Technical Document Library

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 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). 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. Introduction to Wall Bracing Technical Guides - F430 This publication explains IRC-compliant wall bracing, explains why bracing is important and shows how to meet basic requirements for wall bracing in accordance with the code 2021 Supplement to: A Guide to the 2018 IRC Wood Wall Bracing Provisions Technical Guides - 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. 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. APA Wall Bracing Calculator Quick Start Guide Technical Guides - Q230 This guide provides basic instructions for using the APA Wall Bracing Calculator Method ABW – Alternate Braced Wall Typical Details - DT-WB-2 This detail shows the alternate braced wall bracing method and its requirements including sheathing fastening, framing requirements, and foundation anchorage. Requirements for Wall Coverings and Wind Pressures Technical Topic - TT-105 This publication discusses the International Residential Code (IRC) wall sheathing requirements regarding wind pressure 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 APA Sturd-I-Wall (Vertical Panel Installation) Typical Details - DT-EWG-13 This detail shows APA Rated vertical panel siding applied directly to wall framing in an APA Sturd-I-Wall system with weather-resistive barrier. Beveled SIP Wall Typical Details - DT-SIP-1 This detail shows a SIP wall beveled to support a sloped SIP roof that are connected together with panel screws and nails. It also shows sealant, roofing material and cladding. Wall Penetration with Flashing Typical Details - DT-BB-8 This detail shows two-piece flashing installation at wall penetration. APA Panel Wall Sheathing Typical Details - DT-EWG-5 This detail shows APA Rated wall sheathing applied in two orientations- strength axis across or parallel to studs- with weather-resistive barrier and siding on a wood-framed wall. Energy-Conserving Wall Assemblies Typical Details - DT-EWG-16 This detail shows two energy-conserving exterior wall assemblies. Rain-Screen Wall Details Typical Details - DT-BB-4 This detail shows rain-screen wall assembly of furring strips creating a drainage airspace over water-resistive barrier and wood structural panel sheathing. R20 Wall—2x4 Framing Typical Details - DT-CWA-1 This detail shows R20 2x4 wall assembly at 16" o.c. with insulated header, insulated siding (R3 min.), insulated corner, R15 cavity insulation, and wood structural panel sheathing. R20 Wall—Insulated Headers Typical Details - DT-CWA-3 This detail shows R20 wall assembly at 24" o.c. with insulated header (R13.8), insulated corner, R21 cavity insulation, and wood structural panel sheathing with wood/vinyl siding. R20 Wall—Insulated Siding Typical Details - DT-CWA-4 This detail shows R20 wall assembly with insulated siding (R2 min.), engineered wood or lumber header, wood structural panel sheathing, and R19 compressed fiberglass batts. Noise-Resistant Party Wall Typical Details - DT-EWG-27 This detail shows a noise-resistant wall assembly in plan view using staggered 2x4 studs on 2x6 plates with APA Rated sheathing and gypsum wallboard to reduce sound transmission. Wall to Foundation Flashing—Stucco Typical Details - DT-BB-10 This detail shows wall-to-foundation flashing detail at stucco-clad wall. Wall to Roof Flashing—Stucco Typical Details - DT-BB-12 This detail shows wall-to-roof flashing detail at stucco-clad wall. Research Report 154: Wood Structural Panel Shear Walls Research Report - Q260 This report includes test results of unblocked, stapled and metal-framed shear walls, and a summary of previous shear wall tests. Wall to Roof Flashing—Brick Veneer Typical Details - DT-BB-11 This detail shows wall-to-roof flashing detail at brick veneer roof intersection. Wall to Foundation Flashing at Brick Ledge Typical Details - DT-BB-9 This detail shows wall-to-foundation connection at brick veneer of base flashing. Beam at End Wall Bearing, Nailed Typical Details - DT-GB-1 This detail shows glulam beam bearing at an end wall. The beam is supported by trimmer studs and secured to the king stud with 16d nails. Shear Wall Hold-Down Anchor Typical Details - DT-EWG-33 This detail shows a hold down anchor assembly connecting a shear wall to a concrete foundation to resist overturning forces. R20 Wall—Advanced Framing Techniques Typical Details - DT-CWA-2 R20 advanced framing wall assembly at 24" o.c. minimum with insulated corner, engineered wood or lumber header, R19 compressed fiberglass batts & wood structural panel sheathing. R21 Wall—Advanced Framing Techniques Typical Details - DT-CWA-5 This detail shows R21 advanced framing wall assembly with insulated header and corner, wood structural panel sheathing, and fiberglass batt insulation at 16" or 24" o.c. spacing. Load-Bearing Fire-Rated Wall Assemblies with OSB & Plywood Wall Sheathing Technical Topic - TT-063 This publication discusses the advantages of using IBC and UL recognized oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood wall assemblies over other products. Load-Bearing Interior (Chase) Wall System Typical Details - DT-FR-6 Fire-rated load bearing interior chase wall assembly with gypsum wallboard, plywood sheathing, insulation cavity, and 1-inch space between stud walls at 16- or 24-inch centers. Wood Structural Panel Shear Wall Deflection Formula Technical Topic - TT-053 This publication discusses components of shear-wall deflection and includes formulas for calculating deflection of shear walls IECC Compliance Options for Wood-Frame Wall Assemblies Technical Guides - P320 Joint ICC and APA publication describes how energy performance is measured in exterior wall assemblies and how to improve wall thermal performance to meet energy code requirements Two-Stud Inside Corner for Wall Panelization Typical Details - DT-AF-16 This detail shows a two-stud inside corner framing assembly with a panelized/prefabricated wall system. Bearing at End Wall, Steel Post Cap Typical Details - DT-GB-8 This detail shows connection of glulam beam bearing on solid-sawn post or glulam column using steel post cap at end wall condition. Beam at End Wall with Floor Joist Over Beam Typical Details - DT-GB-3 This detail shows a glulam beam connection to an end wall with I-joists bearing on the beam. Beam at End Wall with Floor Joist Flush with Beam Typical Details - DT-GB-2 This detail shows a glulam beam connection to an end wall with flush floor joists or I-joists connected to the beam. APA Sturd-I-Wall (Horizontal Panel Siding Installation) Typical Details - DT-EWG-12 This detail shows APA Rated horizontal panel siding applied directly to wall framing in an APA Sturd-I-Wall system. Water Vapor Permeance of Wood Structural Panels and Wood Wall Construction Technical Note - J450 This publication addresses the water vapor permeance of wood structural panels and vapor retarders and their role in wall-system design Shear Wall Test Results Comparing 8d Common and 8d Box Nails Technical Topic - TT-087 This publication provides results from full-scale shear-wall tests and demonstrates the conservative capacities given in ESR-1539. Installation of Stucco Exterior Finish Over Wood Structural Panel Wall Sheathing Data File - Q370 This publication describes recommended wall construction methods for the installation of stucco exterior finish over structural wood panel wall sheathing Garage Door Header to End Wall, King Stud Nailed to Beam Typical Details - DT-GH-1 This detail shows a connection of a garage door header at and end wall where a glulam beam is connected to a king stud with nails. Horizontal Wall Joints Typical Details - DT-EWG-23 This detail shows three horizontal joint configurations for APA panel siding — butt and flash, lap, and shiplap — each with blocking flatwise or edgewise at the joint location. Intersecting Wall Connection Typical Details - DT-AF-4 This detail shows connections of intersecting single 2x top plates with steel plates and alternate lumber splice connections. Vertical Wall Joints Typical Details - DT-EWG-38 This detail shows four vertical joint configurations for APA panel siding butt, shiplap, reverse board and batten, T1-11 and channel groove, and vertical batten. Garage Door Header to End Wall, Steel Tie Plate Typical Details - DT-GH-2 This detail shows a connection of a garage door header and an end wall using a steel plate fastened to a solid wood post, glulam column or studs. One-Hour Fire-Rated Exterior Load-Bearing Wall Assembly Typical Details - DT-EWG-30 One-hour fire-rated exterior wall assembly using APA Rated siding, gypsum sheathing, weather-resistive barrier, and Type X gypsum wallboard over 2x4 wood stud framing. Two-Hour Load-Bearing Interior or Exterior Wall System Typical Details - DT-FR-23 This detail shows two-hour fire-rated load-bearing interior or exterior wall assembly with 2x6 wood studs, mineral wool insulation, and Type X gypsum wallboard on both sides. 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 One-Hour Load-Bearing Exterior Wall System, 2x6 Studs @ 16" o.c. Typical Details - DT-FR-10 This detail shows a one-hour fire-rated load bearing exterior wall assembly using 2x6 wood studs at 16 inches on center with Type X gypsum wallboard on both sides. One-Hour Load-Bearing Interior Wall System, 2x6 Studs @ 16" o.c. Typical Details - DT-FR-12 This detail shows a one-hour fire-rated interior wall assembly with 2x6 studs at 16 inches on center, mineral wool insulation, and gypsum wallboard on both sides. One-Hour Load-Bearing Interior Wall System, 2x4 Studs @ 16" o.c. Typical Details - DT-FR-11 One-hour fire-rated interior partition wall assembly with 2x4 wood studs at 16” o.c., 3-1/2-inch mineral wool insulation, and 5/8-inch Type X gypsum wallboard on both sides. ANSI/APA PRS 610.1: Standard for Performance-Rated Structural Insulated Panels in Wall Applications Standards - ANSI/APA PRS 610.1-2023 This standard covers the manufacturing, qualification, quality assurance, design and installation requirements for performance-rated structural insulated panels used in walls Bearing at End Wall, Steel Tie Plate Typical Details - DT-GB-9 This detail shows a steel tie plate connection for a glulam beam bearing on a wood support at an end condition. Single or Double I-Joist Blocking at Exterior Wall Typical Details - Shear Wall Lumber Framing: Double 2X Framing vs. Single 3X Framing at Adjoining Panel Edges Technical Topic - TT-076 This publication provides an evaluation of double 2x framing members as substitutes when single 3x framing members at adjoining panel edges are specified by code for shear walls 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 Wind Resistance of Wood Structural Panel Sheathed Walls Technical Topic - TT-110 This publication discusses wind resistance of light-framed walls sheathed with plywood or OSB using the methodology of the 2012 IBC Table 2304.6.1 and the 2012 IRC Table R602.3(3) 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. Opening in Non-Load-Bearing Walls Typical Details - DT-AF-10 This detail shows framing for an opening in a non-load-bearing wall using a single opening top plate, cripple studs, and jack studs without conventional headers. 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. Force Transfer Around Openings Shear Walls Typical Details - DT-FTO-1 This detail shows the layout of a force transfer around opening shear wall. Strap Connection at Force Transfer Around Openings Shear Walls Typical Details - DT-FTO-2 This detail shows the blocking requirement for the metal strap at the exterior or interior of a force transfer around the opening shear wall. 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 All-Wood Podiums in Mid-Rise Construction Case Studies - N110 This case study discusses how two mid-rise projects used all-wood podiums instead of concrete to cut construction costs, reduce building mass and improve sustainability. Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 5-23: Design and Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams Technical Guides - H815 This publication presents the recommended methods for the design and fabrication of staple-glued all-plywood beams. Frequently Asked Questions About Portal Frames Technical Topic - TT-080 This publication answers FAQs about portal frame construction from the APA 2018 IRC wall bracing webinar series Method CS-PF - Continuously Sheathed Portal Frame Panel Construction Typical Details - DT-WB-4 This detail shows the wall bracing method continuously sheathed portal frame and its requirements including anchorage, minimum member sizes, and sheathing attachment. Method PFG – Intermittent Portal Frame at Garage Door Openings in SDC A, B and C Typical Details - DT-WB-7 This detail shows the wall bracing method portal frame at a garage and its requirements including sheathing attachment, minimum member sizes, and anchorage. Method PFH – Intermittent Portal Frame with Hold Down Typical Details - DT-WB-9 This detail shows the wall bracing method portal frame with hold down and its requirements including minimum framing sizes, sheathing attachment, hold-downs, and anchorage. Advanced Framing Construction Guide - M400 This publication explains the components of advanced framing in floor and wall framing, including illustrated construction details 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 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 Sway Brace Blocking for Seismic Loads Perpendicular to the Joist 1 Typical Details - DT-SPR-16 This detail illustrates a seismic sway brace blocking configuration, showing the installation of perpendicular diagonal bracing for I-joist floor systems. Sway Brace Blocking for Seismic Loads Perpendicular to the Joist 2 Typical Details - DT-SPR-17 This detail shows seismic bracing web blocking and cross member installation for I-joists to resist loads perpendicular to joist direction. Shear Transfer at Engineered Wood Floors Data File - Y250 This publication discusses diaphragm perimeter nailing and transfer of shear wall forces from the walls above into the foundation/wall framing. Raised-Heel Trusses for Efficient, Cost-Effective, Comfortable Homes Technical Guides - R330 This publication describes the key components of raised-heel trusses and identifies the advantages of using them in conjunction with continuous wood structural panel wall sheathing 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 Temporary Construction Loads Over I-Joist Roofs and Floors Technical Note - J735 Provides recommendations for properly placing heavy loads in a partially completed light-framed structure to prevent damage to the structure and/or injury to the work crew SIP Foundation Detail C Typical Details - DT-SIP-8 This detail shows a SIP wall assembly being attached to a floor system bearing on a concrete/CMU foundation wall, highlighting proper assembly of wall, floor, and foundation. Ladder Junction Typical Details - DT-AF-5 This detail shows an advanced framed wall junction with single top plates and 2x ladder blocking spaced vertically at 24” O.C. for an interior wall to exterior wall connection. 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 SIP Block Spline Typical Details - DT-SIP-5 This detail shows a wall-to-wall vertical SIP connection using a block spline and specifies nail size, nail spacing, use of sealant, and an 1/8” expansion gap. SIP Dimensional Lumber Spline Typical Details - DT-SIP-6 This detail shows a wall-to-wall vertical SIP connection using a dimensional lumber spline and specifies nail size, nail spacing, use of sealant, and an 1/8” expansion gap. Laboratory Tests Evaluate Design Values of Thermo-Ply® Red Product Advisory - SP-1172 This product advisory contains results of testing to measure the shear wall performance of Thermo-Ply® sheathing 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 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 Energy-Heel Truss Attachment to Sheathing Typical Details - DT-RH-1 This detail shows raised heel energy truss attachment to an exterior wall for additional attic insulation space. Large Opening Single Headers Typical Details - DT-AF-6 This detail shows the use of a single header with a width less than the wall to create more space for insulation. Wood Structural Panel Box Header Nail Pattern Typical Details - DT-AF-17 This detail shows the nail pattern for a wood structural panel box header at wall openings with continuous top and bottom plates. Noise-Rated Systems Technical Guides - W460 This publication is a guide to noise-rated wood-frame construction systems, including STC and IIC ratings for tested wall and floor assemblies for effective sound control. 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 APA Rated Lap Siding Over Wood Structural Panel Sheathing Typical Details - DT-EWG-6 This detail shows APA Rated lap siding installed over wood structural panel sheathing with a weather-resistive barrier on a wood-framed exterior wall assembly. APA Rated Panel Siding Over Wood Structural Panel Sheathing Typical Details - DT-EWG-7 This detail shows APA Rated siding panels applied over wood structural panel sheathing with a weather-resistive barrier on a wood-framed wall assembly. Single Double I-Joist Blocking Typical Details - DT-IJ-13 This detail shows installation of single or double I-joists to a top plate along an exterior wall and where backer blocks would be required for siding attachment. Top-Mounted Hanger to 2x Plate Typical Details - DT-IJ-16 This detail shows I-joists with top mount hangers supported by a wide flange steel beam or wall with a 2x plate (or nailer) flush with the I-joists. APA Rated Siding Exterior or Other Exterior Finish (Code-Recognized Type), 5/8" Type X Gypsum Sheathing, Minimum 15/32" APA Rated Sheathing Exposure 1 OSB or Plywood Typical Details - DT-FR-2 This detail shows a fire-rated wall assembly using wood structural panel sheathing over studs with gypsum wallboard, fire protective membrane, and glass fiber insulation. APA Rated Siding Exterior or Other Exterior Finish (Code-Recognized Type), 5/8" Type X Gypsum Sheathing, Minimum 7/16" APA Rated Sheathing Exposure 1 OSB or Plywood Typical Details - DT-FR-3 This detail shows fire-rated exterior wall assembly with APA rated siding over sheathing, insulation, 2x4 wood framing at 16" on center and Type X gypsum wallboard interior finish. APA Rated Siding Exterior, 5/8" Type X Gypsum Sheathing Typical Details - DT-FR-4 This detail shows a one-hour fire-rated wood-framed wall assembly with Type X gypsum sheathing and wallboard, optional insulation, and APA rated siding exterior finish. Minimum 1/2" APA Rated Siding Exterior Plywood, 1" Rigid Foam Insulation Sheathing; Exterior Finish-Elastomeric Coating, 1" Rigid Foam Insulation Sheathing, Minimum 1/2" APA Rated Sheathing Exposure 1 Plywood Typical Details - DT-FR-7 Fire-rated wall assembly of two UL-rated configurations (U330 and U335) with different exterior finishes over wood framing with mineral wool or glass fiber insulation. Minimum 3/8" APA Rated Siding Exterior Plywood Typical Details - DT-FR-8 This detail shows fire-rated wall assembly detail of 3/8" APA rated plywood siding over Type X gypsum wallboard with optional insulation on 2x4 studs at 16" on center. One-Sided Wood Structural Panel Box Header Typical Details - DT-AF-8 This detail shows a one-sided box header built using wood structural panels on the exterior face of the wall to eliminate conventional headers and increase cavity insulation space. Single-Ply Header Typical Details - DT-AF-12 This detail shows an isometric view of a single-ply load-bearing header assembly at a wall opening with cavity insulation space and code-compliant king and jack stud configuration. Stucco (Over Self-Furring Metal Lath), APA Rated Sheathing Exposure 1 Plywood or OSB Typical Details - DT-FR-22 This detail shows a fire-rated wall assembly of stucco over self-furring metal lath with APA rated sheathing, optional insulation, gypsum wallboard, and wood studs. Two-Sided Wood Structural Panel Box Header Typical Details - DT-AF-9 This detail shows a two-sided box header built using wood structural panels on both sides of the wall in lieu of conventional headers to increase cavity insulation space. 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 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 Nail-Base Sheathing for Siding and Trim Attachment Construction Guide Technical Guides - Q250 Determine the type and spacing of siding fasteners to meet building code requirements when using wood structural panel sheathing as a nail base (also called nailable sheathing) Fire Protective Options for I-Joist Floor Systems Construction Guide - R425 Describes several options that satisfy fire-protection provisions of the 2012, 2015 and 2018 IRC related to I-joist floor systems, including construction details Multiple Small-Diameter Holes for Electrical Cables Technical Topic - TT-132 Recommendations for cutting holes in I-joists, LVL and glulam for electrical cables in compliance with the National Electric Code (NEC) and International Residential Code (IRC) Santa Barbara Apartments Case Studies - S125 This case study discusses how glulam beams and wood structural panel shear walls were used to construct a California apartment complex on budget. I-Joist Fire Assembly with Mineral Wool Typical Details - DT-FPF-7 This detail shows an I-joist floor assembly with mineral wool insulation for fire protection per IRC Section R503. Wood Structural Panels Over Metal Framing Technical Guides - T625 This publication provides design and fastening recommendations for installation of wood structural panels over metal framing in floors, walls and roofs. Texas Straight-Line Wind Damage Assessment Report Damage Assessment Report - SP-1182 This report summarizes the findings of a team of engineers who visited the site of a 2017 Texas windstorm to assess the damages sustained by residences I-Joist Fire Assembly with 0.5 inch Gypsum Board Above Flange Typical Details - DT-FPF-4 This detail shows an I-joist floor assembly with 1/2" gypsum board placed above the bottom flange for fire protection per IRC Section R503. I-Joist Fire Assembly with 5/8" inch Gypsum Board Above Flange Typical Details - DT-FPF-5 This detail shows an I-joist floor assembly with 5/8" gypsum board placed above the bottom flange for fire protection per IRC Section R503. I-Joist Fire Assembly with Gypsum Board Typical Details - DT-FPF-2 This detail shows 1/2" gypsum board fastened to the bottom flange of an I-joist floor assembly for fire protection per IRC Section R702.3.1. I-Joist Fire Assembly with Gypsum Board at Web Holes Typical Details - DT-FPF-3 This detail shows 1/2" gypsum board installed at I-joist web holes for fire protection, shown in two configurations per IRC Section R702.3.1.