Technical Document Library

2021 Supplement to: A Guide to the 2018 IRC Wood Wall Bracing Provisions Technical Guides - 303 Siding Manufacturing Specifications Data File - B840 This publication provides minimum requirements that plywood panels must meet to qualify for classification as APA 303 Series specialty siding. 4 Best Practices for Glulam Installation Technical Guides - Q705 This publication provides simple steps to proper installation that ensures glulam beams perform as designed. A Guide To Engineered Wood Products Technical Guides - C800 Describes common engineered wood products: plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), I-joist, glued laminated timber (glulam), structural composite lumber (SCL) and rim board. A Guide to the 2015 IRC Wood Wall Bracing Provisions Technical Guides - A Guide to the 2015 IRC Wood Wall Bracing Provisions A Guide to the 2018 IRC Wood Wall Bracing Provisions + Free Digital 2021 Supplement Technical Guides - A Guide to the 2018 IRC Wood Wall Bracing Provisions + Free Digital 2021 Supplement A Portal Frame With Hold Downs for Engineered Applications Technical Topic - TT-100 This publication describes the use of portal-frame design in engineered applications and as bracing in conventional light-frame construction Acoustic Performance of All-Wood Floor Systems Technical Note - T230 This publication describes single- and double-layer all-wood floor assemblies for acoustic performance and includes both construction details and acoustic ratings Advanced Framing Construction Guide - M400 This publication explains the components of advanced framing in floor and wall framing, including illustrated construction details Air Permeability of Wood Structural Panels as Air Barriers Technical Topic - TT-107 This publication answers questions regarding the performance of wood structural panels as air barriers APA - The Mark of Quality for Wood Structural Panels Technical Guides - X400 This publication explains the APA panel trademark and quality standards for wood structural panels APA Laboratory Testing Capabilities B707 Technical Guides - B707 Learn the APA research facility capabilities, including assembly-level testing of roof and floor building components and performance evaluation of lateral force resisting systems APA Panel-Deck Block Pallet Design and Specifications Technical Guides - V691 Discusses specifications and design details for the APA panel-deck block pallet, including load capacity, nailing schedules and materials handling system compatibility. APA Performance Rated I-Joists Storage, Handling & Safety Recommendations Builder Tip - Z735 This publication includes important tips for storage, handling and jobsite use of APA Performance Rated I-Joists. APA Performance Rated Panel Subfloors Under Hardwood Flooring Technical Note - R280 This publication provides specification and installation recommendations for panel subfloors to be used under hardwood flooring APA Performance-Rated Rim Board - Canadian Limit States Design Technical Guides - W345 CA This publication describes connection requirements and application notes for APA Performance Rated Rim Board for Canadian Limit States Design APA Performance-Rated Rim Boards Technical Guides - W345 This publication details connection requirements and application notes for APA Performance Rated Rim Board APA Performance-Rated Wood Structural Panels as Thermal Barriers for Foam Plastics Technical Topic - TT-060 Provides a recommendation for foam plastic roof insulation over minimum Performance Category 15/32 engineered wood panels that meet the 15-minute thermal barrier requirement APA Rated Sheathing Specification Guide - SP-1103 This publication provides an overview of the APA trademark and includes a sample specification for APA Rated Sheathing. APA Rated Siding Panels Over Rigid Foam Insulation Sheathing Technical Note - C465 This publication provides installation recommendations and test results for energy-saving APA Sturd-I-Wall construction APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor (OSB) Specification Guide - SP-1102 This publication provides an overview of the APA trademark and includes a sample specification for APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor (OSB). APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor (Plywood) Specification Guide - SP-1102 This publication provides an overview of the APA trademark and includes a sample specification for APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor (Plywood). APA Simple Solutions: LVL Beams & Headers Technical Guides - S700 This publication discusses the benefits of using laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beams and headers for window and door framing applications APA System Report 101: Design for Combined Shear and Uplift from Wind System Report - SR-101 This report discusses using wood structural panels to resist uplift from wind, including resistance to lateral shear forces and wind pressure perpendicular to the wall APA System Report 102: APA Simplified Wall Bracing Method System Report - SR-102 This report provides an approach to meet the requirements of the 2024, 2021, 2018, 2015 and 2012 IRC simplified wall bracing (Section R602.12). APA System Report 103: Use of Wood Structural Panels for Energy-Heel Trusses System Report - SR-103 This publication outlines a construction solution to meet the IRC’s lateral and wind uplift load requirements using wood structural panels with raised-heel, or energy-heel, trusses APA System Report 405: Fire Protection of Floors Constructed with Prefabricated Wood I-Joists for Compliance with the International Residential Code System Report - SR-405 This system report provides guidance on fire protection of floors constructed with prefabricated wood I-joist assemblies that comply with 2015, 2018, 2021 and 2024 IRC updates APA Wall Bracing Calculator Quick Start Guide Technical Guides - Q230 This guide provides basic instructions for using the APA Wall Bracing Calculator APA Wood Structural Panels Over Concrete Slabs Technical Topic - TT-007 This publication recommends three methods for the installation of a wood floor system over a concrete slab: sleepers, rigid foam or direct. Apparent and True (shear-free) E Technical Topic - TT-104 This publication explains the difference between apparent modulus of elasticity (MOE) and shear-free MOE in glulam beams Applicability of APA Trademarks on Engineered Wood Products Surface-Coated with Fire Protective Coatings Technical Topic - TT-126 Publication answers common questions about fire-protective coatings. Certification and inspection of products with fire-protective coatings are generally outside the scope of APA. Balcony Design for I-Joist Floor with Lumber Cantilever Technical Topic - TT-125 This publication provides guidance on construction of balconies with solid-sawn dimension lumber attached to I-joist floor systems in supplement to Figure 4 of APA form Z725 Buckling of Wood-Based Panel Siding Technical Note - F410 This publication describes mechanism and construction features that contribute to siding buckling Build a Better Home: Controlling Mold and Mildew Build A Better Home - A525 This publication outlines the characteristics of mold and mildew, the effect they can have on a structure and its inhabitants, and provides methods for prohibiting their growth. Build A Better Home: Moisture-Resistant Foundation Construction Build A Better Home - A520 This publication details common sources of moisture, preventive measures and design details for multiple foundation types, including slab-on-grade, crawl space and full basement. Build a Better Home: Moisture-Resistant Roof Construction Build A Better Home - A535 This publication describes several roof design and weatherproofing methods used to keep water out of a home’s interior. Build a Better Home: Moisture-Resistant Wall Construction Build A Better Home - A530 This publication describes the primary sources of moisture intrusion in wood wall construction and recommends methods to prevent moisture penetration. Build Energy Efficient Walls Technical Guides - J440 This publication provides five basic steps to construct energy-saving wood wall systems that meet code, are durable to the forces of nature and help homeowners save money. Builder Tips: 4 Ways to Minimize Nail Pops Builder Tip - S300 This publication describes how to reduce nail pops through recommended fastener selection and installation Builder Tips: APA Portal Frame Bracing Method Framing Tips Builder Tip - F435 This publication highlights essential details for using the APA narrow wall bracing method around garage openings. Builder Tips: Construct a Solid, Squeak-Free Floor System Builder Tip - Q300 This publication describes how to prevent floor complaints and callbacks with proper floor sheathing installation Builder Tips: How to Minimize Buckling of Asphalt Shingles Builder Tip - K310 Describes installation techniques for plywood and OSB roof sheathing and roof ventilation techniques that will help minimize the potential for buckling of asphalt shingles Builder Tips: Keep Glulam Looking Its Best with Proper Storage and Handling Builder Tip - F455 This publication describes best practices for storage and installation of glued laminated timber (glulam). Builder Tips: Prevent Buckling with Proper Spacing Builder Tip - M300 This publication contains spacing recommendations for APA Rated Sheathing, APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor® and APA Rated Siding. Builder Tips: Proper Selection and Installation of APA Plywood Underlayment Builder Tip - R340 This publication provides an overview of selection, handling, installation and fastening of APA plywood underlayment. Builder Tips: Proper Storage and Handling of Glulam Beams Builder Tip - R540 This publication provides recommendations for storage and handling of glulam beams. Building for High-Wind Resilience in Light-Frame Wood Construction Technical Guides - M310 This publication illustrates nine construction details that improve wind resilience in residential construction, with real-world examples of each design Burn-Through Resistance of OSB Panels Technical Topic - TT-025 This publication discusses fire test results comparing the burn-through resistance of oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood. Calculating Fire Resistance of Glulam Beams and Columns Technical Note - Y245 This publication describes the natural fire resistance of glulam beams and columns and provides fire endurance calculation methods California Wildland Urban Interface Approvals for APA Siding Technical Topic - TT-091 Details the layups for APA 303 grooved plywood sidings (T1-11 and reverse board & batten), representing minimal plywood siding constructions as typically found in the marketplace. Canadian Plywood Grading Guide Technical Guides - Q701 This publication is designed for use by mills as an aid in manufacturing and grading Canadian Standards Association (CSA) plywood panels. Caster Loadings on Plywood Technical Note - X227 This publication discusses recommended maximum caster loadings for various wheel types and sizes on bare plywood, Plyron and overlaid plywood surfaces. Ceramic Tile Over Wood Structural Panel Floors Technical Topic - TT-006 This publication describes Tile Council of North America (TCNA) specifications for wood structural panel floor systems under ceramic tile, tested in accordance with ASTM C627 Concrete Forming Design/Construction Guide Technical Guides - V345 This publication contains grade information, form maintenance recommendations, design information and case studies related to plywood concrete forming Condensation, Causes and Control Technical Note - X485 This publication explains causes of condensation, identifies areas prone to condensation issues, and provides options to control condensation Consejos Para Los Constructores: Evite el Pandeo con un Espaciado Adecuado Builder Tip - M300 LA Recomendaciones de espacio entre paneles de clasificación “APA Rated Sheathing,” los pisos de clase Sturd-I-Floor® de APA y los paneles de clasificación “APA Rated Siding." Consejos Para Los Constructores: Minimice los Clavos Sobresalientes Builder Tip - S300 LA Esta publicación describe cómo reducir los clavos sobresalientes con la selección e instalación recomendada de elementos de fijación. Construction Practices for Wood I-Joist Floor Vibration Retrofit Data File - D720 This publication identifies the causes of and remedies for excessive floor vibration. Construir un Sistema de Piso Sólido, Libre de Chirridos Builder Tip - Q300 LA Esta publicación describe cómo prevenir quejas y arreglos del sistema de piso con una instalación correcta del tablero estructural. Containers and Bins Technical Guides - X235 This publication discusses designing, building and specifying wood structural panel containers and bins for industrial materials handling applications. Controlling Decay in Wood Construction Technical Note - R495 This publication discusses decay fungi and how to prevent/minimize degradation of wood through proper design, storage, construction and maintenance Cross-Laminated Timber—North American CLT vs. Imported Product Technical Guides - S500 This publication describes the stringent product standards required for cross-laminated timber manufactured in North America, which may not be met by imported products Data File: APA Rim Board in Fire Rated Assemblies Data File - D350 This publication provides recommendations for the use of APA rim board in conjunction with fire-rated wall/floor assemblies, based on the US Forest Product Laboratory testing Data File: Selection, Installation and Preparation of Plywood Underlayment Data File - L335 This publication provides recommendations for the installation and preparation of underlayment under finish flooring in residential and light commercial applications Decay of Engineered Wood Products Customer Service Tip - W505 This publication discusses the causes of fungal decay in wood structural panels and how proper design, construction and maintenance can prevent fungal decay. Deflection Limits in the 2018 IBC for Engineered Wood Products Technical Topic - TT-123 This publication clarifies the applicability of the D+L deflection limits specified in Table 1604.3 of the 2018 IBC, specifically as they pertain to engineered wood products. Design for Force Transfer Around Openings (FTAO) Technical Note - T555 This technical note presents a rational analysis for applying FTAO to walls with asymmetric piers and walls with multiple openings, based on APA modeling and testing Design of Structural Glued Laminated Timber Columns Data File - Y240 This publication provides information on member sizes and layup, design stresses, column design equations and design tables and examples. Designing Diaphragms Over Existing Board Floors or Roofs Technical Topic - TT-097 This publication explains the design considerations for installing a wood structural panel diaphragm over existing board sheathing (decking) in floors or roofs. Destruction of Insects During Manufacture of Wood Structural Panels and Structural Composite Lumber Technical Topic - TT-014 This publication describes various wood structural panel manufacturing processes that result in the eradication of insects Diaphragms and Shear Walls Design and Construction Guide Technical Guides - L350 This publication provides design and construction recommendations for engineered diaphragm systems in floor, shear wall and roof systems Double-Sheathed Shear Walls Technical Topic - TT-115 This technical topic presents the results and discussion of full-scale testing of double-sheathed shear walls with both layers of wood structural panels on a single side. Dusting of Concrete Poured Against Plywood Forms Technical Topic - TT-029 This publication discusses causes of surface dusting on concrete surfaces when poured against plywood forms and provides tips for prevention and remedial action. Effect of Green Lumber Framing on Wood Structural Panel Shear Wall Performance Technical Topic - TT-075 This publication discusses a test program conducted by APA to investigate the effect of constructing shear walls with green framing lumber Effect of Large Diameter Horizontal Holes on the Bending and Shear Properties of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) Technical Note - V900 This publication supplements APA Form G535, providing an analytical tool in situations when horizontal holes in LVL exceeding the prescriptive guidance in APA G535 are necessary Effect of Large Diameter Horizontal Holes on the Bending and Shear Properties of Structural Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam) Technical Note - V700 This publication is a supplement to APA S560, providing an analytical tool in situations when horizontal holes exceeding the prescriptive guidance in APA S560 are necessary Effect of Overdriven Fasteners On Shear Capacity Technical Topic - TT-012 This publication provides suggested guidelines for determining if overdriven fasteners will affect the shear capacity of diaphragm or shear wall construction Engineered Wood Construction Guide Technical Guides - E30 This publication provides a comprehensive overview of engineered wood construction systems for residential, commercial and industrial buildings Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Additional Fire and Building Systems Excerpt - E30X-AFBS Summary of special systems, including fire resistant construction, fire protected assemblies, wind-resistive roofs, energy conservation and panels over metal framing Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) Selection and Specification Excerpt - E30X-CLT This publication is an excerpt from the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, focusing on selecting and specifying cross-laminated timber for various building applications Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Floor Construction Excerpt - E30X-FC This publication is an excerpt from the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, providing information about floor framing and wood structural panel products Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Glulam Selection and Specification Excerpt - E30X-GL This publication is an excerpt from the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, providing a description and specification recommendations for glued laminated timber (glulam) Engineered Wood Construction Guide: I-Joist Selection and Specification Excerpt - E30X-IJ This publication is an excerpt from the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, providing a description and specification recommendations for I-joist Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Panel Selection and Specification Excerpt - E30X-PSS This publication is an excerpt from the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, providing product descriptions and specification recommendations for wood structural panels Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Rim Board Selection and Specification Excerpt - E30X-RB This publication is an excerpt from the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, providing guidance on selecting and specifying rim board Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Roof Construction Excerpt - E30X-RC This publication is an excerpt from the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, providing a description and application recommendations for engineered wood roof materials Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Structural Composite Lumber (SCL) Selection and Specification Excerpt - E30X-SCL This publication is an excerpt from the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, providing descriptions and specification recommendations for structural composite lumber (SCL) Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Wall Construction Excerpt - E30X-WC This publication is an excerpt from the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide, providing application recommendations for APA wood structural panel wall sheathing. Engineered Wood Floor Systems (Canada) Construction Guide - R300 Provides specification recommendations for plywood and OSB floor systems, the APA Glued Floor System and installation recommendations for panel subflooring and underlayment Engineered Wood Handbook & Grade Glossary Technical Guides - X505 This publication provides a list of engineered wood products and common construction terminology explained in easy-to-understand language. Engineered Wood Wall Systems (Canada) Construction Guide - R310 This publication provides an overview of commonly used wall systems and explains how wood structural panels can be used to meet fundamental requirements in wall applications Evaluation of Check Size in Glued Laminated Timber Beams Technical Note - R475 This publication discusses checking in glulam beams and includes a flowchart and equations for determining allowable check size Exemption of Special Inspection on Glulam Based on the 2019 California Building Code Technical Topic - TT-108 This publication clarifies the intent of the California Building Code exemption for special inspection on glulam outlined in Section 1705.5.4 FAQs About Oriented Strand Board Technical Topic - TT-133 This publication discusses buckling, fastener recommendations, surface flaking, thickness swell, linear expansion and moisture management of OSB wood structural panels FAQs: Questions About Structural Plywood and OSB Performance FAQ - F505 This publication answers questions about structural plywood and OSB panel performance, grade, growth and natural characteristics. FAQs: Questions About Wood Structural Panel Exposure to Excessive Moisture FAQ - X501 This publication provides guidance about the serviceability of wood structural panels (plywood and OSB) after exposure to high levels of moisture.