APA Blog for Professional Associates

Free Spanish-Language CAD Details Added to APACAD.org

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:56:00 -0700

APACAD.org -- APA’s online resource for building designers and construction professionals in search of CAD (Computer Aided Design) details for wood-frame construction -- now offers details in Spanish. More than 30 Spanish-language CAD details are available free of charge in four different file formats: DWG, DWF, DXF and PDF. Details can be searched for by title or browsed for within several product and construction-system categories, including Panel Roof Construction, Build a Better Home, I-Joist Floor Framing and Fire Rated Systems. Spanish-language details can be accessed by visiting www.APACAD.org and clicking on the Mexican Flag in the upper-right corner of the webpage.

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Unexpected Increase in Structural I Sheathing Specifications

Wed, 12 May 2010 08:40:00 -0700

The APA Help Desk and some APA regional field representatives have noted an increased number of inquiries about availability of Structural I panel sheathing from areas (e.g. north eastern U.S.) that would not typically be considered active markets for Structural I sheathing. As a specialized structural panel, Structural I sheathing has not commonly been readily available in all market regions.

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Typographical Error in 2009 IBC Wood Structural Panel Shear Wall Table 2306.3

Tue, 11 May 2010 14:29:00 -0700

Unfortunately 2009 IBC (in at least the first and second printings) TABLE 2306.3 WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL SHEAR WALLS unintentionally omits several panel thicknesses (3/8, 7/16, 15/32 and 19/32-inch) from the Sheathing, plywood siding except Group 5 Species panel grade section. This unintentional omission is acknowledged by ICC staff and an errata is in the works.

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Help Desk Recommendations for Refinishing APA Siding Products

Wed, 05 May 2010 14:32:00 -0700

With summer around the corner we’re beginning to receive inquiries about recommendations for refinishing APA siding products.

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Free APA Seminar: Advanced Framing for Residential Wood Construction, March 30

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 09:01:00 -0700

APA presents Advanced Framing for Residential Wood Construction on Tuesday, March 30, 2010, 8:30AM – 3:00PM in Charlotte, NC.

Tony Mainsbridge, an advanced framing expert, and CrawlSpace Care Technologies join APA to showcase a system of advanced framing techniques. Learn methods for improving energy efficiency, reducing lumber usage and costs, managing moisture effectively and creating designs that will endure for generations. Attendees will be eligible to receive the following Professional Education Credits – Health, Safety, Welfare (HSW): 6 AIA Learning Units, 6 AIBD Continuing Education Units, 0.6 Continuing Education Units or 6 Professional Development Hours.

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APA Residential Green Design Seminar in Houston, March 24

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:51:00 -0700

APA presents Residential Green Design: A Houston Model Seminar and Open House Tour on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 10:00 AM 12:00 PM in Houston, Texas.

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Engineering Magazine Features Wind-resistant Wood Design

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:00:00 -0700

Structural Engineering & Design magazine's February 2010 issue features an article on wind-resistant wood design that details design advancements in the 20 years following Hurricane Hugo. The article was developed from a white paper that APA Engineered Wood Specialist Bryan Readling, P.E., and Senior Engineer Ed Keith, P.E., wrote for a recent Hurricane Hugo symposium.

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Help Desk Question: What is the service life of APA Wood Structural Panels?

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:28:00 -0700

Question: What is the service life of APA Wood Structural Panels?

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I-Joist Construction Details - Performance Rated I-Joists in Floor and Roof Framing

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:13:00 -0700

APA has updated the I-Joist Construction Details - Performance Rated I-Joists in Floor and Roof Framing. This installation guide provides updated information on recommended construction details for Performance Rated I-joists in floor and roof applications. The publication also includes recommendations for cantilevers and placement of web holes. The 55-page interactive PDF contains links to exploded views of various construction details.

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Design for Combined Shear and Uplift from Wind

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:23:00 -0700

APA has updated the APA System Report: Design for Combined Shear and Uplift from Wind, Form SR-101. This publication provides designs for utilizing wind uplift resistance capabilities from wood structural panels. The updated report also includes information on resisting lateral shear forces and wind pressure perpendicular to the wall.

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Help Desk Question: Marine-grade plywood as exterior siding

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:13:00 -0700

Question: Is it appropriate to use Marine-grade plywood as an exterior siding product?

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Controlling Decay in Wood Construction

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 11:30:00 -0700

APA has updated the Technical Note: Controlling Decay in Wood Construction, Form R495. This publication provides an overview of preventing and minimizing the degradation of wood through proper design, storage, construction and maintenance details.

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Engineered Wood Siding Standard Approved for Reference in the 2012 International Codes

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:22:00 -0700

A new American National Standard for engineered wood panel siding, Standard for Performance-Rated Engineered Wood Siding (ANSI/APA PRP-210), was approved for acceptance into the 2012 International Codes at the 2009 Code Development Hearings in Baltimore, MD. The standard was developed by APA under the consensus process of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and was approved for publication by ANSI in December 2008.

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APA at Greenbuild

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:09:00 -0700

APA will be at the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo on November 11-13, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. Look for us in the Canadian Wood Council/Wood Products Council booth (#3070).

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Guide to 2009 IRC Lateral Bracing Provisions Published by APA and ICC

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:28:00 -0700

A Guide to the 2009 IRC Wood Wall Bracing Provisions, a new publication aiming to improve understanding and application of the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) lateral bracing requirements, is now available for purchase from the ICC store.

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