APA Panel Trademark

APA Panel Trademark Explained

The APA Panel Trademark Explained

  1. Panel grade—The term “grade” may refer to panel grade or veneer grade. 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) or by a name suggesting the panel’s intended end use (e.g., APA Rated Sheathing, Underlayment).

  2. Span rating—The span rating for APA RATED SHEATHING is two numbers separated by a slash. The left-hand number is the maximum recommended center-to-center spacing for supports in inches when the panel is used for roof sheathing with long dimensions across supports. The right-hand number is the maximum center-to-center spacing of supports in inches when the panel is used for subflooring with the long dimension across supports. The Span rating on APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR underlayment and APA RATED SIDING panels appears as a single number. The Span ratings for APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR and underlayment panels, like those for APA RATED SHEATHING, are based on application of the panel with the long dimension or strength axis across three or more supports.

  3. Tongue-and-groove—A system of jointing in which the rib or tongue of one member fits into the groove of another. Tongue-and-groove edges eliminate the need for blocking beneath panel edges for support.

  4. Bond Classification—Exposure ratings for APA wood structural panels may be Exterior or Exposure 1. The classifications are based on the severity and duration of weather and moisture exposure the panels are designed to withstand, and the wood materials and adhesives used in manufacture.

  5. Decimal thickness declaration—This value is generally at or near the lower tolerance specified in PS 1 or PS 2.

  6. Mill number—Manufacturing mill identification number.

  7. Product Standard—An industry product manufacturing or performance specification. Voluntary Product Standard PS 1-19 for Structural Plywood was developed cooperatively by the plywood industry and U.S. Department of Commerce. Voluntary Product Standard PS 2-18, Performance Standard for Wood Structural Panels, establishes performance criteria for specific designated construction applications.

  8. Performance Category—A panel designation related to the panel thickness range that is linked to the nominal panel thickness designations used in the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC).

  9. Siding face grade—Grade identification of siding face, based on number of repairs and appearance characteristics.

  10. Species group number—Classified according to strength and stiffness under manufacturing standard PS 1 into Groups 1 through 5. Group 1 woods are the strongest, Group 2 second strongest, and so on. Typically used when no span rating is noted.

  11. HUD recognition—Recognition of wood-based Performance Rated panels is contained in Use of Materials Bulletin UM-40.

  12. Panel type, Canadian Standard—Some APA panels are manufactured to both U.S. and Canadian standards and carry a dual mark, as shown in the Rated Sheathing mark above. Other panels may carry a single mark for either the U.S. or Canadian standard.

  13. Span rating, Canadian Standard—Span rating and end-use designation for use in Canada. In the Canadian span marking, the “R” signifies roofs and the “F” represents subfloors.

  14. Canadian performance-rated panel standard

  15. Panel face orientation indicator