatment such as V-groove,
channel groove, deep groove (such as APA Texture 1-11), brushed,
rough sawn and overlaid (MDO) with smooth- or texture-embossed
face. Span Rating (stud spacing for siding qualified for APA Sturd-
I-Wall applications) and face grade classification (for veneer-faced
siding) indicated in trademark. BOND CLASSIFICATION: Exterior.
COMMON PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES: 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 15/32,
1/2, 19/32, 5/8.
APA RATED SHEATHING WALL Specially designed for wall sheathing. Not intended for roof or floor
Typical Trademark sheathing. Can be manufactured as OSB, plywood, or other wood-
based panel. BOND CLASSIFICATION: Exposure 1. COMMON
PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES: 3/8, 7/16, 15/32.
(a) Specific grades, Performance Categories and bond classifications (c) For some Structural I plywood panel constructions, the plies are
may be in limited supply in some areas. Check with your supplier special improved grades. Panels marked PS 1 are limited to Group
before specifying. 1 species. Other panels marked Structural I Rated qualify through
(b) Specify Performance Rated Panels by Performance Category special performance testing.
and Span Rating. Span Ratings are based on panel strength and
stiffness. Since these properties are a function of panel composi-
tion and configuration as well as thickness, the same Span Rating
may appear on panels of different Performance Categories.
Conversely, panels of the same Performance Category may be
marked with different Span Ratings.
8 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Guide to Engineered Wood Products
TABLE 3
APA A-D For use where appearance of only one side is important in
Typical Trademark interior applications, such as paneling, built-ins, shelv-
ing, partitions, flow racks, etc.(d) BOND CLASSIFICATION:
Exposure 1. COMMON PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES: 1/4,
11/32, 3/8, 15/32, 1/2, 19/32, 5/8, 23/32, 3/4.
APA B-D Utility panel for backing, sides of built-ins, industry shelv-
Typical Trademark ing, slip sheets, separator boards, bins and other interior or
protected applications.(d) BOND CLASSIFICATION: Exposure
1. COMMON PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES: 1/4, 11/32,
3/8, 15/32, 1/2, 19/32, 5/8, 23/32, 3/4.
9 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Guide to Engineered Wood Products
TABLE 3 continued
(a) Specific plywood grades, Performance Categories and (d) For nonstructural floor underlayment, or other applications requir-
bond classifications may be in limited supply in some areas. ing improved inner ply construction, specify panels marked either
Check with your supplier before specifying. plugged inner plies (may also be designated plugged crossbands
(b) Sanded Exterior plywood panels, C-C Plugged, C-D under face or plugged crossbands or core); or meets underlay-
Plugged and Underlayment grades can also be manufac- ment requirements.
tured in Structural I (all plies limited to Group 1 species). (e) Also available in Underlayment A-C or Underlayment B-C grades,
(c) Some manufacturers also produce plywood panels with marked either touch sanded or sanded face.
premium N-grade veneer on one or both faces. Available (f) Some panels with Performance Categories of 1/2 and larger are
only by special order. Check with the manufacturer. For a Span Rated and do not contain species group number in trademark.
description of N-grade veneer, refer to the APA publication (g) Also may be designated APA Underlayment C-C Plugged.
Sanded Plywood, Form K435.
10 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Guide to Engineered Wood Products
TABLE 4
APA Marine Ideal for boat hulls. Made only with Douglas-fir or western
Typical Trademark (mark on panel edge) larch. Subject to special limitations on core gaps and face
repairs. Also available with HDO or MDO faces. BOND
CLASSIFICATION: Exterior. COMMON PERFORMANCE
CATEGORIES: 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4.
APA Plyform Class I(b) Concrete form grades with high reuse factor. Sanded
Typical Trademark both faces and mill-oiled unless otherwise specified.
Special restrictions on species. Also available in HDO or
MDO for very smooth concrete finish, and with special
overlays. BOND CLASSIFICATION: Exterior. COMMON
PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES: 19/32, 5/8, 23/32, 3/4.
11 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Guide to Engineered Wood Products
Group Number
Plywood can be manufactured from over 70 species of wood. These species are divided on the basis of strength and
stiffness into five Groups under Voluntary Product Standard PS 1. Strongest species are in Group 1; the next strongest
in Group 2, and so on. The Group number that appears in the trademark on some APA trademarked panels primarily
sanded grades is based on the species used for face and back veneers or upon equivalent strength testing of the panel.
Where face and back veneers are not from the same species Group, the higher Group number is used, except for sanded
panels 3/8inch thick or less and Decorative panels of any thickness. These are identified by face species because they
are chosen primarily for appearance and used in applications where structural integrity is not critical. Sanded panels
greater than 3/8inch are identified by face species if C or D grade backs are at least 1/8inch and are no more than one
species group number larger. Some species are used widely in plywood manufacture; others rarely. Check local avail-
ability if a particular species is desired.
Span Ratings
APA RATED SHEATHING, APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR and APA RATED SIDING carry numbers in their trade-
marks called Span Ratings. These denote the maximum recommended center-to-center spacing in inches of supports
over which the panels should be placed in normal code-conforming construction. Except for APA RATED SIDING pan-
els, the Span Rating applies when the long panel dimension or strength axis is across supports, unless the strength axis
is otherwise identified on the panel. The Span Rating of APA RATED SIDING panels applies when panels are installed
vertically (parallel to studs).
The Span Rating on APA RATED SHEATHING panels appears as two numbers separated by a slash, such as 32/16,
48/24, etc.(a) The left-hand number denotes the maximum recommended spacing of supports when the panel is used for
roof sheathing with the strength axis of the panel across three or more supports (two or more spans). The right-
hand number denotes the maximum recommended spacing of supports when the panel is used for subflooring with the
strength axis of the panel across three or more supports (two or more spans). A panel marked 32/16, for example,
may be used for roof decking over supports up to 32inches on center or for subflooring over supports up to 16inches
on center. When APA RATED SHEATHING is used for roof decking and subfloor applications see Tables 30 and 12
respectively, for recommended live-load capacities.
12 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Guide to Engineered Wood Products
The Span Rating on APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR and APA RATED SIDING panels appears as a single number. APA
RATED STURD-I-FLOOR panels are designed specifically for single-floor (combined subfloor-underlayment) appli-
cations under carpet and pad and are manufactured with Span Ratings of 16, 20(b), 24, 32 and 48. The Span Ratings
for APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR panels, like those for APA RATED SHEATHING, are based on application of the
panel with the strength axis of the panel across three or more supports (two or more spans). When APA RATED
STURD-I-FLOOR is used for single-floor applications see Table 12 for recommended live load capacities. APA RATED
STURD-I-FLOOR may be also used in roof decking applications. For such applications, see Table 30 for recommended
roof live load capacities.
APA RATED SIDING is available with Span Ratings of 16 and 24inches. Span-rated panels and lap siding may be used
direct to studs or over nonstructural wall sheathing (Sturd-I-Wall construction), or over nailable panel (see Table 22)
or lumber sheathing (double wall construction). Panels and lap siding with a Span Rating of 16inches may be applied
direct to studs spaced 16inches on center. Panels and lap siding bearing a Span Rating of 24inches may be used direct
to studs 24inches on center. All RATED SIDING panels may be applied horizontally direct to studs 16 or 24inches on
center provided horizontal joints are blocked. When used over structural sheathing, the Span Rating of APA RATED
SIDING panels refers to the maximum recommended spacing of vertical rows of fasteners rather than to stud spacing.
For a description of Span Ratings under the Canadian Standard for Construction Sheathing, refer to the APA Product
Guide: Oriented Strand Board, Form W410.
Performance Rated Panels: Designate Performance Category, APA trademark, grade, Span Rating, bond classifica-
tion, dimensions, number of pieces. For example:
15/32 APA RATED SHEATHING, 32/16, Exposure 1, 48" x 96", 100 pcs.
23/32 APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR 24 oc, Exposure 1, 48"(d) x 96", 100 pcs. (Note square edge or tongue-and-
groove as desired.)
Rated Sidings: Designate Performance Category, APA trademark, face grade (for APA RATED SIDING-303), Span
Rating, texture, pattern, dimensions, number of pieces. For example:
19/32 APA RATED SIDING 303-18-W, 16 oc, rough-sawn Texture 1-11, grooves 4" o.c., 48" x 96", 100 pcs. (Note
manufacturers trade name if desired.)
Concrete Form: Designate Performance Category, APA trademark, Class, dimensions, number of pieces. For example:
5/8 APA PLYFORM Class I, 48" x 96", 100 pcs. (Plyform panels are manufactured only as Exterior panels and are mill-
oiled unless otherwise specified.)
(a) Exceptions are APA RATED SHEATHING intended for use as wall sheathing only, and APA RATED WALL BRACING. The trademarks for
such panels contain a single number similar to the Span Rating for APA RATED SIDING.
(b) For Span Rating of 20, actual support spacing is 19.2inches.
(c) Underlayment and C-C Plugged panels Performance Category 1/2 and larger are generally span rated and do not contain species group num-
ber in trademark. Designate Span Rating.
(d) Most tongue-and-groove panels are manufactured with a 47-1/2-inch net face width, although manufacturing practices vary. Check with
your supplier.
13 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Guide to Engineered Wood Products
14 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Guide to Engineered Wood Products
Protect the edges and ends of panels, especially tongue-and-groove and shiplap-edged panels. Place panels to be moved
by forklift on pallets or bunks when received to avoid damage by fork tines.
Panels to be transported on open truck beds should be covered with standard tarpaulins or lumber wraps. For open
railcar shipment, use lumber wrap to avoid extended weather exposure.
Whenever possible, store panels under a roof, especially if they wont be used soon after received. Keep sanded and
other appearance grades away from open doorways, and weight down the top panel in a stack to help avoid any possible
warpage from humidity. If moisture absorption is expected, cut steel banding on panel bundles to prevent edge damage.
Panels to be stored outside should be stacked on a level platform supported by 4x4 stringers or other blocking. Never
leave panels or the platform in direct contact with the ground. Use at least three full-width supports along the 8-foot
length of the panel one centered and the others 12 to 16inches from each end.
Cover the stack loosely with plastic sheets or tarps. Anchor the covering at the top of the stack, but keep it open and
away from the sides and bottom to assure good ventilation. Tight coverings prevent air circulation and, when exposed
to sunlight, create a greenhouse effect which may encourage mold formation.
PANEL STORAGE
3 Lay two 2x4s on top of stack
1 Build platform of cull panel and scrap
lumber 4x4s for stacking panels Pad corners with rags
Stretch plastic film over platform to 2 Nail film to top panel and drape over
block passage of ground moisture ends for protection against driving
rain. Weight lower end with 2x4. Stretch film
over stack and
secure to tie-down stakes
15 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Engineered Wood Construction Guide
16 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Engineered Wood Construction Guide
Performance Category 1-1/8 panels, 10d 1/2, or 4d spaced 6" o.c. along edges and Plywood shall be all-veneer APA RATED
common nails may be used if supports are 12" o.c. each way for panel Performance SHEATHING (or better, depending on
well seasoned.(10)(11)(12)(13) Categories up to 3/4.(11)(13)(18) Fastener appearance desired) EXP 1 or EXT.
length should be slightly longer than the
Fill and thoroughly sand edge joints.(15)
total thickness of the underlayment and
Lightly sand any surface roughness, par-
subfloor.
ticularly around fasteners.
Fill and thoroughly sand edge joints.(15)
For field-glued floors, use adhesives meet-
Lightly sand any surface roughness, par-
ing ASTM D3498 or APA Specification ticularly around fasteners.
AFG-01, applied in accordance with the
manufacturers recommendations. If OSB D. Wall Sheathing
panels with sealed surfaces and edges are
1. Panel wall sheathing shall be (specify
used, use only solvent-based glues; check
with panel manufacturer. Apply continu- appropriate grade):
Note: Span Ratings and load capac-
ous line of glue (1/4" thick) on joists, and APA RATED SHEATHING EXP 1 ities are based on untreated panels,
continuous or spaced line of glue (1/8"
APA RATED SHEATHING EXT and may not apply following fire-
thick) in groove of tongue-and-groove
panels. Use 6d ring- or screw-shank nails retardant treatment (FRT). Obtain
APA STRUCTURAL I RATED SHEATHING
spaced 6" oc at panel ends and 12" oc at EXP 1, structural performance characteris-
intermediate bearings.(10)(13)(16) tics of FRT panels from the company
APA STRUCTURAL I RATED SHEATHING providing the treatment and redrying
3. Underlayment (over subflooring) EXT, or
service.
Plywood underlayment shall be (specify APA RATED WALL BRACING EXP 1.
appropriate grade)(17): 2. Preservative-treated plywood
Treated plywood for (state application)
APA UNDERLAYMENT EXP 1
shall be pressure-treated in accordance
APA UNDERLAYMENT C-C with AWPA U1 with (creosote) (penta
PLUGGED EXT, OR chlorophenol) (waterborne) preservatives,
APA C-C PLUGGED EXT. as required for (coastal water) (wood
found ation) (ground contact) (above
ground) exposure. Plywood treated with
waterborne preservatives shall be dried
after treatment to a moisture content of
18 percent or less.
Spacing of 1/8" is recommended at
panel ends and edges, unless otherwise All treated plywood used in the Permanent
indicated by the panel manufacturer.(9) Wood Foundation System (PWF) shall
be marked PS 1, PS 2 or APA Standard
Unless special nail provisions are required PRP-108, and marked by an approved
Plywood Performance Category 19/32 or (e.g., high wind areas), nail 6" o.c. along inspection agency certified to inspect
larger, APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR EXP 1 supported panel edges and 12" o.c. at inter- preser vative-treated wood, indicat-
or APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR EXT may mediate supports with 6d common nails for ing compliance with the treating, drying,
be specified. Apply underlayment just prior panels with a Performance Category of 1/2 retention and penetration requirements of
to laying finish floor and protect against and smaller, and 8d for greater thicknesses. AWPA Standard U1, or equivalent code-
(10)(12)(13)
damage until finish floor is installed. approved preservative-treating and quality
For maximum stiffness, install underlay- Apply weather-resistant barrier over panel control requirements. The mark shall also
ment with the face grain across supports. wall sheathing. identify the intended use as Permanent
Stagger underlayment end joints at least Wood Foundation material.
one joist spacing (optional under carpet E. Treated Plywood Plywood shall be all-veneer APA RATED
and pad) with respect to subfloor end 1. Fire-retardant-treated plywood SHEATHING (or better, depending on
joints and offset all edge joints by at least All plywood shall be pressure-treated appearance desired) EXP 1 or EXT.
twoinches from edge joints in the sub- in accordance with American Wood
floor panels. Underlayment panel end
Protection Association (AWPA) Standard
joints should be offset twoinches from
U1 with an approved (high temperature
framing below subfloor to avoid nailing
Interior Type A-HT) (Exterior Type) fire
into framing (which may lead to nail pops).
retardant. Each panel shall be labeled
Butt panel ends and edges to a close
or marked by an approved independent
but not tight fit (1/32" space is recom-
testing agency. After treatment, plywood
mended). Nail 6" o.c. along panel edges
and 8" o.c. each way throughout remain- shall be dried to an average moisture
der of panel with 3d ring-shank nails for content of 15 percent or less.
panel Performance Categories of 11/32 to
17 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Engineered Wood Construction Guide
F. Glued Plywood Components Prior to installing siding, apply weather- Any tree pitch or sap spots shall be first
1. General All plywood components shall resistant barrier (e.g., building paper) over touched up with a sealer.
be fabricated in accordance with the appro- studs or sheathing.(6)
priate APA Fabrication Specification.(19) All panel edges should be sealed. For B. Application of Finish
Each original plywood panel shall bear the panels to be painted, sealer can be paint (Specify by brush, roller, or spray; brush
primer; for panels to be stained, sealer application of the first coat gives best
appropriate trademark of APA. Glue shall
should be a water-repellent preservative performance.)
be of resorcinol or phenolic resin base (for
outdoor exposure), or casein with a mold compatible with the finish. Exterior Panels, Painted First coat:
inhibitor (for indoor exposure). Exterior stain-blocking primer as recom-
B. Soffits mended by manufacturer of finish coat.
Soffits shall be (specify appropriate (May be tinted.) Apply quantity as recom-
CSI* Division 7 Thermal and
grade):(5) mended by paint manufacturer.
Moisture Protection
A. Siding APA A-C EXT Second coat: Top-quality exterior all-
Siding shall be (specify appropriate acrylic latex house paint designed for use
APA B-C EXT
grade):(20) with primer; color as selected. Two top-
APA C-C P&TS EXT coats provide better performance.
APA RATED SIDING EXT, or
APA RATED SIDING 303 EXT,(20) or Exterior Panels, Stained First coat:
APA MEDIUM DENSITY OVERLAY Top-quality exterior penetrating semi-
(MDO) GENERAL EXT. APA MEDIUM DENSITY OVERLAY
(MDO) GENERAL EXT.(22) transparent oil stain where grain
showthrough is desired;(23) or heavily
pigmented solid-color oil or latex stain
where grain is to be masked;(24) color as
selected. Apply in one or two coats as rec-
ommended by manufacturer.
Use stain-blocking primer with light-
colored solid-color latex stains.
Interior Panels, Painted First coat:
Unless special nail provisions are required Stain-blocking primer as recommended
Spacing of 1/8" is recommended at by manufacturer of finish coat.
(e.g. high wind areas) nail 6" o.c. at sup-
panel ends and edges, unless other-
ported panel edges and 12" o.c. at Second coat: Flat, semi-gloss or gloss top-
wise indicated by the panel manufacturer.
intermediate supports, with 6d non- coat designed for use with primer; color
Unless special nail provisions are required
staining(21) box, casing, or siding nails for as selected. Use two topcoats if needed
(e.g., high wind areas), nail panel siding
panels with a Performance Category of to cover.
6" o.c. along panel edges and 12" o.c. at
1/2 and smaller, and 8d for Performance
intermediate supports with 6d nonstain- Interior Panels, Color Tone First coat:
Categories up to 3/4.(13)
ing(21) box, casing or siding nails for panels Stain and companion sealer mixed to
with a Performance Category of 1/2 and selected color (or sealer, then stain applied
smaller, and 8d for greater thicknesses. CSI* Division 9 Finishes (Painting)(20)
separately).
(10)(13)
A. Preparation of Surfaces
Second coat: Interior satin varnish (addi-
Unless special nail provisions are required 1. Exterior Panels Panels to be exposed
tional coats can be applied as desired for
(e.g., high wind areas), fasten lap siding outdoors shall have all edges sealed. With depth of luster).
installed over panel or lumber sheathing paint, sealer may be a liberal coat of exte-
8" o.c. along bottom edge, or as other- rior house paint primer. With stain, seal Interior Panels, Light Stain First
wise recomm ended by manufacturer. with water-repellent preservative compat- coat: Pigmented resin sealer (wiped off
Nail lap siding installed direct to studs or ible with finish coat. when tacky).
over nonstructural sheathing at each stud.
Use 6d nonstaining(21) box, casing, or sid- Surface shall be clean, dry and free of Second coat: Clear resin sealer.
ing nails for siding with a Performance loose wood fibers. Third coat: Tinted undercoat; thin enamel;
Category of 1/2 or smaller, and 8d for pigmented sealer; or light stain applied
2. Interior Panels Surface shall be
thicker panels(22). If siding is applied over thinly and wiped to the desired color
nons tructural sheathing, use next larger
clean, dry and free of loose wood fibers.
depth; color as selected.
nail size. Use nonstaining box nails for Holes and cracks shall be filled with putty
siding installed over foam insulation or plastic wood (except for rustic type pan- Fourth coat: Interior satin varnish (addi-
sheathing ensuring adequate penetration els intended for stain finish). After dry, tional coats can be applied as desired for
into the studs to resist wind loads. sand lightly in the direction of the grain depth of luster).
of face veneer or texture to match exist-
ing surfaces.
18 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Engineered Wood Construction Guide
Notes to Panel Specification Guide: (11) Other code-approved fasteners may (19) Design and fabrication specifications
be used. for plywood box beams, stressed-
(1) The APA trademarks shown here
skin panels, curved panels, sandwich
are typical examples only. Refer (12) Fasteners shall be located 3/8" from
panels and all-plywood beams are
to the following sections for spe- panel edges.
available from APA.
cific panel grade and thickness
(13) See Table 5, page 14, for nail
recommendations. (20) See APA Product Guide: Performance
dimensions.
Rated Sidings, Form E300.
(2) Structural I grade (all plies limited to
(14) Specif y veneer-faced STURD-I-
Group 1 species) can be specified (21) Hot-dip or hot-tumbled galvanized
FLOOR with sanded face when
when greater stiffness or strength is steel nails are recommended for
resilient flooring is to be applied (or
required. most siding applications. For best
see note 17 for additional grades).
performance, stainless steel nails
(3) Per formance Categor y recom- Otherwise, an additional layer of
or aluminum nails should be con-
mendations are contained in APA sanded face underlayment is rec-
sidered. APA tests also show that
Design/Construction Guide: Concrete ommended when resilient flooring is
electrically or mechanically galva-
Forming, Form V345. to be applied over STURD-I-FLOOR.
nized steel nails appear satisfactory
(4) Exposure 1 may be specified for (15) This step may not be necessary under when plating meets or exceeds thick-
applications where temporary expo- some carpet and structural floor- ness requirements of ASTM A641
sure to the weather will be required. ing products check with flooring Class 2 coatings, and is further pro-
manufacturer. tected by yellow chromate coating.
(5) Open soffits or roof sheathing
exposed on the underside may (16) Some local building codes accept
Note: Galvanized fasteners may
be any panel classed Exposure 1 12" spacing with glue but current IBC
react under wet conditions with the
where appearance is not a major and IRC require 6" fastener spac-
natural extractives of some wood
consideration. ing at edges. When panels with a
species and may cause staining if
Performance Category greater than
(6) Refer to the appropriate application left unfinished. Such staining can be
3/4 are used in glued floors, use
recommendations in this brochure. minimized if the siding is finished in
same fastener schedule as for nailed-
accordance with APA recommenda-
(7) References to APAs recommen- only construction.
tions, or if the roof overhang protects
dations may allow subsequent
(17) For areas to be covered with resilient the siding from direct exposure
specification concerning nailing,
flooring or fully adhered carpet- to moisture and weathering.
edge support and panel orientation
ing, specify Underlayment or C-C
to be omitted. (22) Specify MDO plywood with one
Plugged panel grades marked
face of Medium Density Overlay
(8) Long dimension of panel may be sanded face. Underlayment A-C,
as described in Voluntary Product
parallel to supports if panel has ade- Underlayment B-C, Marine EXT or
Standard PS 1.
quate thickness. See Table 33 for roof sanded plywood grades marked
panels applied parallel to supports. Plugged Crossbands Under Face, (23) Semitransparent stains may be used
Plugged Crossbands (or Core), on plywood face grades 303-OC,
(9) Supported panel joints shall occur
Plugged Inner Plies or Meets 303-NR and 303-6-W. Other 303
approximately along the centerline
Underlayment Requirements may face grades should not be finished
of framing with a minimum bearing
also be used under resilient flooring with semitransparent stains unless
of 1/2".
or fully adhered carpeting. specifically recommended by the
(10) Engineered shear walls and dia- panel manufacturer.
(18) For panels with a Performance
phragms may require additional
Category of 1/4, nail 3" o.c. along (24) Only latex formulations are recom-
nailing. See recommendations in
panel edges and 6" o.c. each way mended on APA 303-SR and 303-NR
Tables 29 and 38. Diagonal bracing
throughout remainder of panel, with grades of plywood siding.
is not required for braced wall sec-
3d ring-shank nails. See Table 14 for
tions when panel wall sheathing, APA
underlayment recommendations.
RATED WALL BRACING or panel sid-
ing (APA RATED SIDING) is used.
19 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
GLULAM SELECTION AND SPECIFICATION
Glued laminated timber (glulam) is made up of wood laminations, or lams, that are bonded together with adhesives.
The grain of all laminations runs parallel with the length of the member. Individual lams typically are 1-3/8 inches thick
for southern pine and 1-1/2 inches thick for Western species, although other thicknesses may also be used. Glulam prod-
ucts typically range in net widths from 2-1/2 to 10-3/4 inches, although virtually any width can be custom produced.
The most critical zone of a glulam bending member with respect to controlling
strength is the outermost tension zone. In unbalanced beams, the quality of lumber STANDARD BEAM LAYUP
used on the tension side of the beam is higher than the lumber used on the corre-
Compression
sponding compression side, allowing a more efficient use of the timber resource. lam at top
Therefore, unbalanced beams have different bending stresses assigned to the compres-
sion and tension zones and must be installed accordingly. To assure proper installation
of unbalanced beams, the top of the beam is clearly stamped with the word TOP.
Unbalanced beams are primarily intended for simple-span applications even though Core lams
they can also be used in multiple-span applications when properly designed. in center
Balanced members are symmetrical in lumber quality about the mid-height. Balanced
beams are used in applications, such as long cantilevers or continuous spans, where
either the top or bottom of the member may be highly stressed in tension due to service Tension lam
loads. They can also be used in single-span applications, although an unbalanced beam at bottom
is more cost-efficient for this use.
To identify whether the lumber used in the beam is visually or mechanically graded, the stress combination also includes
a second set of designations. For example, for an unbalanced 24F layup using visually graded lumber, the layup designa-
tion may be identified as a 24F-V4. The V indicates that the layup uses visually graded lumber. (E is used for E-rated or
mechanically graded lumber.) The number 4 further indicates a specific combination of lumber used to which a full set of
20 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Guide to Engineered Wood Products
TABLE 6
DESIGN VALUES FOR STRUCTURAL GLUED LAMINATED TIMBER OF SOFTWOOD SPECIES
(Members stressed primarily in bending)
(Tabulated design values are for normal load duration and dry service conditions.)
Bending About X-X Axis Bending About Y-Y Axis
Loaded Perpendicular to Wide Loaded Parallel to Wide
Faces of Laminations Faces of Laminations Axially Loaded Fasteners
Extreme Fiber
in Bending
Tension Compres-
Zone sion Zone Compres- Shear Compres- Shear
Stressed Stressed in sion Parallel sion Parallel Compres- Specific
in Tension Tension Perpen- to Grain Modulus Extreme Perpen- to Grain Modulus Tension sion Modulus Gravity for
(Positive (Negative dicular (Hori- of Fiber in dicular (Hori- of Parallel Parallel of Fastener
Bending) Bending) to Grain zontal) Elasticity Bending to Grain zontal) Elasticity to Grain to Grain Elasticity Design
Fbx+ Fbx(a) Fcx F vx(d) Ex Fby Fcy F vy(e) Ey Ft Fc Eaxial
Stress Class G
(psi) (psi) (psi) (psi) (106 psi) (psi) (psi) (psi) (106 psi) (psi) (psi) (106 psi)
16F-1.3E 1600 925 315 195 1.3 800 315 170 1.1 675 925 1.2 0.42
20F-1.5E 2000 1100 425 210(f) 1.5 800 315 185 1.2 725 925 1.3 0.42
24F-1.7E 2400 1450 500 210(f) 1.7 1050 315 185 1.3 775 1000 1.4 0.42
24F-1.8E 2400 1450(b) 650 265(c) 1.8 1450 560 230 1.6 1100 1600 1.7 0.50
26F-1.9E (g) 2600 1950 650 265(c) 1.9 1600 560 230(c) 1.6 1150 1600 1.7 0.50(j)
28F-2.1E SP(g) 2800 2300 740 300 2.1(i) 1600 650 260 1.7 1250 1750 1.7 0.55
30F-2.1E SP(g)(h) 3000 2400 740 300 2.1(j) 1750 650 260 1.7 1250 1750 1.7 0.55t
(a) For balanced layups, Fbx shall be equal to Fbx+ for the stress class. (f) Certain southern pine combinations may contain lumber with
Designer shall specify when balanced layup is required. wane. If lumber with wane is used, the design value for shear
(b) Negative bending stress, Fbx, is permitted to be increased to 1850 parallel to grain, F vx, shall be multiplied by 0.67 if wane is allowed
psi for Douglas-fir and to 1950 psi for southern pine for spe- on both sides. If wane is limited to one side, F vx shall be multiplied
cific combinations. Designer shall specify when these increased by 0.83. This reduction shall be cumulative with the adjustment in
stresses are required. footnote d.
(c) For structural glued laminated timber of southern pine, the basic (g) 26F, 28F, and 30F beams are not produced by all manufacturers,
shear design values, F vx and F vy, are permitted to be increased to therefore, availability may be limited. Contact supplier or manu-
300 psi, and 260 psi, respectively. facturer for details.
(d) The design value for shear, Fvx, shall be decreased by multiplying (h) 30F combinations are restricted to a maximum 6 in. nominal width.
by a factor of 0.72 for non-prismatic members, notched mem- (i) For 28F and 30F members with more than 15 laminations,
bers, and for all members subject to impact or cyclic loading. The Ex = 2.0 million psi.
reduced design value shall be used for design of members at con- (j) For structural glued laminated timber of southern pine, specific
nections that transfer shear by mechanical fasteners. The reduced gravity for fastener design is permitted to be increased to 0.55.
design value shall be used for determination of design values for
radial tension and torsion. Design values in this table represent design values for groups
of similar glued laminated timber combinations. Higher design
(e) Design values are for timbers with laminations made from a single values for some properties may be obtained by specifying
piece of lumber across the width or multiple pieces that have been a particular combination in APA Data File: Glulam Design
edge bonded. For timbers manufactured from multiple piece Specification, Form Y117. Design values are for members with
laminations (across width) that are not edge bonded, value shall be 4 or more laminations. Some stress classes are not available in
multiplied by 0.4 for members with 5, 7, or 9 laminations or by 0.5 all species. Contact manufacturer for availability.
for all other members. This reduction shall be cumulative with the
adjustment in footnote d.
design stresses, such as horizontal shear, MOE, etc., are assigned. The glulam industry recently introduced the concept of
specifying glulam based on a stress class system similar to that used for MSR lumber or SCL. This requires only specifying an
Fb - E value. Typical stress classifications are in Table 6. See also APA Data Files: Glulam Design Specification and Glulam
Layup Combinations, Forms Y117 and Y117SUP, respectively.
Sizes
Glulam is available in both custom and stock sizes. Stock beams are manufactured in commonly used dimensions and
cut to length when the beam is ordered from a distributor or dealer. Typical stock beam widths used in residential con-
struction include: 3-1/8, 3-1/2, 5-1/8, 5-1/2, and 6-3/4 inches.
For nonresidential applications, where long spans, unusually heavy loads, or other circumstances control design, custom
members are typically specified. Common custom shapes include straight beams, curved beams, pitched and curved
beams, radial arches and tudor arches.
21 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Guide to Engineered Wood Products
Appearance Classification
Glulam is available in a range of appearances, all looking different but having the same structural characteristics for a
given strength grade. Glulam appearance classifications are:
Framing. A classification that denotes the member is intended only for use in concealed applications. Beams with this
appearance classification are provided in widths designed to fit flush with 2x4 and 2x6 wall framing. Framing-L is the
same as Framing but denotes that LVL has been used for the outer tension laminations.
Industrial. Used for concealed applications or where appearance is not of primary importance. Industrial-L is the
same as Industrial but denotes that LVL has been used for outer tension laminations.
Architectural. The appearance of choice in applications where members are exposed to view, because they have a
smooth, attractive finish. Stock beams are often supplied with this appearance so they may be exposed to view in the
finished structure.
Premium. Available only as a custom order where finished appearance is of primary importance.
All appearance classifications permit natural growth characteristics with varying degrees of open voids permitted. Voids
are filled as required by the appearance grade specified using inserts and wood fillers. The appearance classification is
not related to lumber layup requirements and thus does not affect design values for the beam. For additional informa-
tion, refer to APA Technical Note: Glulam Appearance Classifications for Construction Applications, Form Y110.
Camber
Camber is curvature built into a fabricated member (see figure at right) which
is opposite in direction and magnitude to the calculated deflection which will BEAM CAMBER PARAMETERS
occur under gravity loads.
L = Span (ft)
The glulam industry recommends that roof beams be cambered for 1-1/2
times the calculated dead load deflection. This will generally be sufficient
Cambered beam
to assure that the beam will not visibly sag over a period of many years of
loading, as may occur with non-cambered wood products. To achieve a level = Camber (in.)
profile, it is recommended that floor beams be only cambered for 1.0 times
the calculated dead load deflection. R = Radius of curvature (ft)
22 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Guide to Engineered Wood Products
Most residential applications require very little or no camber which, in turn, makes glulam the ideal choice. Stock beams
are typically supplied with a relatively flat camber radius of 3,500 feet as shown in Table 7, or zero camber. Thus, they
have just the right camber for residential construction. If, however, more camber is required, such as for a long-span
roof beam, custom beams are available through manufacturers to meet the most exacting specifications.
For additional information on cambering glulam beams, refer to APA Technical Note: Glulam Beam Camber, Form S550,
which provides a camber table for various beam spans and radii of curvature.
TABLE 7
23 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Guide to Engineered Wood Products
Sealants on the ends of beams help guard against moisture penetration and checking. Apply a coat of sealant to the
ends of beams after trimming. Surface sealants, which can be applied to the top, bottom and sides of beams, resist dirt
and moisture and help control checking and grain raising. Use a penetrating sealant if beams will be stained or given
a natural finish.
A primer coat also protects beams from moisture and dirt and provides a paintable surface.
If possible, store glulam under cover to protect them from rain and sunlight.
Place the beams on spaced lumber bunks on level, well-drained ground. In
Cut drainage
some instances, the wrappings can be used to protect beams until installa- holes in bottom Lumber bunks
tion. Again, seal ends of beams immediately after trimming. Once beams of wrapping or skids
are installed, allow them to gradually season and adjust to the temperature
and moisture conditions of the structure.
24 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Guide to Engineered Wood Products
25 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
I-JOIST SELECTION AND SPECIFICATION
I-joists are I-shaped engineered wood structural members designed for use in residential and nonresidential construc-
tion. The product is prefabricated using sawn or structural composite lumber flanges and OSB webs, bonded together
with exterior type adhesives. To simplify the specification and use of I-joists, APA introduced the APA Performance
Rated I-Joist (PRI). The joist is limited to a L/480 live load maximum deflection (where L = span) for glued-nailed resi-
dential floor applications, a criteria which provides superior floor performance.
TABLE 8
ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR APA EWS PERFORMANCE RATED I-JOISTS SIMPLE SPAN ONLY
Joist Simple Span On Center Spacing
Depth Designation 12" 16" 19.2" 24" Notes:
PRI-20 16'-7" 15'-2" 14'-4" 13'-5" 1. Allowable clear span applicable to simple-span residen-
tial floor construction with a design dead load of 10 psf
PRI-30 17'-1" 15'-8" 14'-10" 13'-10" and live load of 40 psf. The live load deflection is limited
9-1/2" PRI-40 18'-0" 16'-5" 15'-6" 14'-6" to span/480.
PRI-50 17'-10" 16'-4" 15'-5" 14'-5" 2. Spans are based on a composite floor with glued-nailed
PRI-60 18'-11" 17'-4" 16'-4" 15'-3" sheathing meeting the requirements for APA Rated
Sheathing or APA Rated STURD-I-FLOOR conforming
PRI-20 19'-10" 18'-2" 17'-2" 16'-0" to PRP-108, PS 1, or PS 2 with a minimum Performance
PRI-30 20'-6" 18'-9" 17'-8" 16'-6" Category of 19/32 (40/20 or 20 oc) for a joist spacing
of 19.2 inches or less, or 23/32 (48/24 or 24 oc) for a
PRI-40 21'-5" 19'-7" 18'-6" 16'-8" joist spacing of 24 inches. Adhesive shall meet ASTM
PRI-50 21'-4" 19'-6" 18'-5" 17'-2" D3498 or APA Specification AFG-01. Spans shall be
11-7/8" reduced 1 foot when the floor sheathing is nailed only.
PRI-60 22'-7" 20'-8" 19'-6" 18'-2"
PRI-70 23'-0" 21'-0" 19'-10" 18'-6" 3. Minimum bearing length shall be 1-3/4 inches for the
end bearings.
PRI-80 24'-11" 22'-8" 21'-4" 19'-10"
PRI-90 25'-8" 23'-4" 22'-0" 20'-5" 4. Bearing stiffeners are not required when I-joists are
used with the spans and spacings given in this table,
PRI-40 24'-4" 22'-3" 20'-6" 18'-4" except as required for hangers.
PRI-50 24'-4" 22'-2" 21'-0" 19'-7" 5. This span chart is based on uniform loads. For applica-
PRI-60 25'-9" 23'-6" 22'-2" 20'-8" tions with other than uniformly distributed loads, an
14"
engineering analysis may be required based on the use
PRI-70 26'-1" 23'-10" 22'-6" 20'-11" of the design properties in Table 7 of APA Performance
PRI-80 28'-3" 25'-9" 24'-3" 22'-7" Rated I-Joists, Form Z725.
PRI-90 29'-1" 26'-5" 24'-11" 23'-2"
PRI-40 26'-11" 24'-3" 22'-1" 19'-9"
PRI-50 27'-0" 24'-8" 23'-4" 20'-2"
PRI-60 28'-6" 26'-0" 24'-7" 22'-10"
16"
PRI-70 29'-0" 26'-5" 24'-11" 23'-1"
PRI-80 31'-4" 28'-6" 26'-10" 25'-0"
PRI-90 32'-2" 29'-3" 27'-7" 25'-7"
26 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Guide to Engineered Wood Products
APA Performance Rated I-Joists are identified by their net depth followed by a designation, such as PRI-30, which relates
to the joist strength and stiffness. APA PRIs are available in four depths: 9-1/2, 11-7/8, 14, and 16 inches.
Most manufacturers supply I-joists to distributors and dealers in lengths up to 60 feet. These are then cut to frequently
used lengths such as 16 to 36 feet. Check local supplier for availability.
APA PRI-400
APA PRIs are manufactured in accordance with PRI-400, Performance Standard for APA EWS I-Joists, Form X720. This
Performance Standard provides an easy-to-use table of allowable spans for applications in residential floor construc-
tion, allowing designers and builders to select and use I-joists from various member manufacturers using just one set
of span tables. APA PRIs are recognized through ICC-ES ESR-1405.
For more information on selecting APA I-joists, and for design tables, refer to APA Performance Rated I-Joists,
Form Z725.
TABLE 9
ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR APA EWS PERFORMANCE RATED I-JOISTS MULTIPLE SPAN ONLY
Joist Multiple Span On Center Spacing
Notes:
Depth Designation 12" 16" 19.2" 24"
1. Allowable clear span applicable to multiple-span
PRI-20 18'-1" 16'-6" 15'-7" 13'-5" residential floor construction with a design dead load of
10 psf and live load of 40 psf. The end spans shall be
PRI-30 18'-7" 17'-0" 16'-1" 15'-0" 40 percent or more of the adjacent span. The live load
9-1/2" PRI-40 19'-7" 17'-11" 16'-4" 14'-7" deflection is limited to span/480.
PRI-50 19'-5" 17'-9" 16'-9" 15'-7" 2. Spans are based on a composite floor with glued-nailed
PRI-60 20'-8" 18'-10" 17'-9" 16'-6" sheathing meeting the requirements for APA Rated
Sheathing or APA Rated STURD-I-FLOOR conforming
PRI-20 21'-8" 19'-7" 16'-9" 13'-5" to PRP-108, PS 1, or PS 2 with a minimum Performance
PRI-30 22'-4" 20'-5" 18'-10" 15'-0" Category of 19/32 (40/20 or 20 oc) for a joist spacing
of 19.2 inches or less, or 23/32 (48/24 or 24 oc) for a
PRI-40 23'-5" 20'-5" 18'-7" 16'-7" joist spacing of 24 inches. Adhesive shall meet ASTM
PRI-50 23'-3" 21'-2" 20'-0" 16'-1" D3498 or APA Specification AFG-01. Spans shall be
11-7/8" reduced 1 foot when the floor sheathing is nailed only.
PRI-60 24'-8" 22'-6" 21'-2" 19'-7"
PRI-70 25'-1" 22'-10" 21'-7" 18'-6" 3. Minimum bearing length shall be 1-3/4 inches for the end
bearings, and 3-1/2 inches for the intermediate bearings.
PRI-80 27'-1" 24'-8" 23'-3" 21'-7"
4. Bearing stiffeners are not required when I-joists are
PRI-90 27'-11" 25'-5" 23'-11" 22'-2" used with the spans and spacings given in this table,
PRI-40 25'-11" 22'-5" 20'-5" 18'-3" except as required for hangers.
PRI-50 26'-6" 24'-2" 20'-2" 16'-1" 5. This span chart is based on uniform loads. For applica-
tions with other than uniformly distributed loads, an
PRI-60 28'-0" 25'-7" 24'-1" 19'-9" engineering analysis may be required based on the use
14"
PRI-70 28'-5" 25'-11" 23'-2" 18'-6" of the design properties in Table 7 of APA Performance
PRI-80 30'-10" 28'-0" 26'-5" 23'-11" Rated I-Joists, Form Z725.
PRI-90 31'-8" 28'-10" 27'-1" 25'-2"
PRI-40 27'-11" 24'-2" 22'-0" 19'-8"
PRI-50 29'-6" 24'-3" 20'-2" 16'-1"
PRI-60 31'-1" 28'-4" 24'-9" 19'-9"
16"
PRI-70 31'-7" 27'-10" 23'-2" 18'-6"
PRI-80 34'-2" 31'-1" 29'-3" 23'-11"
PRI-90 35'-1" 31'-10" 30'-0" 26'-7"
27 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Guide to Engineered Wood Products
When handling I-joists with a crane on the job site (picking), take a few simple precautions to prevent damage to the
joists and injury to the work crew: pick I-joists in bundles as shipped by the supplier; orient the bundles so that the
webs of the I-joists are vertical; and pick the bundles using a spreader bar if necessary. Do not twist or apply loads to
the I-joists when they are horizontal. Never use or try to repair a damaged I-joist.
I-joists are not stable until completely installed, and will not carry any load until fully braced and sheathed. Do not allow
workers to walk on joists until the joists are fully installed and braced. To avoid accidents, brace and nail each I-joist as
it is installed, using hangers, blocking panels, Rim Board, and/or cross-bridging at joist ends and over each support. For
additional storage and handling recommendations, refer to APA Builder Tip: Storage, Handling and Safety Recommendations
for APA Performance Rated I-Joists, Form Z735.
28 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
STRUCTURAL COMPOSITE LUMBER SELECTION AND SPECIFICATION
Structural composite lumber (SCL), which includes laminated veneer lumber (LVL), parallel strand lumber (PSL), lami-
nated strand lumber (LSL) and oriented strand lumber (OSL), is a family of engineered wood products created by layering
dried and graded wood veneers, strands or flakes with moisture resistant adhesive into blocks of material known as bil-
lets, which are subsequently resawn into specified sizes. A brief description of each product is as follows:
In SCL billets, the grain of each layer of veneer or flakes runs primarily in the same direction. The resulting products
out-perform conventional lumber when either face- or edge-loaded. SCL is a solid, highly predictable and uniform engi-
neered wood product that is sawn to consistent sizes and is virtually free from warping and splitting.
Typical uses for SCL include rafters, headers, beams, joists, studs, and columns. Two or three sections of SCL can be
joined together to form 3-1/2-inch or 5-1/4-inch members. These thicker sections readily nest into 2x4 or 2x6 framed
walls as headers or columns.
29 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Guide to Engineered Wood Products
30 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
FLOOR CONSTRUCTION
Engineered wood floor systems
give builders and designers TABLE 10
strength, dependable perfor- TYPICAL PANEL FLOOR SPECIFICATIONS BASED ON FINISH FLOOR
mance and design flexibility. INSTALLATIONS (All must meet minimum structural requirements(a) of IBC or IRC)
A variety of floor framing and Finish Floor Typical Panel
Installation(b) Example Specification(b)
wood structural panel products
Carpet and Pad Single layer of APA APA Sturd-I-Floor 24 oc
can be used in floor construc- Rated Sturd-I-Floor Exposure 1 T&G (for joists
tion. To select the appropriate with T&G edges spaced 24 inches o.c. or less)
products and floor design, it is Hardwood Flooring Single layer of APA APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor 24 oc
essential to define the predicted Rated Sturd-I-Floor Exposure 1 or 48/24 APA Rated
or APA Rated Sheathing Sheathing Exposure 1 (for joists
loads and to consider both the spaced 24 inches o.c. or less)(d)
structural requirements and Vinyl (or other thin APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor(c)
compatibility with the finish resilient floor covering) or APA Rated Sheathing 24 oc Exposure 1 or APA Rated
floor requirements. Table 10 or Glue-down Carpet Exposure 1 plus minimum Sheathing 48/24 Exposure 1
Performance Category 1/4 (for joists spaced 24 inches o.c.
shows the most common fin-
APA Underlayment(e) or less). Cover with 1/4-inch (or
ish floor products and the floor Sanded Face Exposure 1 thicker) APA Underlayment(f)
systems that are typically recom- Sanded Face Exposure 1
mended for each. Ceramic Tile(g) Two layers minimum Two layers of minimum
Performance Category Performance Category 19/32
19/32 APA Rated Sturd-I- plywood APA Rated Sturd-I-
APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor
Floor(c) Exposure 1 Floor(c) 20 oc Exposure 1 (for joists
APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR is spaced 16 inches o.c. or less)
a span-rated APA proprietary (a) Floor Span Rating must equal or exceed (e) APA Underlayment is always plywood.
joist spacing.
product designed specifically for (f) For rough floors, specify minimum Perfor-
(b) Refer to www.apawood.org for installation mance Category 11/32 APA Underlayment(c).
use in single-layer floor construc- specifics and alternate installation combi- (g) For other specialty flooring products, including
nations. marble and slate, please refer to the finish floor
tion beneath carpet and pad. The
(c) Plywood APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor with manufacturers recommendations. Enhanced
product provides all of the proven sanded face. Plywood Rated Sturd-I-Floor structural performance may be required for
is underlayment with a span rating. ceramic and natural stone floor products.
cost-saving and performance See Tile Council of North America (TCNA)
(d) Minimum Performance Category 19/32
benefits of combined subfloor- plywood APA Sturd-I-Floor(c) or APA Rated Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation
Sheathing. Minimum Performance Category (www.tileusa.com).
underlayment construction. It is 23/32 OSB APA Sturd-I-Floor or APA Rated
Sheathing. See APA Technical Note: APA
manufactured in conformance Performance Rated Panel Subfloors Under
with APA PRP-108 Performance Hardwood Flooring, Form R280.
31 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Floor Construction
Product Standard PS 1 or PS 2. Plywood APA STURD-I-FLOOR meets PS 1 Underlayment specifications, but in addition to
qualifying as underlayment, STURD-I-FLOOR carries a Span Rating (thin underlayment carries no Span Rating). STURD-
I-FLOOR is easy to use and specify because the maximum recommended spacing of floor joists or SpanRating is stamped
on each panel. Panels are manufactured with Span Ratings of 16, 20, 24, 32 and 48 inches. These assume use of the panel
continuous over two or more spans with the long panel dimension or strength axis across supports.*
TABLE 11
Glue-nailing is recommended for STURD-I-FLOOR panels, though panels may be nailed only. Recommendations for both
methods are given in Table 11. (See The APA Glued Floor System, page 35, for more detailed gluing recommendations.)
Always protect smooth panel faces and tongue-and-groove edges from damage prior to and during application. Install with
smooth side up. Recommended live loads are given in Table 12.
Although STURD-I-FLOOR is suitable for direct application of carpet and pad, an additional thin layer of underlayment is rec-
ommended under tile, sheet flooring or fully adhered carpet. This added layer restores a smooth surface over panels that may
have been scuffed or roughened during construction, or that may not have received a sufficiently sanded surface. When plywood
STURD-I-FLOOR with sanded face is specified, the surface is also suitable for direct application of resilient floor covering. If
a sanded face panel is to be used, however, care must be taken during construction to prevent damage or roughening of the
sanded face. Tongue-and-groove edges are recommended to be glued under thin floor coverings to assure snug joints.
*Note: The Span Rating in the trademark applies when the long panel dimension or strength axis is across supports unless the strength axis is
otherwise identified.
32 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Floor Construction
TABLE 12
If the floor has become wet during construction, it should be allowed to dry before application of finish floor, includ-
ing carpet, underlayment, hardwood flooring, ceramic tile, etc. After it is dry, the floor should be checked for flatness,
especially at joints.
33 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Floor Construction
Sturd-I-Floor 32 oc and 48 oc
Install APA RATED STURD-I- FIGURE 2
FLOOR 48 oc or 32 oc panels APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR 32 oc AND 48 oc
over 2x joists or I-joists spaced (Over Supports 32" o.c.)
32 inches on center (Figure 2). Tongue-and-
Stagger end joints
Install APA RATED STURD-I- groove joints
APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR (or block edges)
FLOOR 48 oc over 4x girders 32 oc or 48 oc
48 inches on center (Figure 3). 2x rim joist Joists 32" o.c.
For the 48 oc method, supports or APA Rim (2x10s typical)
Board
may be 2x joists spiked together,
2x treated Center girder
4x lumber, glued laminated tim-
sill is
ber (glulams), lightweight steel ax
g th
beams, or wood I-joists or floor Notes: Stren
1. Provide
trusses. Girders of doubled 2x adequate
moisture control
members should have top edges and use ground
flush to permit smooth panel cover vapor
retarder in crawl
end joints. space. Panels must
be dry before applying
finish floor.
For a low profile with supports Framing anchors
2. For buildings with wood or steel
48 inches on center, beams can framed walls, provide 3/4" temporary (or 2x2 ledger)
expansion joints with separate floor framing
be set in foundation pockets or members and discontinuous wall plates over the
on posts supported by footings joints, at intervals that limit continuous floor areas to
80 feet maximum in length or width, to allow for accumulated 1/8" spacing is
so that panels bear directly on expansion during construction in wet weather conditions. recommended at all edge
Refer to APA Technical Note: Temporary Expansion Joints and end joints unless otherwise
the sill. If 4x lumber girders are for Large Buildings, Form U425, for detailed information. indicated by panel manufacturer
used, they should be air dried
and/or set higher than the sill
to allow for shrinkage. FIGURE 3
34 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Floor Construction
While lumber has been the traditional product used for Rim Boards, it is generally not compatible with the depth of the new
generation of wood I-joists used in floor construction. With the increasing use of wood I-joists, a demand for compatible
engineered wood Rim Boards has resulted.
APA Performance Rated Rim Boards can be manufactured using plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), glulam, or
structural composite lumber (SCL). These engineered wood Rim Boards have less shrinkage than lumber and match
the depth of wood I-joists and other engineered wood framing products. They are available in lengths up to 24 feet,
depending on the product used.
APA Performance Rated Rim Boards are manufactured in accordance with Voluntary Product Standards PS 1 or PS 2, or
ANSI/AITC A190.1 and meet the requirements of ANSI/APA PRR 410 Standard for Performance-Rated Engineered Wood Rim
Boards or APA PRR-401 Performance Standard for APA EWS Rim Boards. ANSI/APA PRR 410 and APA PRR-401 meet or exceed
the requirements given in the ICC ES Acceptance Criteria for Wood-Based Rim Board Products, AC124.
As glued engineered wood products, APA Rim Boards have greater dimensional stability, higher strength, increased
structural reliability, more consistent quality and a lower tendency to check or split than sawn lumber.
Notes:
1. Provide
adequate moisture
control and use
ground cover vapor
retarder in crawl 2x joists,
space. Panels must be I-joists or floor
dry before applying finish trusses 16", 19.2",
floor. 24", or 32" o.c.
2. For buildings with wood or steel (4x supports for
framed walls, provide 3/4" temporary 48" o.c. spacing)
expansion joints with separate floor framing
members and discontinuous wall plates over the 1/8" spacing is
joints, at intervals that limit continuous floor areas to 80
feet maximum in length or width, to allow for accumulated recommended at all edge
expansion during construction in wet weather conditions. and end joints unless
Refer to APA Technical Note: Temporary Expansion Joints for otherwise indicated by
Large Buildings, Form U425, for detailed information. panel manufacturer
35 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Floor Construction
The glue bond is so strong that floor and joists behave like integral T-beam units. Floor stiffness is increased apprecia-
bly over conventional construction, particularly when tongue-and-groove joints are glued. Gluing also helps eliminate
squeaks, floor vibration, bounce and nail-popping.
Field-glued floors go down quickly, even in cold weather, using ordinary construction materials and techniques. And
like many other panel assemblies that provide excellent sound control, the APA Glued Floor System is ideal for multi-
family construction. The large panels with glued tongue-and-groove joints reduce the number of cracks that can leak
airborne noise.
The system is normally built with Span Rated STURD-I-FLOOR panels (Figure 4), although double-layer floors are also
applicable. In both cases, STURD-I-FLOOR and subflooring panels should be installed continuous over two or
more spans with the long dimension or strength axis across supports.
Panels recommended for glued floor construction are tongue-and-groove APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR for single-floor
construction and APA RATED SHEATHING for the subfloor when used with a separate underlayment layer or with
structural finish flooring. An additional layer of underlayment should be applied in areas to be finished with resilient
floor coverings, such as tile, linoleum, vinyl or fully adhered carpet. If plywood STURD-I-FLOOR with sanded face is
specified, the surface is suitable for direct application of resilient floor covering and an additional layer is not required.
If a sanded face panel is to be used, however, care must be taken during construction to prevent damage or roughening
of the sanded face. Exposure 1 or Exterior panels have suitable bond performance for applications subject to moisture
during or after construction, as in bathrooms and utility rooms.
Tongue-and-groove panels are highly recommended for single-floor construction. Before each panel is placed, a
line of glue is applied to the joists with a caulking gun. The panel tongue-and-groove joint should also be glued, although less
heavily to avoid squeeze-out. If square-edge panels are used, edges must be supported between joists with 2x4 blocking. Glue
panels to blocking to minimize squeaks. Blocking is not required under structural finish flooring, such as wood strip flooring,
or if a separate underlayment layer is installed.
Only adhesives conforming with ASTM D3498 or Performance Specification AFG-01 developed by APA are recom-
mended for use with the Glued Floor System. A number of brands meeting this specification are available from building
supply dealers. If OSB panels with sealed surfaces and edges are to be used, use only solvent-based glues; check
with panel manufacturer. Always follow the specific application recommendations of the glue manufacturer.
Application
For best results, follow these application procedures:
1. Snap a chalk line across joists 4 feet in from wall for panel edge alignment and as a boundary for spreading glue.
2. Spread only enough glue to lay one or two panels at a time or follow specific recommendations of glue manufacturer.
Wipe any mud, dirt or water from joists before gluing.
3. Lay first panel with tongue side to wall and nail in place. This protects the tongue of next panel from damage when
tapped into place with block and sledgehammer.
4. Apply a continuous line of glue (about 1/4-inch diameter) to framing members. Apply glue in a serpentine pattern
on wide areas.
5. Apply two lines of glue on joists where panel ends butt to assure proper gluing of each end.
6. After first row of panels is in place, spread glue in groove of one or two panels at a time before laying next row. Glue
line may be continuous or spaced, but avoid squeeze-out by applying a thinner line (1/8 inch) than on joists.
7. Tap second-row panels into place, using a block to protect groove edges.
36 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Floor Construction
8. Stagger end joints in each succeeding row, where possible. A 1/8-inch space between all end joints and edges, includ-
ing tongue-and-groove, is recommended. Use a spacer tool to assure accurate and consistent spacing.
9. Complete all nailing of each panel before glue sets. (See Table 11.) Check the glue manufacturers recommenda-
tions for allowable time. Warm weather accelerates glue setting. Use 6d ring- or screw-shank nails for panels with a
Performance Category of 3/4 or smaller, and 8d ring- or screw-shank nails for thicker panels. See Table 5 for nail dimen-
sions. Space nails per Table 11. Closer nail spacing may be required for diaphragm construction. Finished deck can be
walked on and will carry construction loads without damage to glue bond.
Recommended live loads are given in Table 12. Spans are limited to the values shown because of the possible effect of
concentrated loads.
TABLE 13
Nailing recommendations are given in Table 13. Other code-approved fasteners may be used. APA panel subflooring
may also be glued for added stiffness and to reduce squeaks using nailing recommendations in Table 11.
1. A separate underlayment layer is installed with its joints offset from those in the subfloor. The minimum Performance
Category of underlayment should be 1/4 for subfloors on spans up to 24 inches and 11/32 or larger panels on spans
greater than 24 inches.
3. 3/4-inch wood strip flooring is installed over the subfloor perpendicular to the unsupported edge.
If the floor becomes wet during construction, it should be allowed to dry before application of finish floor, including
underlayment, hardwood flooring, ceramic tile, etc. After it is dry, the floor should be checked for flatness, especially
at joints.
*Note: The Span Rating in the trademark applies when the long panel dimension or strength axis is across supports unless the strength axis is
otherwise identified.
37 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Floor Construction
FIGURE 5
APA RATED SHEATHING Exposure 1 may be used where temporary exposure to moisture or weather is expected dur-
ing construction. However, only Exterior panels should be used where long-term exposure to moisture or weather will
be required.
In some nonresidential buildings, greater traffic and heavier concentrated loads may require construction in excess of
the minimums given. Where joists are 16 inches on center, for example, panels with a Span Rating of 40/20 or 48/24
will give additional stiffness and strength. For beams or joists 24 or 32 inches on center, 1-1/8 Performance Category
panels (APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR 48 oc) will provide additional stiffness and strength.
38 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Floor Construction
Underlayment grades of plywood have a solid, touch-sanded surface for direct application of carpet and pad. For
areas to be covered with resilient floor covering, specify panels with sanded face, or certain other grades as noted in
Table14. Special inner-ply construction of Underlayment resists dents and punctures from concentrated loads. Applied
as recommended, plywood Underlayment is also dimensionally stable and eliminates excessive swelling and subse-
quent buckling or humps around nails.
TABLE 14
FIGURE 6
INSTALLATION OF APA PLYWOOD UNDERLAYMENT
Stagger end joints by at least one joist spacing
in underlayment panels (optional under carpet
Resilient tile or sheet and pad) for maximum stiffness and strength
flooring, carpet or
nonstructural flooring Min. 2" offset from
subfloor edge joints
Subfloor and
underlayment
panels oriented
with strength
(long) axis
across
supports
No blocking required
if underlayment edge joints
Spacing are offset from subfloor
of 1/32" recom- joints or if tongue and
mended at under- grooved (T&G) subfloor is used
layment butt joints
APA plywood underlayment
APA RATED SHEATHING (see Table 14 for underlayment
or board subflooring (subflooring recommendations for thin
must be dry before laying underlayment) flooring products)
39 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Floor Construction
Always protect plywood Underlayment against physical damage or water prior to application. Panels should, however, be
allowed to equalize to atmospheric conditions by standing individual panels on edge for several days before installation.
Install plywood Underlayment, smooth side up, immediately before laying the finish floor. For maximum stiffness,
place face grain across supports. Edge joints of underlayment panels should be offset by at least 2 inches from joints
of subfloor panels. Underlayment end joints should be offset from subfloor end joints by at least one joist spacing, and
Underlayment end joints should be offset from floor joists by 2 inches, so that nails miss the framing (to minimize the
chance of nail pops).
Begin fastening at one edge next to a preceding panel. Assuring that the panel is uniformly flat, continue by fully fas-
tening toward opposite edge. If power-driven fasteners are used, foot pressure should be applied near the fastener to
ensure firm contact between the Underlayment and subfloor. Make sure fasteners are flush with, or just slightly below,
surface of Underlayment just prior to installation of resilient floor coverings such as tile, or sheet vinyl. (See Table 14
for Underlayment recommendations for thin flooring products.) Fill and thoroughly sand edge joints. (This step may
not be necessary under some carpet and structural flooring products check recommendations of flooring manufac
turer.) Fill any other damaged or open areas, such as splits, and sand all surface roughness. (Ensure fill compound is
fully cured before sanding because it may continue to expand as it cures.)
The plywood Underlayment needed to bridge an uneven floor will depend on roughness and loads applied. Although a
minimum 11/32 Performance Category is recommended, 1/4 Performance Category plywood Underlayment may also
be acceptable over smooth subfloors, especially in remodeling work. (See Table 14.)
Where floors may be subject to temporary moisture, use panels with exterior glue (Exposure 1) or APA C-C PLUGGED
Exterior. APA C-D PLUGGED is not an adequate substitute for Underlayment grade since it does not have equivalent
face veneer puncture resistance.
Because hardwood flooring is sensitive to moisture, make sure subflooring panels are dry before hardwood is installed.
Use a moisture meter to measure the moisture content of the subfloor. Do not install hardwood unless subfloor mois-
ture level is within a range consistent with the hardwood manufacturers recommendations. If the home is built over a
crawl space, make sure the crawl space is dry and well-drained. A 6-mil polyethylene vapor retarder should be installed
on the ground in the crawl space.
Follow the recommendations of the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) for the hardwood flooring product being
used and its storage and handling, and for acclimatizing the hardwood prior to installation on the subflooring. Also see APA
Technical Note: Performance Rated Panel Subfloors under Hardwood Flooring, Form R280.
*National Wood Flooring Association, 111 Chesterfield Industrial Boulevard, Chesterfield, Missouri 63005; Phone (800) 422-4556 (USA),
(800) 848-8821 (Canada).
**Tile Council of North America, Inc., 100 Clemson Research Blvd., Anderson, South Carolina 29625; Phone (864) 646-8453.
40 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Floor Construction
TABLE 15
41 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Floor Construction
TABLE 15 continued
Max. Joist
TCNA Service Spacing Tile Underlayment Subfloor
No. Classification(a)(b) (in. o.c.) Adhesive Layer Layer Comment
23/32" Exposure 1
Latex-portland 19/32" Exposure 1
F155 Residential(d) 24 T&G OSB or OSB subfloor OK
cement mortar plywood
plywood
Light Latex-portland 23/32" Exposure 1 8" x 8" or larger
F160 24 3/8" plywood
Commercial cement mortar T&G plywood tile only
Residential
Latex-portland Fiber-reinforced 19/32" Exposure 1
F170 or Light 16
cement mortar gypsum panel plywood
Commercial
Residential Dry-set mortar Cementitious-
19/32" Exposure 1 8" x 8" or larger
F175 or Light 16 or latex-portland coated foam
plywood tile only
Commercial cement mortar backerboard
Residential
Poured gypsum 23/32" Exposure 1 Uncoupling
F180 or Light 16
minimum 3/4" T&G plywood Membrane
Commercial
Latex-portland Cementitious 23/32" Exposure 1
F185 Residential 19.2
cement mortar self-leveling T&G plywood
Crack isolation,
23/32" Exposure 1 waterproof, or
RH122 Residential 16 Mortar bed
T&G plywood uncoupling
membrane
Crack isolation
23/32" Exposure 1 waterproof, or
RH123 Residential 16 Mortar bed
T&G plywood uncoupling
membrane
Use of 15/32"
plywood
Residential Light Commercial-
Latex-portland 19/32" Exposure 1 underlayment
RH130 or Light 16 19/32" Exposure 1
cement mortar T&G plywood layer gives
Commercial plywood
Residential
performance
Use of 19/32"
Residential Dry-set mortar plywood
Cementitious 23/32" Exposure 1
RH135 or Light 16 or latex-portland subfloor gives
backer unit T&G plywood
Commercial cement mortar Residential
performance
Latex-portland Cementitious 23/32" Exposure 1
RH140 Residential 19.2
cement mortar self-leveling T&G plywood
Use of glass tile
Light Latex-portland Cementitious 19/32" Exposure 1
RH141 16 may lower service
Commercial cement mortar self-leveling T&G plywood
classification
(a) Order of increasing serviceability: Residential, Light Classification. One criterion used to determine failure is a maxi-
Commercial, Moderate and Heavy mum deflection of L/360 under the three concentrated loads.
(b) As typically performed, the ASTM C 627 Robinson-Type Floor (c) 1-1/2 inch net support width permitted with 8x8 inches or larger
Tester delivers three, simultaneous dynamic, 300-pound tileotherwise 2-1/4 inches net support width is required.
concentrated wheel loads moving in a 30-inch-diameter circle (d) Passed ASTM C 627 tests with a Light Commercial rating using
over the surface of test assembly. The number of cycles the plywood as the subfloor and then again with OSB as the subfloor.
system withstands without failure determines its Service
42 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Floor Construction
Tables 17 and 18 give plywood recommendations for uniform and concentrated (e.g., forklift traffic) loads. These assume
the use of plywood continuous over two or more spans with face grain across supports. Structural edge support
must be provided where high concentrated loads occur. Where no lift-truck use is expected, 2-inch wood framing
is adequate.
In addition to providing structural strength, a wearing surface should be provided to resist crushing wood cells and
avoid abrasion whenever an industrial floor is subject to hard wheel or caster traffic. An expendable layer of plywood or
a dense wear surface, such as tempered hardboard, should be used if wheels are small, hard or heavily loaded.
43 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Floor Construction
TABLE 17
TABLE 18
44 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
WALL CONSTRUCTION
Building codes require that walls resist wind pressures caused by the design wind speeds, resist wall-racking forces
and provide weather protection. This section provides details on how wood structural panels can be used to meet these
fundamental requirements.
APA Sturd-I-Wall
The APA Sturd-I-Wall system consists of APA RATED SIDING (panel or lap) applied direct to studs or over nonstruc
tural fiberboard, gypsum or rigid foam insulation sheathing*. Nonstructural sheathing is defined as sheathing not
recognized by building codes for meeting both bending and racking strength requirements.
*Where panel siding is applied over foam sheathing, see APA publication APA Rated Siding Panels over Rigid Foam Insulation Sheathing, Form C465.
TABLE 19
45 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. B360P 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Wall Construction
TABLE 20
TABLE 21A
MAXIMUM STUD SPACING: APA RATED SIDING (PANEL) APPLIED DIRECT-TO-STUDS OR STRUCTURAL SHEATHING
Minimum Performance Maximum Stud Spacing (in.) for Vertical Rows of Nails
Category or
Siding Description Span Rating Parallel to Supports Perpendicular to Supports
3/8 16 24
APA MDO GENERAL
15/32 24 24
16 oc 16 16(a)
APA Rated Siding
24 oc 24 24
(a) Stud spacing may be 24" o.c. for veneer-faced siding panels.
TABLE 21B
46 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. B360P 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Wall Construction
A single layer of wood structural panel siding, since it is strong and rack resistant, eliminates the cost of installing separate
structural sheathing or diagonal wall bracing. Panel sidings are normally installed vertically, but may also be placed hori-
zontally (long dimension across supports) if horizontal joints are blocked. Maximum stud spacings for both applications are
given in Tables 19, 20 and 21.
When installing panel or lap siding over rigid foam insulation sheathing, drive the nails flush with the siding surface,
but avoid over-driving, which can result in dimpling of the siding due to the compressible nature of foam sheathing.
Sidings are occasionally treated with water repellents or wood preservatives to improve finishing characteristics or mois-
ture resistance for certain applications. If the siding has been treated, allowing the surface treatment to dry will avoid
solvent or chemical reaction with the foam sheathing.
When rigid foam insulation sheathing is used, building codes also generally require installation of 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard,
or other materials of the required thermal barrier rating, on the inside surface of the wall for fire protection.
See Figures 8 through 12 for panel and lap siding installation recommendations for the Sturd-I-Wall system or for siding
installed over nailable sheathing. See APAs Build A Better Home: Walls, Form A530, for additional recommended details to
avoid moisture penetration in walls.
All panel siding edges in Sturd-I-Wall construction should be backed with framing or blocking. Use nonstaining, non
corrosive nails as described in Tables 19, 20 and 21 to prevent staining the siding.
Where siding is to be applied at an angle, install only over wood structural panel sheathing.
Note: Gluing of siding to framing is not recommended due to the increased potential for panel buckling.
FIGURE 8
47 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. B360P 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Wall Construction
Siding Fasteners
Hot-dip galvanized nails are
recommended for most sid- FIGURE 9
ing applications. For best APA STURD-I-WALL (Horizontal Panel Siding Installation)
performance, stainless steel
Building paper
or aluminum nails should or other code-recognized See Tables 19, 20 and
be considered. APA tests weather-resistive barrier 21 for maximum
stud spacing
also show that electrically
or mechanically galvanized Battens at 4' or 8' o.c. Panel siding meets
to conceal butt joints at code requirements
steel nails appear satisfac- for wall bracing
panel ends. Nails through
tory when plating meets or battens must penetrate
exceeds thickness require- studs at least 1". Seal panel edges
ments of ASTM A641 Class 2
APA RATED SIDING 2x4 blocking at
coatings, and is further pro- panels (nailing as required horizontal joints
tected by yellow chromate for vertical installation)
2. APA RATED SHEATHING panels with roof Span Rating of 24 inches or greater installed with strength axis either
parallel or perpendicular to studs 16 or 24 inches o.c. (except 3-ply plywood panels must be applied with strength axis
across studs when studs are spaced 24 inches o.c.).
3. APA RATED SHEATHING panels with roof Span Rating less than 24 inches installed with strength axis either par-
allel or perpendicular to studs 16 inches o.c. (except plywood panels 3/8 Performance Category or less must be applied
with strength axis across studs).
Lap siding joints, if staggered, and panel siding joints may occur away from studs with wood structural panel sheathing.
Note: In addition to panel edge spacing and the use of straight studs, nailing sequence can also be a factor in maintaining a uniformly flat
appearance of the finished wall. Installation procedure: First, position the panel, maintaining recommended edge spacing, and lightly tack at
each corner. Install the first row of nails at the edge next to the preceding panel from top to bottom. Remove remaining tacking nails. Then nail
the row at the first intermediate stud. Continue by nailing at the second intermediate stud, and finally, at the edge opposite the preceding panel.
Complete the installation by fastening to the top and bottom plates.
48 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. B360P 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Wall Construction
For other fastener types, refer to Table 22. It provides the withdrawal resistance for a number of different fastener types
(smooth-, ring- and screw-shank nails; wood screws and vinyl siding nails). Together with the wind load tables in the
2006 and 2009 International Residential Codes, IRC Tables R301.2(2) and R301.2(3), the attachment schedules for any
combination of siding type, continuous wood structural panel sheathing, design wind speed and exposure can be
determined. See APA Technical Topic: Wood Structural Panels Used as Nailable Sheathing, Form TT-109 for more information
including wind load tables and a sample calculation.
TABLE 22
FASTENER WITHDRAWAL LOADS FOR THE ATTACHMENT OF SIDING TO CONTINUOUS WOOD STRUCTURAL
PANEL WALL SHEATHING(a)
Ring-Shank Nails(b)(c) Withdrawal Loads (lbf)
Nail Diameter (in.)
Wall Sheathing
Performance 0.097
Category 0.091 0.094 0.099 0.113 0.120 0.128 0.135 0.148
3/8 31 32 33 38 41 43 46 50
7/16 36 37 38 45 48 51 53 59
15/32 and 1/2 39 40 41 48 51 54 57 63
19/32 and 5/8 49 51 52 61 64 69 73 80
23/32 and 3/4 59 61 63 74 78 83 88 96
Wood Screws (c)(d) Withdrawal Loads (lbf)
Screw Gauge/Diameter (in.)
Wall Sheathing
Performance #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #12 #14
Category 0.138 0.151 0.164 0.177 0.19 0.216 0.242
3/8 48 52 57 61 66 75 84
7/16 56 61 66 72 77 87 98
15/32 and 1/2 60 65 71 77 82 93 105
19/32 and 5/8 76 83 90 97 104 118 133
23/32 and 3/4 92 100 109 117 126 143 161
Vinyl Siding Nails(c)(e)(f)
Smooth-Shank and Screw-Shank Nails(c)(e) Withdrawal Loads (lbf) Withdrawal Loads
Wall Sheathing Nail Diameter (in.) Nail Diameter (in.)
Performance
Category 0.092 0.099 0.113 0.120 0.128 0.131 0.135 0.148 0.122 0.125
3/8 8 8 9 10 11 11 11 12 10 10
7/16 9 10 11 12 13 13 13 14 12 12
15/32 and 1/2 10 10 12 13 13 14 14 16 13 13
19/32 and 5/8 12 13 15 16 17 17 18 20 16 17
23/32 and 3/4 15 16 18 19 21 21 22 24 20 20
(a) Withdrawal capacities are based on the duration of load factor of 1.6 for wind applications. Adjustments for wet service and temperature are
normally not required for attachment to the wood structural panel nailable sheathing.
(b) For ring-shank nails, the withdrawal capacities (W) are based on specific gravities (G) of 0.70 in accordance with APA TT-039 and
W = 1380 G2.5 D CD t, where: W = Withdrawal capacity (lbf), G = Specific Gravity, D = Nail diameter (in.),
CD = Duration of load factor (1.6 for wind loads), and t = wood structural panel thickness (in.).
(c) Fasteners shall be long enough to fully penetrate wood structural panel sheathing by at least 1/4 inch.
(d) For wood screws, the withdrawal capacities (W) are based on specific gravities (G) of 0.45 in accordance with APA TT-051 and
W = 2850 G2 D CD t, where: W = Withdrawal capacity (lbf), G = Specific Gravity, D = Nail diameter (in.),
CD = Duration of load factor (1.6 for wind loads), and t = wood structural panel thickness (in.).
(e) For smooth-shank, screw-shank, and vinyl siding nails, the withdrawal capacities (W) are based on specific gravities (G) of 0.40 in
accordance with APA TT-039 and
W = 1380 G2.5 D CD t, where: W = Withdrawal capacity (lbf), G = Specific Gravity, D = Nail diameter (in.),
CD = Duration of load factor (1.6 for wind loads), and t = wood structural panel thickness (in.).
(f) Vinyl siding nails shall have a head of at least 3/8 inch in diameter.
49 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. B360P 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Wall Construction
FIGURE 10
(a) For engineered shear wall segments or wall bracing requirements, use APA Rated Sheathing
for wall sheathing under lap siding (see Figure 12). Other methods permitted by model building
codes for braced wall segments may also be used.
FIGURE 11
APA RATED SIDING (PANEL SIDING) OVER WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL SHEATHING
Panel siding or APA RATED SHEATHING meets code requirement for wall bracing
FIGURE 12
APA RATED SIDING (LAP SIDING) OVER WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL SHEATHING
APA RATED SIDING (lap siding), maximum width 12". Minimum headlap 1".
Siding joints, if staggered may occur away from studs with nailable sheathing
50 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. B360P 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Wall Construction
TABLE 23
TABLE 24
51 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. B360P 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Wall Construction
FIGURE 14 FIGURE 15
APA PANEL CORNER BRACING BRICK VENEER OVER APA PANEL SHEATHING
52 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. B360P 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Wall Construction
along the panel edge before installing the next panel. STUCCO OVER APA PANEL SHEATHING
A 1/8-inch space is recommended at all edge and end
APA RATED SHEATHING
joints unless otherwise indicated by panel manufac-
turer. If caulk is to be used, also check with caulk Two layers of
building paper
manufacturer for recommended edge spacing. Nails required*
through battens or other wood trim must penetrate
at least 1 inch into studs. Nail panel siding 6 inches Self-furring
metal lath
o.c. along edges and 12 inches o.c. at intermediate
supports. To prevent staining of siding, use hot-dip Stucco
galvanized, aluminum, or other nonstaining nails as
Metal bead
described on page 48.
Note:
*International Building Code
Siding is often fully exposed to weather and thus has requires two layers of
grade D paper for stucco
increased susceptibility to elevated moisture conditions. over wood-based sheathing.
Although siding will periodically experience moisture Check local building code and applicator
contents above the threshold value needed to support for specific requirements.
Apply flashing or other means of protection over end grain of siding to minimize water absorption.
53 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. B360P 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Wall Construction
FIGURE 17
Treat panel
edges with Use ring-shank
water repellent nails for the
battens, applied
Note: near the edges
Nailing of both panel edges along shiplap joint is in two staggered rows
recommended. The double nailing is required when
wall segment must meet wall bracing or engineered
shear wall requirements.
Building
paper
Blocking Building
Corner boards (typ.) paper Caulk
Alum. or galv.
flashing Band board trim
Siding
Up to 1/2" gap Galv. Z flashing
when using conven- Galv. spikes or bolts
Rim Board tional lumber floor (countersink)
& rim joists
Rim Board
2x10 band board
Double top plate Filler Double top plate
Siding (4' x 8')
Plastic pipe spacer
(2" to 6" dia.)
WINDOW DETAILS
(For window details, see Build A Better Home: Walls, Form A530.)
54 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. B360P 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Wall Construction
Edge Sealing
Moisture enters the end grain of plywood or other wood-based products faster than through the surface. Consequently,
edges and ends of APA RATED SIDING panels or lap siding should be sealed. Although edge sealers are not necessar-
ily moisture-proof or permanently durable, they help to minimize sudden changes in moisture content in the siding,
due to weather.
APA RATED SIDING may be edge sealed at the factory. If the siding is not factory-sealed, it can be sealed quickly at the
job site while the panels or lap siding pieces are still in a stack. Edges or ends cut during construction should be resealed.
Siding to be finished with a semitransparent or solid-color stain can be edge sealed with a liberal application of a paintable,
water-repellent sealer. If the siding is to be painted, apply sealer to edges using the same paint primer that will be used on the
surface. Horizontal edges, particularly lower drip edges of siding, should be carefully edge-sealed because of their greater
wetting exposure.
55 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. B360P 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Wall Construction
Finishing
APA RATED SIDING may be finished
with a variety of products such as semi TABLE 27
transparent stains, solid-color stains or APA 303 SIDING FINISHING RECOMMENDATIONS
paint systems. The recommended finishes PAINTS
depend on the type of siding product, and Minimum 1
303 Series STAINS primer plus 1
whether it has an overlaid surface. Plywood Siding Semitransparent Solid Color topcoat
Grades (oil) (oil or latex)(a) (acrylic latex)
Oil-based, semitransparent stains may be
303-OC (b) (b) (b)
used on certain veneer-faced siding prod- 303-OL Not Recommended (d) (b)
ucts as detailed in Table 27. Solid-color 303-NR (b) (e) (e)
stains may be used on most APA RATED 303-SR (c) (e) (e)
Solid-color stains are particularly recommended for grades 303-6-S and 303-6-S/W, as well as 303-18 and 303-30 with
any type of patch.
56 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. B360P 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Wall Construction
Grade 303-OL may be finished with any top-quality exterior paint system primer and companion topcoat formu-
lated for wood.
Finishes should be applied as soon as possible after installation of the siding. Weathering of unprotected wood can
cause surface damage in as little as two to four weeks. Apply finishes during favorable weather conditions. As a rule of
thumb, finishes should not be applied when the outside air temperature is expected to drop below 50 F (10 C) within
24 hours for latex finishes, or 40 F (5 C) for oil-based finishes. However, recommendations of individual manufactur-
ers may vary and should always be followed. Wood surfaces should be clean and dry, although extremely dry surfaces
should be dampened slightly when applying latex finishes.
Use only top-quality finishes and application equipment. Finishes should be applied according to the spread rates recom-
mended by the manufacturer. Textured surfaces may require up to twice as much finish as smooth surfaces. The first coat
should be applied by brush. If spray equipment is used to apply the finish, then the finish should be either back-brushed or
back-rolled while it is still wet. Subsequent coats of finish may be applied by any conventional means.
Interior Paneling
APA Rated Siding panels lend themselves to a number of decorative surface treatments for attractive interior paneling
and accent walls. (See Figures 18 and 19.) Such treatments include saw-textured, brushed, embossed and grooved. Let
APA panels acclimatize to room temperature and humidity conditions for several days prior to attachment to the wall.
This can be accomplished by placing the panels on edge with space between each panel to allow air to circulate freely
over both sides. Preservative treatment of furring or studs is recommended when they are attached to masonry or con-
crete exterior walls and to any uncured concrete wall. Also, in these instances, install a 4-mil polyethylene vapor retarder
between the paneling and the furring or studs and insulated exterior walls. Support and nail spacing recommendations
are given in Table 28. Recommendations apply to all species groups.
TABLE 28
INTERIOR PANELING
Panel Nail Size Maximum Nail Spacing (in.)
Performance Maximum Support (Use casing or Intermediate
Category Spacing (in.) finishing nails)(c) Panel Edges Supports
1/4 16(a) 4d 6 12
5/16 16(b) 6d 6 12
11/32 - 1/2 24 6d 6 12
19/32 - 3/4 24 8d 6 12
Texture 1-11 24 8d 6 12
(a) Can be 20 inches if strength axis of paneling is across supports. (c) See Table 5, page 14, for nail dimensions.
(b) Can be 24 inches if strength axis of paneling is across supports.
57 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. B360P 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Wall Construction
FIGURE 18 FIGURE 19
Block all
unsupported edges
Leave 1/32"
spacing at Install 1x2 furring strips
panel edges horizontal and/or vertical
with nails into studs,
expansion bolts, concrete
nails, powder-actuated
fasteners, or adhesive as
necessary. Use treated furring
strips if in contact with
concrete or block walls.
Panel Backing
Wood structural panels are excellent backing for wall coverings such as rare hardwoods, vinyl surfaces and decorative
fabrics. Panels with Performance Categories smaller than 15/32 should be applied with strength axis perpendicular to
studs and with 2x4 blocking at horizontal edges. Thicker panels may be applied with strength axis parallel to studs. For
thin coverings subject to telegraphing of underlying surface texture, only sanded plywood is recommended. Plywood
panels should have C-Plugged or better faces. Use 6d nails spaced 6 inches on center at panel edges and 12 inches on
center at intermediate supports. A 1/16-inch space should be left between panels. Where moisture may be present, use
nonstaining nails and either Exposure 1 or Exterior type panels. A 1/4-inch clearance is recommended at the bottom
edge of the panels.
58 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. B360P 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Wall Construction
TABLE 29
ALLOWABLE SHEAR (POUNDS PER FOOT) FOR APA PANEL SHEAR WALLS WITH FRAMING OF DOUGLAS-FIR,
LARCH, OR SOUTHERN PINE(a) FOR WIND(b)(c)(d)(e)(f) OR SEISMIC(c)(d)(e)(g) LOADING
Panels Applied Over 1/2" or 5/8"
Panels Applied Direct to Framing Gypsum Sheathing
Minimum Minimum
Nominal Nail Nail Size Nail Size
Panel Penetration (common or Nail Spacing at (common or Nail Spacing at
Thickness in Framing galvanized Panel Edges (in.) galvanized Panel Edges (in.)
Panel Grade (in.) (in.) box)(h) 6 4 3 2(i) box) 6 4 3 2(i)
3/8 230(j) 360(j) 460(j) 610(j)
APA 7/16 1-3/8 8d 255(j) 395(j) 505(j) 670(j) 10d 280 430 550(l) 730
STRUCTURAL I
grades 15/32 280 430 550 730
15/32 1-1/2 10d 340 510 665(l) 870
5/16 or 1/4(k) 180 270 350 450 180 270 350 450
1-1/4 6d 8d
APA RATED 3/8 200 300 390 510 200 300 390 510
SHEATHING; APA 3/8 220 (j)
320 410 530
(j) (j) (j)
RATED SIDING(m)
7/16 1-3/8 8d 240(j) 350(j) 450(j) 585(j) 10d 260 380 490(l) 640
and other APA
grades except 15/32 260 380 490 640
species Group 5 15/32 310 460 600(l) 770
1-1/2 10d
19/32 340 510 665 870 (l)
Nail Size Nail Size
APA RATED
(galvanized (galvanized
SIDING(m) and
casing) casing)
other APA grades
except species 5/16(k) 1-1/4 6d 140 210 275 360 8d 140 210 275 360
Group 5
3/8 1-3/8 8d 160 240 310 410 10d 160 240 310(l) 410
(a) For framing of other species: (1) Find specific gravity for species of 3-inch nominal member, or two 2-inch nominal members
lumber in the AF&PA National Design Specification (NDS). (2) For fastened together to transfer the design shear value between
common or galvanized box nails, find shear value from table above framing members. Wood structural panel joint and sill plate
for nail size for actual grade. (3) Multiply value by the following adjust- nailing shall be staggered in all cases. See IBC or AF&PA
ment factor: Specific Gravity Adjustment Factor = [1 (0.5 SG)], Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic (SDPWS) for sill
where SG = specific gravity of the framing. This adjustment shall not plate size and anchorage requirements.
be greater than 1. (h) See Table 5, page 14, for nail dimensions.
(b) For wind load applications, the values in the table above shall be (i) Framing at adjoining panel edges shall be 3-inch nominal or
permitted to be multiplied by 1.4. wider, and nails shall be staggered where nails are spaced 2
(c) All panel edges backed with 2-inch nominal or wider framing. Install inches o.c. Check local code for variations of these requirements.
panels either horizontally or vertically. Space nails maximum 6 inches (j) Allowable shear values are permitted to be increased to values
o.c. along intermediate framing members for 3/8-inch and 7/16-inch shown for 15/32-inch sheathing with same nailing provided
panels installed on studs spaced 24 inches o.c. For other conditions and (1) studs are spaced a maximum of 16 inches on center, or
panel thicknesses, space nails maximum 12 inches o.c. on intermediate (2) panels are applied with long dimension across studs.
supports. Fasteners shall be located 3/8 inch from panel edges.
(k) 3/8-inch or APA RATED SIDING 16 oc is minimum recom-
(d) Where panels applied on both faces of a wall and nail spacing is less mended when applied direct to framing as exterior siding.
than 6 inches o.c. on either side, panel joints shall be offset to fall on dif-
ferent framing members, or framing shall be 3-inch nominal or thicker (l) Framing at adjoining panel edges shall be 3-inch nominal
at adjoining panel edges and nails on each side shall be staggered. or wider, and nails shall be staggered where 10d nails (3" x
0.148") having penetration into framing of more than 1-1/2
(e) Galvanized nails shall be hot-dip or tumbled. inches are spaced 3 inches o.c. Check local code for variations
(f) For shear loads of normal or permanent load duration as defined by of these requirements.
the AF&PA NDS, the values in the table above shall be multiplied by (m) Values apply to all-veneer plywood APA RATED SIDING panels
0.63 or 0.56 respectively. only. Other APA RATED SIDING panels may also qualify on a
(g) In Seismic Design Category D, E, or F, where shear design values proprietary basis. APA RATED SIDING 16 oc plywood may be
exceed 350 pounds per lineal foot, all framing members receiving 11/32 inch, 3/8 inch or thicker. Thickness at point of nailing on
edge nailing from abutting panel edges shall not be less than a single panel edges governs shear values.
59 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. B360P 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Wall Construction
Wall Bracing
Wall bracing is typically a part of conventional prescriptive construction as found in 2009 International Building Code
(IBC) Section 2308 or the International Residential Code (IRC) Chapter 6. Wall bracing is prescribed in a how-to format,
and braced walls generally do not require hold down devices or have significant nailing requirements. Usually, there is no
engineering required when using wall bracing since the solution is prescribed. For structures or portions of them that do
not meet the prescribed construction parameters in the IBC or IRC, engineered design is required.
Meeting the bracing requirements is easy when using wood structural panel wall sheathing because of its inherent
strength. More information is available at www.wallbracing.org and in the following APA publications:
Introduction to Wall Bracing, Form F430
Brace Walls with Wood, Form G440
Shear Walls
The engineered version of wall bracing is a shear wall. Shear walls are designed by an engineer to resist the specific
forces determined by engineering analysis. Shear walls have specific design values depending on their construction, fas-
tener spacing, fastener size, sheathing thickness and framing species. Table 29 shows the Allowable Stress Design values
for single-sided sheathed wood structural panel shear walls. Shear walls are also permitted to be designed to account
for openings and with both sides of the wall sheathed. They usually require hold downs to resist overturning of wall
segments, as shown in Figure 20. More information on designing with shear walls is available in the APA publication
Design/Construction Guide: Diaphragms and Shear Walls, Form L350.
Either APA RATED SHEATHING or all-veneer plywood APA RATED SIDING (and other APA RATED SIDING panels
that qualify on a proprietary basis) can be used in shear wall design. The data presented here give maximum shears for
walls with APA RATED SHEATHING, with plywood APA RATED SIDING installed directly to studs (APA Sturd-I-Wall),
and with panels applied over gypsum sheathing for walls required to be fire-rated from the outside.
FIGURE 20
Studs
Fasteners to framing,
size as required
Hold-down anchor
Flashing to separate
siding from concrete
Bolt to foundation
Concrete foundation
60 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. B360P 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
ROOF CONSTRUCTION
TABLE 30
RECOMMENDED UNIFORM ROOF LIVE LOADS FOR APA RATED SHEATHING (a) AND APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
WITH STRENGTH AXIS PERPENDICULAR TO SUPPORTS (b)
Maximum Span (in.) Allowable Live Loads (psf)(d)
Panel Minimum Panel Spacing of Supports Center-to-Center (in.)
Span Performance With Edge Without Edge
Rating Category Support(c) Support 12 16 20 24 32 40 48 60
APA RATED SHEATHING(a)
12/0 3/8 12 12 30
16/0 3/8 16 16 70 30
20/0 3/8 19.2 19.2 120 50 30
24/0 3/8 24 19.2(e) 190 100 60 30
24/16 7/16 24 24 190 100 65 40
32/16 15/32 32 28 300 165 110 65 30
40/20 19/32 40 32 275 195 120 60 30
48/24 23/32 48 36 270 175 95 45 30
60/32(f) 7/8 60 40 305 165 100 70 35
60/48(f) 1-1/8 60 48 305 165 100 70 35
APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR (g)
16 oc 19/32 24 24 185 100 65 40
20 oc 19/32 32 32 270 150 100 60 30
24 oc 23/32 48 36 240 160 100 50 30 20
32 oc 7/8 48 40 295 185 100 55 35
48 oc 1-3/32 60 48 290 160 100 65 40
(a) Includes APA RATED SHEATHING/CEILING DECK. (d) 10 psf dead load assumed.
(b) Applies to APA RATED SHEATHING and APA RATED STURD-I- (e) 19.2 inches for Performance Category 3/8 and 7/16 panels.
FLOOR panels 24 inches or wider applied over two or more spans. 24inches for Performance Category 15/32 and 1/2 panels.
(c) Tongue-and-groove edges, panel edge clips (one midway* (f) Check with supplier for availability.
between each support, except two equally spaced between sup- (g) Also applies to C-C Plugged grade plywood.
ports 48 inches on center or greater), lumber blocking, or other.
For low slope roofs, see Table 31. *No established tolerance.
61 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Roof Construction
FIGURE 21 TABLE 32
62 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Roof Construction
from Table 30, and minimum fastener requirements are given in Table 32. Increased nail schedules may be required in
high wind zones. Recommended nail schedules for high wind zones are described in APA Data File: Roof Sheathing Fastening
Schedules for Wind Uplift, Form T325.
APA RATED SHEATHING is equally effective under built-up roofing, asphalt or fiberglass shingles, tile roofing, or wood
shingles or shakes. Roof trusses spaced 24 inches on center are widely recognized as the most economical construc-
tion for residential roofs. However, using fewer supports with thicker panels e.g., Performance Category 23/32 or 3/4
panels with a span rating of 48/24 over framing 48 inches on center is also cost effective for long-span flat or pitched
roofs. Recommended live loads are given in Table 30. Nailing recommendations are given in Table 32.
In preframed panels 8x8 feet or larger (Figure 23), the panel strength axis may run either parallel or perpendicular to
stiffeners spaced 16 or 24 inches on center. Stiffeners and roof purlins provide support for all panel edges. Recommenda
tions in Table 33 are based on long dimension or strength axis of the panel parallel to supports. Deflection limits are
1/180 of the span for total load; 1/240 for live load only. See Table 34 for design information on stiffeners for preframed
panels. Nailing requirements for preframed panels are the same as for roof sheathing.
FIGURE 22 FIGURE 23
Main supporting Metal purlin hanger Main supporting Metal purlin hanger
glulam member glulam member
Glulam purlin
Str
en
gth
ax
is is
ax
gth
Stren
63 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Roof Construction
TABLE 33
TABLE 34
64 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Roof Construction
65 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Roof Construction
The plywood thickness and span recommendations in Table 35 for plywood under special coatings assume installa-
tion with the panel continuous over two or more spans with the long dimension or strength axis perpendicular to
supports and liquid coatings applied directly to the plywood. Check local building codes for any required deviations
from these recommendations. Allowable roof live load is based on the same deflection criteria as described in Table 30
for APA panel roof sheathing.
TABLE 35
PLYWOOD THICKNESS AND MAXIMUM SPANS FOR ROOF DECKS UNDER SPECIAL COATINGS(a)
Maximum Support Maximum Nail
Minimum Spacing (in.)
Plywood Spacing (in.)
Performance Groups Nail Type & Supported Intermediate
Grade Category Group 1 2&3 Group 4 Size(b)(c) Panel Edges Supports
8d common smooth(d)
11/32 16 6 12
or ring- or screw-shank
APA A-C EXT 8d common smooth (d)
15/32, 1/2 24 24 16 6 12
APA B-C EXT or ring- or screw-shank
APA C-C PLUGGED EXT 19/32, 5/8 32 24 24 8d ring- or screw-shank 6 12
23/32, 3/4 40 32 32 8d ring- or screw-shank 6 12
7/8 48 40 40 8d ring- or screw-shank 6 12(e)
(a) All panels will support at least 30 psf live load plus 10 psf dead (c) See Table 5, page 14, for nail dimensions.
load at maximum span. (d) Use only deformed-shank nails for curved surfaces.
(b) Nail type, size and spacing may vary for engineered diaphragm (e) For spans 48 inches or greater, space nails maximum 6 inches at
designs. all supports.
Exterior plywood is recommended for use under special coatings for roofs. Where the coating requires a very smooth
base, use APA A-C Exterior or APA B-C Exterior plywood. Where maximum smoothness is not essential, use APA C-C
PLUGGED Exterior. Tongue-and-groove plywood (Performance Category 15/32 or larger) or lumber blocking at panel
edges is recommended. A 1/8-inch space is recommended at all edge and end joints unless otherwise indicated by panel
manufacturer. If high-performance coatings are to be used for finish, check coating manufacturers recommendations
for panel joint treatment. Nail size, type and spacing recommendations are also given in Table 35.
Grades recommended in Table 35 should also be specified for the top layer when the structural wood deck is to be over-
laid with a separate plywood layer to serve as substrate for special roof coatings. A 1/8-inch space is recommended at
all edge and end joints unless otherwise indicated by panel manufacturer. Although minimum 1/4-inch plywood may
be used over structural decks, Performance Category 15/32 or larger panels should be considered for best performance
over uneven surfaces or when rain or high humidity is anticipated prior to application of roof coating. Use corrosion-
resistant fasteners sized and spaced as recommended in Table 35.
For open soffit and nonstructural ceiling construction, panels designated Exposure 1 are recommended as a minimum
(check local building code) where appearance is not a major consideration.
66 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Roof Construction
TABLE 36
TABLE 37
APA PANELS FOR CLOSED SOFFIT OR FOR NONSTRUCTURAL CEILING(a)(b) (Strength axis across supports)
Maximum Span (in.) Panel Performance Nail Size
All Edges Supported Category Species Group and Type(c)
24 11/32 APA(d) 6d nonstaining
All box or casing
32 15/32 APA (d) Species
Groups 8d nonstaining
48 19/32 APA(d) box or casing
(a) Space nails maximum 6 inches at panel edges and 12 inches at (c) See Table 5, page 14, for nail dimensions.
intermediate supports for spans less than 48 inches; 6 inches at (d) Any suitable grade panel which meets appearance require-
all supports for 48-inch spans. ments Exterior for closed soffits, Exposure 1 or Exterior for
(b) For appearance purposes, blocking, tongue-and-groove edges nonstructural ceiling.
or other suitable edge supports should be provided.
At eaves where Exposure 1 sheathing is used for roof decking, protect panel edges against direct exposure to the weather
with fascia trim.
Although unsanded and touch-sanded grades of plywood are often used for applications such as soffits, optimum appear-
ance and finish performance is attained by using panels with textured or sanded A-grade faces. For panel grades other
than APA RATED SIDING303, top-quality acrylic latex house paint systems provide best performance (see page 55).
Face-checking (separations between fibers parallel to the grain of the face veneer) can be expected on non-overlaid ply-
wood which is exposed to the outdoors, even when finished. If a smooth, check-free surface is desired, use Medium
Density Overlay (MDO) plywood.
67 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Roof Construction
FIGURE 25 FIGURE 26
OPEN SOFFIT CLOSED SOFFIT
Continuous
Strength axis screened vent
APA RATED or louvered vent
SHEATHING
or any appropriate Any appropriate
APA Exterior or Exposure 1 grade of Exterior panels
panel grade and thickness for for soffit (see Table 36)
desired appearance and
load-carrying capacity
(see Tables 30 and 36) Leave 1/8" space at all panel end and edge joints.
Support all panel edges.
Where Performance Category 1-1/8 roof panels are desired, such as for Heavy Timber construction (see page 75), shear
values for Performance Category 19/32 panels are used. Blocked shear values for Performance Category 1-1/8 panels
may be obtained by specifying stapled tongue-and-groove edges. Staples shall be 16 gauge, 1 inch long with a 3/8-inch
crown, driven through the tongue-and-groove edges 3/8 inch from the joint so as to penetrate the tongue with both legs
of the staple. Staples shall be spaced at one-half of the diaphragm boundary nail spacing for Cases 1 and 2, and at one-
third the diaphragm boundary nail spacing for Case 3 through 6, as illustrated in Table 38.
Table 38 gives panel and fastening recommendations for roof diaphragms. Panels and framing are assumed already
designed for perpendicular loads. To design a diaphragm, follow these steps:
2. Determine nailing schedule (Table 38). Consider load direction with respect to joints.
68 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Roof Construction
TABLE 38
ALLOWABLE SHEAR (POUNDS PER FOOT) FOR HORIZONTAL APA PANEL DIAPHRAGMS WITH
FRAMING OF DOUGLAS-FIR, LARCH OR SOUTHERN PINE(a) FOR WIND(b)(c) OR SEISMIC LOADING(c)
Blocked Diaphragms Unblocked Diaphragms
Nail Spacing (in.) at Nails Spaced 6" max. at
Minimum diaphragm boundaries Supported Edges(d)
Nominal (all cases), at continuous
Width of panel edges parallel
Framing to load (Cases 3 & 4),
Members and at all panel
at edges (Cases 5 & 6)(d) Case 1 (No
Adjoining 6 4 2-1/2(e) 2(e) unblocked
Minimum Minimum Panel edges or
Nail Nominal Edges and Nail Spacing (in.) at continuous All other
Penetration Panel Bound- other panel edges joints configurations
Common in Framing Thickness aries(g) (Cases 1, 2, 3 & 4)(d) parallel (Cases 2, 3,
Panel Grade Nail Size(f) (in.) (in.) (in.) 6 6 4 3 to load) 4, 5 & 6)
2 185 250 375 420 165 125
6d(h) 1-1/4 5/16
3 210 280 420 475 185 140
APA
2 270 360 530 600 240 180
STRUCTURAL I 8d 1-3/8 3/8
3 300 400 600 675 265 200
grades
2 320 425 640 730 285 215
10d(i) 1-1/2 15/32
3 360 480 720 820 320 240
2 170 225 335 380 150 110
5/16
3 190 250 380 430 170 125
6d(h) 1-1/4
2 185 250 375 420 165 125
3/8
APA RATED 3 210 280 420 475 185 140
SHEATHING 2 240 320 480 545 215 160
APA RATED 3/8
3 270 360 540 610 240 180
STURD-I-
2 255 340 505 575 230 170
FLOOR 8d 1-3/8 7/16
3 285 380 570 645 255 190
and other
APA grades 2 270 360 530 600 240 180
15/32
except Species 3 300 400 600 675 265 200
Group 5 2 290 385 575 655 255 190
15/32
3 325 430 650 735 290 215
10d(i) 1-1/2
2 320 425 640 730 285 215
19/32
3 360 480 720 820 320 240
(a) For framing of other species: (1) Find specific gravity for species (e) Framing at adjoining panel edges shall be 3" nominal or wider,
of lumber in the AF&PA National Design Specification (NDS). (2) and nails shall be staggered where nails are spaced 2 inches o.c.
Find shear value from table above for nail size for actual grade. (3) or 21/2 inches o.c.
Multiply value by the following adjustment factor: Specific Gravity (f) See Table 5, page 14, for nail dimensions.
Adjustment Factor = [1 (0.5 SG)], where SG = specific gravity of
the framing. This adjustment shall not be greater than 1. (g) The minimum normal width of framing members not located at
boundaries or adjoining panel edges shall be 2".
(b) For wind load applications, the values in the table above shall be
permitted to be multiplied by 1.4. (h) 8d is recommended minimum for roofs due to negative pressures
of high winds.
(c) For shear loads of normal or permanent load duration as defined
by the AF&PA NDS, the values in the table above shall be multiplied (i) Framing at adjoining panel edges shall be 3" nominal or wider,
by 0.63 or 0.56, respectively. and nails shall be staggered where 10d nails having penetration
into framing of more than 1-1/2" are spaced 3 inches o.c.
(d) Space nails maximum 12 inches o.c. along intermediate framing
members (6 inches o.c. when supports are spaced 48 inches o.c. Note: Design for diaphragm stresses depends on direction of con-
or greater). Fasteners shall be located 3/8" from panel edges. tinuous panel joints with reference to load, not on direction of long
dimension or strength axis of sheet. Continuous framing may be in
either direction for blocked diaphragms.
Case 4
Case 6
Load
Load
Load
69 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
BUILDING REQUIRE ME NTS AND
RE L ATE D PANE L S YSTE M S
Fire-resistant Construction
Protected Construction
Protected construction includes typical floor-ceiling, roof-ceiling or wall assemblies with wood structural panels
fastened to wood or steel framing, and a fire-resistive material, such as gypsum wallboard, plaster or mineral acoustical
tile, added to give primary protection to framing. The structural panels slow flame passage and temperature rise while
reinforcing supports against collapse under load.
Assemblies are rated in fire tests by Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.) and other agencies. Over 40 floor-ceiling (and/or
roof-ceiling) systems using wood structural panels are described in the U.L. Fire Resistance Directory. They are accepted
as rated constructions by most building codes. Examples of one-hour-rated floor-ceiling assemblies are shown in Figures
27 and 28; several two-hour-rated wood-framed assemblies also are described in the U.L. Directory. For additional infor-
mation, see APA Design/Construction Guide: Fire-Rated Systems, Form W305.
Starting with the 2009 IBC and IRC, one- and two-family dwellings are required to be sprinklered (IBC 903.2.8 and
IRC R313.1). However, not all local jurisdictions in the U.S. have adopted these provisions for the use of sprinkler sys-
tems as an active home fire protection system. Then in May 2010, the International Code Council (ICC) approved the
following new fire protective membrane provisions to the 2012 IRC:
R501.3 Fire protection of floors. Floor assemblies, not required elsewhere in this code to be fire resistance rated, shall be pro-
vided with a 1/2 inch gypsum wallboard membrane, 5/8 inch wood structural panel membrane, or equivalent on the underside of
the floor framing member.
Exceptions:
1. Floor assemblies located directly over a space protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
P2904, NFPA13D, or other approved equivalent sprinkler system.
2. Floor assemblies located directly over a crawl space not intended for storage or fuel-fired appliances.
3. Portions of floor assemblies can be unprotected when complying with the following:
3.1 The aggregate area of the unprotected portions shall not exceed 80 square feet per story.
3.2 Fire blocking in accordance with Section R302.11.1 shall be installed along the perimeter of the unprotected portion
to separate the unprotected portion from the remainder of the floor assembly.
4. Wood floor assemblies using dimension lumber or structural composite lumber equal to or greater than 2-inch by 10-inch
nominal dimension, or other approved floor assemblies demonstrating equivalent fire performance.
70 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Building Requirements and Related Panel Systems
It should be noted that these fire protective membrane provisions apply to not only I-joist floors but all residential floor
assemblies, including floor trusses, light-gauge steel framing, and dimension lumber and structural composite lumber
less than 2-inch by 10-inch nominal dimension. They will become effective when adopted by the local jurisdiction. While
most jurisdictions will consider the adoption of the 2012 IRC after it is published in late 2011, some local jurisdictions
may elect to adopt them sooner, and others may not adopt them at all.
Based on this, APA supports the addition of a 1/2-inch gypsum wall board or 5/8-inch wood structural panel fire pro-
tective membrane, or equivalent, to the underside of floor framing, as required by Section R501.3 of the 2012 IRC. The
designer and builder shall consult with the local building department or authority having jurisdiction for specific require-
ments of fire protection in any building construction.
FIGURE 27
27.A TWO-LAYER FLOOR SYSTEM WITH LUMBER JOISTS(a)(b) 27.B SINGLE-LAYER FLOOR SYSTEM WITH LUMBER JOISTS
For details, see U.L. Design Nos. L004, L005, L006, For details, see U.L. Design No. L513. Also see U.L. Design
L201, L202, L206, L209, L210, L211 (2 hr), L212, L501, Nos. L504 for stressed-skin panel (5/8" APA RATED
L502, L503, L505 (2 hr), L507, L511 (2 hr), L512, L513, STURD-I-FLOOR or SHEATHING plywood with joists spaced
L514, L515, L516, L519, L522, L523, L525, L526, L532 12" o.c.), L507 for 5/8" APA RATED STURD-I- FLOOR plywood
(1-1/2 hr), L533, L535, L536 (2 hr), L537, L539, L540, with joists spaced 16" o.c., L508 for 1-1/8" APA RATED
L541 (2 hr), L545, and L569. Also see U.L. Design Nos. STURD-I-FLOOR plywood with joists spaced 48" o.c., and
L524 with steel joists spaced 24" o.c., L521, L528, L529, L539, L540 with joists spaced 16" or 24" o.c. and separate
and L534 with wood trusses spaced 24" o.c., L549 with ceiling assembly (for modular housing units). Also see U.L.
steel trusses spaced 48" o.c., and L527 with steel joists Design Nos. L524 and L543 with steel joists spaced 19.2" or
spaced 24" o.c. 24" o.c. (L543 with separate ceiling assembly).
19/32" T&G 15/32" APA wood 23/32" T&G APA wood Joists 24" o.c. (2x10s min.)
APA plywood structural panel structural panels(c) (no bridging required)
underlayment subfloor(c)
Resilient furring
channels max.
16" o.c.
Building
paper
(a) Substitution of 1-1/8" APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR 48 oc for the underlayment for the plywood panels in rated assemblies will not
combination of subfloor, paper and underlayment is often allowed. jeopardize fire-resistance ratings. Substitution is based on
Check with local building official. equivalent panel thickness, except that in two-layer wood
(b) Most building codes do not require the top layer of two-layer rated assemblies 7/16" OSB subfloor panels may be used in place of
assemblies when used for roofs. 15/32" plywood subfloor panels.
(c) Tests have shown that substitution of OSB or composite APA (d) Construction adhesive to conform to APA Specification AFG-01
RATED SHEATHING subfloor and APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR (ASTM D3498).
*For proprietary names, see latest U.L. Fire Resistance Directory.
71 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Building Requirements and Related Panel Systems
FIGURE 28
ONE-HOUR COMBUSTIBLE FLOOR-CEILING AND ROOF-CEILING ASSEMBLIES I-JOISTS
Min. 23/32" T&G 0.019" galvanized steel STC AND IIC SOUND RATINGS
APA Sturd-I-Floor hat-shaped furring
channels max. 24" o.c. Without Gypsum Concrete
Cushioned Vinyl Carpet and Pad
For other plywood floor-ceiling assemblies, see U.L. Design Nos. L506 (3/4 hr), L509 (1/2 hr), L520 (3/4 hr).
The following fire-rated floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assemblies include thermal or acoustical insulation in the joist cavity:
U.L. Design No. Insulation Thickness (in.) U.L. Design No. Insulation Thickness (in.)
L211 (2 hr) Glass fiber batts 6 L539 Glass fiber batts 3-5/8
L212 Glass fiber batts 6 L540 Glass fiber batts 3-5/8
L507 Mineral wool (blown in) 9-1/4 L541 (2 hr) Mineral wool batts 3
L516 Glass fiber batts 3 L543 Mineral wool (blown in) 3-1/2
L520 (3/4 hr) Glass fiber batts 3 L545 Glass fiber batts 3
L521 Glass fiber batts 3-1/2 L549 Glass fiber or mineral wool batts Any
L532 (1-1/2 hr) Glass fiber batts 3-1/2 L569 Glass fiber or mineral wool batts 3-1/2
L533 Glass fiber batts 3
(a) This assembly may also be used in a fire-rated roof/ceiling application, but only when constructed exactly as described.
(b) STC and IIC values estimated by David L. Adams Associates, Inc.
(c) Construction adhesive to conform to ASTM D3498 or APA Specification AFG-01.
72 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Building Requirements and Related Panel Systems
Building Requirements
In many fire-resistant floor-ceiling assemblies, a two-layer floor system (Performance Category 15/32 subfloor and
Performance Category 19/32 underlayment) is used, although several have single-layer Performance Category 5/8 or
larger combination subfloor-underlayment panels. Any finish floor material may be used. The International Building
Code permits omission of the top panel layer in roof assemblies or where unusable space occurs above (Table 720.1(3)).
Plywood siding or wall sheathing in combination with gypsum sheathing and wallboard on studs is recognized by
code officials for one-hour load-bearing exterior walls. A typical example APA RATED SIDING over 5/8-inch Type X
gypsum sheathing attached to 2x studs 16 or 24 inches on center is illustrated in Figure 29. Under the International
Building Code, Section 705.5, the fire-resistive rating for exterior walls applies only to the inside of the wall when sep-
aration to the property line is greater than 10 feet. In this common situation, the gypsum sheathing can be omitted
under the siding as noted in Figure 29.
Fire-rated protected wall assemblies will qualify for the one-hour rating if other materials are added over the fire-resistive
materials. For example, APA RATED SIDING panels or lap siding may be attached to the outside of a rated wall without
impairing the rating. APA RATED SHEATHING is also permitted between the fire protection and wood studs (Table 720.1(2)
of the 2009 IBC). For additional information, see APA Design/Construction Guide: Fire-Rated Systems, Form W305 and APA
Technical Topic: Load-Bearing Fire-Rated Wall Assemblies with OSB and Plywood Wall Sheathing, Form TT-063.
FIGURE 29
(a) Generic, non-proprietary assembly based on GA File No. WP8105 listed in Gypsum APA RATED
Association Fire Resistance Design Manual, referenced in the model building codes. SIDING 16 or 24 oc
Mineral or glass fiber batt insulation (optional). (or panel sheathing).
(b) Exterior layer of gypsum sheathing not required under the International Building Panel siding meets code
Code, when separation is greater than ten feet. Check local provisions. Also see U.L. requirement for wall bracing.
Design Nos. U344 and U356 in U.L. Fire Resistance Directory.
Refer to APA Technical Note: Sprinkler System Installation for APA Performance Rated I-Joists, Form J745, for detailed sprinkler
system design and installation information.
For additional information on installing and designing with I-joists, including information on allowable spans, installation
details, architectural specifications and engineering design properties, refer to APA Performance Rated I-Joists, Form Z725
and I-Joist Construction Details Performance Rated I-Joists in Floor and Roof Framing, Form D710.
Roof Coverings
The fire resistance ratings of roofing materials are listed as Class A, B, or C in descending order of fire protection afforded.
Their use is prescribed by building codes, and also affects insurance rates. Untreated APA RATED SHEATHING pan-
els are recognized as a structural roof deck substrate for rated roof coverings. For individual requirements, see the U.L.
Roofing Materials and Systems Directory.
73 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Building Requirements and Related Panel Systems
codes for certain occupancies. Tests have shown that untreated APA wood struc- ONE-HOUR FIRE-RATED GLULAM
tural panels will develop flame spread index and smoke index values of 200 or BEAMS MINIMUM DEPTHS FOR
6-3/4" AND 8-3/4" WIDE BEAMS
less, which puts them in a Class C (orIII) category.
Minimum
Depth (in.)
Panels are therefore suitable as interior finish for most applications. Certain
Beam Width 3 Sides 4 Sides
more restrictive locations, such as exitways, require a Class A or Class B (in.) Exposed Exposed
rating, which can be achieved by the use of fire-retardant-treated plywood. 6-3/4 13-1/2 27
(See page 17.) 8-3/4 7-1/2 13-1/2
Columns generally need no special layup to qualify for a one-hour fire rating. FIGURE 30
For both 8-3/4- and 10-3/4-inch widths, all columns meeting the minimum ONE-HOUR FIRE-RATED
size standard satisfy the one-hour fire rating requirement. GLULAM BEAM
(Layup for simple span)
For further information, see APA Technical Note: Calculating Fire Resistance of
Glulam Beams and Columns, Form Y245.
74 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Building Requirements and Related Panel Systems
Under fire conditions, large size timber members develop a surface char layer, which acts as insulation to slow the burn-
ing process. In addition, Heavy Timber construction does not permit concealed wall or ceiling spaces where fire can
spread. Years of fire service experience shows that the structural performance of Heavy Timber construction systems
under fire conditions is markedly superior to most
unprotected noncombustible (steel) structures. TABLE 41
(Exposure 1) as an alternative to 2-inch nominal Roof framing not supporting floor loads
Arches springing from grade . ............................ 6 x 8 lower half
tongue-and-groove lumber decking in Heavy Timber 6 x 6 upper half
roof construction. Arches, trusses, other framing springing from
top of walls, etc. . ............................................................... 4 x 6
Typical construction (Figure 31) consists of tongue- Floor (covered with 1-inch nominal flooring, Performance
and-groove APA R ATED STURD-I-FLOOR 48 Category 15/32 or 1/2 wood structural panels,
oc Exposure 1 (or Performance Category 1-1/8 or other approved surfacing)
Splined or tongue-and-groove plank ....................................... 3
tongue-and-groove APA R ATED SHEATHING
Planks set on edge.................................................................... 4
Exposure 1 Check local availability before speci-
Roof decks
fying). Heavy Timber beams must be 4x6 minimum Splined or tongue-and-groove plank ....................................... 2
and are normally spaced 48 inches on center. For Plank set on edge..................................................................... 3
an exposed ceiling with improved appearance, Tongue-and-groove wood
structural panels..............................Performance Category 1-1/8
Performance Category 1-1/8 textured siding(a) or APA
RATED SHEATHING/CEILING DECK panels can
be specified.
FIGURE 31
Heavy Timber floors may also be constructed with
HEAVY TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Performance Category 15/32 wood structural panels
over 3-inch planks. Built-up roofing Structural glued laminated
timber (glulam) or solid
For additional information on fire-resistant construc- timber beams
(4x6 minimum)
tion, see APA Design/Construction Guide: Fire-Rated
Systems, Form W305.
is
ax
gth
St ren
Performance Category
1-1/8 APA T&G wood
structural panels (Exposure 1)
APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR
48 oc typical
(a) Depending on siding thickness and support spacing, an additional layer of APA Rated Sheathing may be necessary.
75 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Building Requirements and Related Panel Systems
Wind-resistive Roofs
Wind ratings are based on a roof systems performance in wind uplift tests. Systems meeting the requirements of these
tests are assigned ratings that indicate how much pressure, in pounds per square foot, they successfully resisted in the
test. Four Factory Mutual (FM) wind-rated assemblies are illustrated below.
Other roof systems with proprietary metal roofing panels, using plywood or OSB panels as a roofing substrate over steel
decking, or as structural roof sheathing, also meet U.L. Class 90 requirements. See Figure 36. For additional informa-
tion see APA Design/Construction Guide: Wind-Rated Roofs, Form G310 and U.L. Roof Materials and Systems Directory.
FIGUREFIGURE
32 32 FIGUREFIGURE
33 33
FM 90 FM 90 FM 105FM 105
Hot asphalt
Hot asphalt 3" plate 3"
fasteners
plate fasteners Hot asphalt
Hot asphalt 3" plate 3"
fasteners at 9" o.c.
plate fasteners atmax.
9" o.c. max.
spaced spaced
14" o.c.14"
max.
o.c. max. throughthrough
center ofcenter
min. of
2" min.
wide 2" wide
(1.45 sf/fasteners)
(1.45 sf/fasteners) base-sheet laps
base-sheet laps
ARMA roofARMA roof
coveringcovering ARMA roofARMAcovering
roof covering
(built up(built
or modified
up or modified ARMA base
ARMA base
(built up(built
or up or sheet sheet
modifiedmodified bitumen)bitumen)
bitumen)bitumen) 2" min. 2" min.
overlap overlap
Foam Foam
insulation
insulation
Min. 1/2"
Min. 1/2" (1-1/2" (1-1/2"
min.) min.)
fiberboard
fiberboard 3 evenly3 evenly
cover board
cover board Wood structural panel panel
Wood structural spaced spaced
rows of rows
3" of 3"
Wood Wood plate fasteners at
plate fasteners at
structural
structural 9" o.c. between
9" o.c. between
panel panel base-sheet laps
base-sheet laps
FIGUREFIGURE
34 34 FIGUREFIGURE
35 35
FM 120FM 120 FM 135FM 135
ARMA roofARMAcovering
roof covering 3" plate 3"
fasteners
plate fasteners ARMA roofARMAcovering
roof covering 3" plate 3"
fasteners
plate fasteners
(built up(built
or modified
up or modified spaced spaced
14" o.c.14"
max.
o.c. max. (built up(built
or modified
up or modified spaced spaced
14" o.c.14"
max.
o.c. max.
bitumen)bitumen) (1.45 sf/fasteners)
(1.45 sf/fasteners) bitumen)bitumen) (1.45 sf/fasteners)
(1.45 sf/fasteners)
Hot asphalt
Hot asphalt Hot asphalt
Hot asphalt
Min. 1/2"
Min. 1/2"
fiberboard
fiberboard Composite or
Composite or
cover cover foam nail
foambasenail base
board board (2" min.)(2" min.)
76 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Building Requirements and Related Panel Systems
FIGURE 36
No. 15 asphalt felt vapor retarder one or two layers Metal roofing panels fastened to plywood
(may be optional) or framing with steel clips and screws
Selection of the correct noise-resistant surface and insulation assemblies is based on Sound Transmission Class (STC) and
Impact Insulation Class (IIC). The STC rates a structural assemblys ability to reduce airborne noise. Most authorities agree
that a multi-occupancy residential floor or wall should have an STC rating of at least 45, while over 50 is considered premium
construction. Below 40, loud speech can be audible as a murmur and privacy and comfort are impaired. The level of back-
ground noise affects the choice of STC.
FIGURE 37 FIGURE 38
NOISE-RESISTANT PARTY WALL NOISE-RESISTANT FLOOR ASSEMBLY(a)
STC = 46 (Lightweight Concrete Over APA Panels) STC = 58; IIC = 73
2x6 plate
top and bottom
77 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Building Requirements and Related Panel Systems
The IIC ratings define the capacity to control impact noise. In most cases, required IIC rating values are about the same
as for STC.
Figures 37 and 38 show only two of the many sound-resistant floor and wall assemblies that can be obtained with wood
structural panels. Some floor-ceiling assemblies also qualify as fire-rated construction.
While many listed assemblies were tested using plywood, other APA OSB and composite structural-use panels may be
substituted on a thickness-for-thickness basis. Because of their similar strength and stiffness properties and slightly
higher density, use of these products in lieu of plywood will not compromise the STC or IIC ratings of the tested systems.
For additional information, see APA Design/Construction Guide: Noise-Rated Systems, Form W460.
Energy Conservation
Insulating Exterior Walls
With adoption of more stringent energy-efficiency regulations, it is increasingly important to build walls to meet new
requirements as efficiently as possible. Installation of APA RATED SHEATHING or APA RATED SIDING panels yields
tight construction to minimize heat loss due to air infiltration. Framed walls also can be easily insulated to provide
U values found in energy standards. Figure 39 illustrates two construction options and their corresponding U values.
FIGURE 39
APA RATED
SHEATHING
Building paper
APA RATED or other
SIDING (lap siding), code-approved
maximum width 12". weather-resistive
Minimum headlap 1". barrier
78 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Building Requirements and Related Panel Systems
One of the assemblies uses APA RATED SIDING (lap siding) over APA RATED SHEATHING and one shows siding
panels applied over rigid foam insulation. Figure 39 shows the installation of the vapor retarder on the inside of the wall
framing for typical construction. Local climatic conditions, energy codes or standard construction practices may vary
the type or location of the vapor retarder.
For additional information, see APA Design/Construction Guide: Build Energy Efficient Walls, Form J440.
A wood-frame panel-roof-deck system can be effectively insulated through a variety of techniques. Figure 40 shows
four APA panel roof decks three with insulation and one without. Average U values for below-deck insulation include
adjustment for 8 percent framing area.
FIGURE 40
Studies show that moisture originates both inside and outside the structure. Trouble may start with condensation on the
underside of roof decking in the attic. Moisture transmission through walls can cause paint failures on exterior walls.
The solution is adequate ventilation and properly placed moisture vapor retarders. Ceiling vapor retarders are typically
omitted where attics are well ventilated. Local climatic conditions, energy codes or standard construction practices may
make the actual presence or location of the vapor retarder vary.
79 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Building Requirements and Related Panel Systems
Minimum ventilation requirements for both attic and crawl space appear in the International Residential Code and in
other model building codes. The requirements are based on the ratio of the free ventilation area to the area to be ven-
tilated. The required ratio is 1 to 150, applicable to both crawl spaces and attic areas. When a ground cover is placed
in the crawl space, the crawl space ventilation ratio may be reduced*. The ratio in the attic area may also be reduced to
1 to 300 provided: 1) a vapor retarder is installed on the warm side of the ceiling, or 2) ventilation* is provided.
In general, condensation can be controlled with a vapor retarder placed on the warm side of the walls and below concrete
slabs or as a ground cover in crawl spaces, along with adequate ventilation in attics and crawl spaces.
Ventilation should not be cut off at any time during the year when it is the only means of moisture control in crawl
spaces. In cold climates, low temperatures beneath the first floor may be expected in a ventilated crawl space, and insu-
lation will be required in the floor and around exposed mechanical lines. When a vapor retarder is installed for ground
cover, vents may be closable and the perimeter foundation wall may be insulated in lieu of the floor.
Additional information concerning controlling mold and mildew may be found in APAs Build A Better Home: Mold and
Mildew, Form A525.
Moisture control recommendations for low slope APA panel roof decks are described in APA Technical Note: Moisture
Control in Low Slope Roofs, Form R525.
Additional information is available in APA Technical Note: Controlling Decay in Wood Construction, Form R495 and APAs
Build A Better Home: Roofs, Form A535.
*Refer to APA Technical Note: Condensation Causes and Control, Form X485 for detailed information.
80 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Building Requirements and Related Panel Systems
For complete design and construction recommendations, contact the American Wood Council, 803 Sycolin Road, Suite
201, Leesburg, Virginia 20175 (www.awc.org); or the Southern Pine Council, P.O. Box 641700, Kenner, Louisiana 70064
(www.southernpine.org).
Space panels 1/8 inch at ends and edges to allow for expansion. Caulk the joints to prevent water leakage into areas
underneath. To avoid fastener corrosion, use hot-dip, hot-tumbled galvanized or stainless steel nails. If the underside
of the joists is covered, the floor-ceiling cavity should be vented to aid in drying and to prevent potential moisture
buildup in the deck.
If there is a dry living area underneath the deck, apply a membrane roof covering or high performance coating over the
surface. The coating should be able to accommodate normal dimensional changes in the plywood without rupturing
or cracking. Under these conditions, APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR Exposure 1 may be used unless otherw ise recom-
mended by the coating manufacturer, and preservative treatment of the panels is not necessary.
Corrosion resistant fasteners and connectors are required for most applications using pressure-preservative-treated
wood. Refer to APA Technical Note: Corrosion-Resistant Fasteners, Form D485 and APA Data File: Preservative-Treated Plywood,
Form Q220 for detailed information.
Although nearly any Exterior plywood can be used for concrete forming, a special panel called PLYFORM Class I is
manufactured specifically for the purpose. PLYFORM also can be manufactured with a High Density Overlay (HDO)
surface, and in Structural I panels. HDO PLYFORM has an exceptionally hard surface for the smoothest possible con-
crete finishes and maximum number of pours. Structural I PLYFORM is stronger and stiffer than PLYFORM Class I,
particularly in the cross-panel direction, and is sometimes used for high pressures where long dimension is parallel to
supports. Additional plywood grades designed for concrete forming include special overlays and proprietary panels.
For complete design information, refer to APA Design/Construction Guide: Concrete Forming, Form V345.
81 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Building Requirements and Related Panel Systems
With APA panel siding over the outside skin, structural insulated panels make attractive, energy-conserving walls on
both residential and commercial buildings. A typical structural insulated wall panel will have Performance Category
7/16 wood structural panel skins on both faces. Check local building requirements relating to thermal barrier protec-
tion of plastic foam. For additional information, refer to APA Product Guide: Structural Insulated Panels, Form H650, or
contact the Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) at their website: www.sips.org.
82 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Building Requirements and Related Panel Systems
Tongue-and-groove plywood can be installed over polystyrene or polyurethane foam. The foam, bonded to both the
plywood and concrete slab with mastic, provides high insulating value and resistance to termites, rot and fungus.
Exterior plywood with a Performance Category of at least 19/32 is recommended. A vapor barrier, such as polyethyl-
ene, is required either directly above or below the concrete slab.
For panels, that standard may be the Voluntary Product Standard PS 1-09 for Structural Plywood, Voluntary
Product Standard PS 2-10, Performance Standards for Wood-Based Structural-Use Panels or APA PRP-108
Performance Standards and Qualification Policy for Structural-Use Panels. Panel quality of all APA trademarked
products is subject to verification through APA audit.
The APA or APA EWS trademark appears only on engineered wood products manufactured by members of APA.
The mark signifies that the manufacturer is committed to a rigorous program of quality verification and test-
ing and that products are manufactured in conformance with an APA or national standard such as ANSI/AITC
A190.1, Standard for Structural Glued Laminated Timber; ANSI/APA PRP 210, Standard for Performance-Rated
Engineered Wood Panel Siding; APA PRI-400, Performance Standard for APA EWS I-Joists; ANSI/APA PRR 410,
Standard for Performance-Rated Engineered Wood Rim Boards; or with a manufacturers building code evalu-
ation report or APA Product Report (www.apawood.org/ProductReports).
APAs services go far beyond quality testing and inspection. Research and promotion programs play important
roles in developing and improving construction systems using wood structural panels, glulam, I-joists, and
structural composite lumber, and in helping users and specifiers to better understand and apply engineered
wood products. For more information, please see the back cover.
83 ENGINEERED WOOD CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. E30V 2011 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Engineered Wood Construction Guide
APA offers a comprehensive set of services and tools for design and construction professionals specifying and
using engineered wood products and building systems. If youre looking for detailed product information,
training material, or technical assistance, APA can help.
www.apawood.org, APAs website, is your link to in-depth design and building support, including
a library of more than 400 publications available for instant pdf download or hard-copy purchase.
[email protected] or (253) 620-7400 is your connection to the APA Product Support Help Desk. Staffed
by specialists who have the knowledge to address a diverse range of inquiries related to engineered wood,
the Help Desk can answer your questions about specification and application of APA products.
DISCLAIMER
The information contained herein is based on APA The Engineered Wood Associations continuing programs of laboratory testing, product
research, and comprehensive field experience. Neither APA, nor its members make any warranty, expressed or implied, or assume any legal
liability or responsibility for the use, application of, and/or reference to opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations included in this
publication. Consult your local jurisdiction or design professional to assure compliance with code, construction, and performance requirements.
Because APA has no control over quality of workmanship or the conditions under which engineered wood products are used, it cannot accept
responsibility of product performance or designs as actually constructed.