APA Blog for Professional Associates - Help Desk

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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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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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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Help Desk Question: Allowable loads and portal wall construction

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:52:00 -0700

Question: Where can I find allowable lateral loads for APA-rated portal wall construction?

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Help Desk Question: Staples and other alternate fasteners

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:57:00 -0700

Question: When can I use staples instead of nails? Does APA have a recommendation either way, and if so what size staple is required?

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Help Desk Question: Nailhead pull-through adjustment factors

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:36:00 -0700

Question: What adjustment factor should be applied to the test values published in APA Technical Topic TT-070: Nailhead Pull-Through Strength of Wood Structural Panels?

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Help Desk Question: Confusion about diaphragm panel axis

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:45:00 -0700

Question: An interesting situation has come up where some engineers are being told that the International Building Code (IBC) no longer allows horizontal diaphragms where sheathing panels are applied with the long axis parallel to framing as is the case with panelized roof assemblies.

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2008 APA Publications Index Now Available

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:15:00 -0700

The APA Publications Index, Form B300 NN, has been updated. The revised 2008 index provides a complete listing of APA design and construction guides, product guides, builder tips, case histories, industrial publications and other materials available from the Association.

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Help Desk Question: What is the difference between four-ply and five-ply panels?

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:46:00 -0700

Question: Plans call for five- ply plywood roof sheathing but the lumber yard sent out four-ply. They say they won’t have five-ply in stock until next month. What is the difference between the panels?

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Help Desk Question: How important is 1/32 of an inch?

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:27:00 -0700

Question: I specified 1/2-inch roof sheathing for a commercial building. When I was inspecting the project I found that the contractor had installed 15/32-inch. What can be done to correct the situation?

Answer: A wood structural panel that is 15/32 inch thick contains six percent less wood fiber than a 1/2-inch thick panel. The effect on structural properties and characteristics is negligible. In most applications, the 1/32 of an inch difference in thickness of span-rated wood structural panels does not affect performance. In fact, assuring adequate performance in specific applications is at the heart of APA’s rigorous program of quality auditing and testing.

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Help Desk Question: Should I-joists be treated at soffit/eave locations?

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 11:18:00 -0700

Question: What approved methods of weatherization exist for I-joists that are extended for soffit and eave locations on a roof structure? Do you need to have an enclosed soffit and eave, or can they be painted?

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Help Desk Question: Structural II, no longer a specification

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 10:30:00 -0700

Question: I have a framer in the field that has a set of specifications calling for 3/8-inch 4x8 Structural II oriented strand board (OSB). He has 3/8-inch 4x8 PRS (Performance Rated Sheathing) OSB on the job site. Are we in accordance with the specification?

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Help Desk Question: Panel Edge Support - What Role Does Tongue-and-Groove Play?

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 13:15:00 -0700

Question: What purpose does tongue-and-groove (T&G) serve on a roof deck or balcony with inhabited space below? What are the advantages of using T&G in an exterior deck application if, for example, the deck is a subfloor to an exterior balcony with waterproofing and 2-inch topping slab over inhabited space, or a low slope roof deck?

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