Technical Document Library

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: 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: 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: Proper Storage and Handling of Glulam Beams Builder Tip - R540 This publication provides recommendations for storage and handling of glulam beams. 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: 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: 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: 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 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. Storage and Handling of APA Trademarked Panels Builder Tip - U450 This publication provides guidelines to help protect panels from damage in storage, during shipment and on the jobsite Finishing APA Rated Siding Builder Tip - Q350 This publication describes recommended finishes and application recommendations for 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. Panels for Soffit Applications Builder Tip - N330 This publication discusses recommended panels and spans for open and closed soffits. Proper Installation of APA Rated Sheathing for Roof Applications Builder Tip - N335 This publication provides step-by-step instructions for roof sheathing installation 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." 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. Hanging Floor for SIPs Typical Details - DT-SIP-3 This detail shows how to attach a floor system in between the top and bottom of two SIP walls by hanging the joists at the top of a SIP with top mount hangers and a cap plate. Rim Board for SIPs Typical Details - DT-SIP-4 This detail shows installation of a floor system between the top and bottom of two SIP walls with the joists directly on top of the SIP with a cap plate and rim board end closure. 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. Ridging in Single Layer Floor Panels Customer Service Tip - W503 This publication discusses the causes, prevention and remedial treatment for floor sheathing ridging. Soft Structural Panels Customer Service Tip - W501 This publication explains why wood structural panels sometimes feel soft or springy. Unevenness of Edges in Wood Structural Panels and Thin Underlayment Customer Service Tip - C501 This publication discusses the causes of fungal decay in wood structural panels and how proper design, construction and maintenance can prevent fungal decay. Advanced Framing Boosts Energy Performance Case Studies - T110 This case study explains how a Pennsylvania home builder gained a competitive advantage by adopting advanced framing techniques that deliver lasting energy savings to customers. Preservative Treatment of Glued Laminated Timber Technical Note - S580 This publication provides a summary of preservatives, treatment recommendations, use, handling and finishing tips for preservative-treated glulam beams 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. 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 Introduction to Lateral Design Technical Guides - X305 This publication explains how to design wood-frame buildings to withstand the lateral loads typical of high wind and seismic zones. 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 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 Luxury Boulder Residence Case Studies - R135 This case study discusses how glulam beams reduced costs and streamlined installation on a 5,200 square foot custom Colorado home. Foam SIP Ridge Cap Detail Typical Details - DT-SIP-2 This detail shows roof SIPs sloped up to form a ridge and connections of the SIPs to framing members with panel screws, while also showing tape, sealant, and roofing materials. A Guide to the 2015 IRC Wood Wall Bracing Provisions Technical Guides - A Guide to the 2015 IRC Wood Wall Bracing Provisions Structural Insulated Panels Product Guide - H650 This publication covers SIP advantages, applications, design and construction considerations, connection details, assembly and related topics. 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) 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 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. Wall to Roof Flashing—Brick Veneer Typical Details - DT-BB-11 This detail shows wall-to-roof flashing detail at brick veneer roof intersection. APA Product Reports - PR-N612 West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. OSB:
West Fraser 7/16 Proprietary OSB Facers for SIPs APA Product Reports - PR-N614 Tolko Industries Ltd. OSB:
Tolko Proprietary OSB Facers for SIPs The Performance Path to Energy Code Compliance Technical Guides - R505 This publication explains how to use a performance path to meet International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements while balancing cost and structural requirements. 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 Recommended Uniform Live Loads for PS 1 APA 303 Siding Technical Topic - TT-021 Table of recommended uniform live loads for PS 1 APA 303 siding when used as open soffit or combined roof decking-ceiling with long dimension perpendicular to supports. 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 Construction Practices for Wood I-Joist Floor Vibration Retrofit Data File - D720 This publication identifies the causes of and remedies for excessive floor vibration. 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 Slant Nailing Technical Topic - TT-058 This publication discusses the practice of driving nails at a slight angle in shear walls and diaphragms, and the difference between slant nailing and toe-nailing. 4 Best Practices for Glulam Installation Technical Guides - Q705 This publication provides simple steps to proper installation that ensures glulam beams perform as designed. 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 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 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. Nail Spacing Recommendations for APA EWS Rim Boards and I-joists Technical Topic - TT-094 This publication provides tables of the minimum recommended nail spacing for APA EWS Rim Boards and I-joists. Nailed Box Beam Design Example Technical Topic - TT-116 This publication describes box beam design using engineering mechanics. Santa Maria Water Reservoir Cover Case Studies - C115 This case study discusses how a glulam roof structure provided decay resistance, seismic performance and cost savings for a municipal water reservoir in California. Service Life of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) Sheathing Technical Topic - TT-052 This publication provides information about the performance, proper specification and application of oriented strand board (OSB) products. 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 Sprinkler Pipe Installation Design Details (Supplement to J745) Technical Note - J745_SUP This publication is a supplement to Technical Note: Sprinkler Pipe Installation for APA Performance Rated I-Joists, Form J745, with sprinkler pipe installation design details. Staining of Concrete Poured Against Plyform Technical Topic - TT-059 This publication discusses the causes of concrete staining and provides some possible solutions Termite Protection for Wood-Framed Construction Technical Note - K830 This publication discusses the types of termites found in the U.S. and proven construction techniques and treatment methods to protect wood-frames buildings from termite damage. Wood Structural Panel Sizes Technical Topic - TT-114 This publication provides APA’s position on wood structural panel sizes concerning panel size listings in ICC-ES ESR-2586. 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. 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 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 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 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 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: 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: 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 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 Field Notching and Drilling of Laminated Veneer Lumber Technical Note - G535 This publication provides guidance for notching and drilling on LVL when the end notching and drilling of horizontal through-thickness holes cannot be avoided. Finishing Glued Laminated Timbers Technical Topic - TT-033 This publication discusses recommendations and exceptions for finishing glulam manufactured entirely from solid-sawn lumber. Glulam Beam Camber Technical Note - S550 This publication discusses how camber reduces the adverse effects of beam deflection Glulam Garage Door Headers Offer Design Options Technical Guides - C410 This publication provides connection details and installation recommendations for glulam in residential garage door framing. Glulam Product Guide Product Guide - X440 This product guide provides an overview of APA trademarked glulam and discusses design considerations, applications and specification Mass Timber Has Banks Seeing Green Case Studies - V135 This case study discusses how CLT and glulam helped First United Bank achieve construction and energy efficiencies. Minimizing Floor Vibration by Design and Retrofit Technical Note - E710 This publication covers vibration perception, fundamental natural frequency, criteria for floor vibration control and guidelines to remedy existing floor vibration problems. Moisture Exposure Recommendations for Wood Structural Panels Technical Topic - TT-002 This publication provides recommended bond classification appropriate for end use in-service moisture conditions. Mulching Engineered Wood Products: An Alternative to Landfills Technical Topic - TT-098 This publication discusses the benefits of mulching construction-related wood scraps, including glued engineered wood products Non-Load-Bearing Partitions on APA Structural Panels and Floor Joists Technical Note - B429 This publication explains how to determine partition load, including situations where additional joists are required to account for the weight of partition walls. One North Office Buildings Case Studies - S120 This publication discusses how glulam framing and engineered wood helped Portland’s One North development achieve energy efficiency and sustainability. Panel Edge Support for Narrow-Width Roof Sheathing Technical Note - R275 This publication provides recommendations from APA research on the performance of 24-inch and narrower roof sheathing panels Performance-Rated I-Joist Roof Framing Details Technical Guides - D710 This publication includes recommended construction details for I-joists in roof applications. Prevent Callbacks in Wood Flooring Installation Technical Note - T350 This publication discusses how to minimize the risk of future wood flooring problems when moisture at the jobsite is an issue Product Guide: HDO/MDO Plywood Product Guide - B360 Describes high density overlay (HDO) and medium density overlay (MDO) plywood applications, properties and characteristics, and shop practice and finishing recommendations Recommendations for Snow and Ice on Wood Structural Panels Technical Topic - TT-119 This publication describes APA recommended guidelines for snow and ice accumulation on wood structural panels 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 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. Sized for Spacing Technical Topic - TT-055 This publication discusses the SIZED FOR SPACING notation in the APA trademark stamp and the option of trimming panels slightly to encourage proper panel spacing Subfloor Preparation to Receive Finish Flooring Technical Guides - V440 This publication provides guidelines on installing wood structural panel subfloors for optimal performance of finished floors. Suggested Blocking Details for Starter Joists of Engineered Wood Rim Board® Technical Topic - TT-078 This publication provides suggested I-joist blocking details, which may be used when local codes require prescriptive blocking in the space adjacent to starter joists or rim board. Temporary Expansion Joints for Large Buildings Technical Note - U425 This publication discusses expansion joint details for buildings with dimensions larger than 80 feet The Importance of Code-Compliant Concrete Formwork Technical Guides - A236 This publication describes the importance of adhering to PS 1 plywood specifications to meet the material performance criteria outlined in ACI 318 & ACI 347, as mandated by the IBC Wood I-Joists and APA Performance Rated Rim Boards Technical Topic - TT-022 This publication discusses the structural superiority of using APA Performance Rated Rim Boards with prefabricated wood I-joists rather than sawn lumber rim boards. Wood Moisture Content and the Importance of Drying in Wood Building Systems Technical Topic - TT-111 This publication provides guidance on how to avoid potential moisture problems when using wood structural products with impermeable materials Wood Structural Panel Sheathing on Hip Roofs Technical Topic - TT-083 This publication provides installation guidelines for hip-roof panel applications on trusses spaced 24 in. o.c. that address serviceability issues and improve performance 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 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 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. Appleton Mills Case Studies - R145 This case study discusses how glulam beams, planks, girders and columns were used to structurally and aesthetically restore the historic Appleton Mills complex in Lowell, MA. Audrain Museum Case Studies - Q125 This case study explains how glulam beams were used to replace the flooring system of the historic Audrian Building, enabling the building to support multi-ton vintage automobiles. Beauty and the Budget Case Studies - V130 This publication describes how LEVER Architecture used engineered wood to balance design, budget and sustainability goals in a Portland, OR, commercial building project. 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 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. 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. 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 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 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 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: 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) Engineering Solutions for a More Inclusive Community Case Studies - X175 This publication discusses how a California nonprofit incorporated engineered wood into an affordable housing complex to keep costs low and create an inclusive community 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 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 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. Field Notching and Drilling of Glued Laminated Timber Beams Technical Note - S560 This publication provides guidance for notching and drilling on glulam when the end notching and drilling of horizontal though-thickness holes cannot be avoided