Skip to main content

Back to Document Library

FAQs: Questions About Structural Plywood and OSB Performance

FAQ

Concerns related to APA trademarked panel performance are infrequent, but do arise occasionally. Some permissible performance, grade, growth or natural characteristics are often interpreted as performance issues, when they are merely cosmetic and have no impact on panel performance.

This publication is designed for: builders, contractors, homeowners

This FAQ discusses common terms associated with plywood and oriented strand board (OSB) performance.

Key sections include:

  • Delamination

  • Buckling

  • Checking

  • Warping

  • Grade

  • Thickness swelling

  • Surface flaking

  • Floor applications

  • Roof applications

  • Siding applications

Published by APA — The Engineered Wood Association.

Related Resources

Explore All Guides, Tools & Training

ADOBE STANDARD LICENSCING | Standard licenses Most Adobe Stock photos, vectors, and illustrations come with a Standard license. With a Standard license, you may: • Reproduce up to 500,000 copies of the asset in all media, including product packaging, printed marketing materials, digital documents, or software. • Include the asset in email marketing, mobile advertising, or a broadcast or digital program if the expected number of viewers is fewer than 500,000. • Post the asset to a website or social media site with no limitation on views. • Include the asset in some types of products, such as inside a textbook, as long as the primary value of the product is not the asset itself, and the product is not reproduced more than 500,000 times. • Share the unmodified asset with your employees and contractors who have contractually agreed to abide by the license terms. • Transfer the license to your client or employer. (With a Standard license, you may not: • Distribute the stand-alone file. • Create merchandise, templates, or other products for resale or distribution where the primary value of the product is associated with the asset itself. For example, you can't use the asset to create a poster, t-shirt, or coffee mug that someone would buy specifically because of the asset printed on it. • Transfer the license to more than one employer or client, unless separately licensed for each.) 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 Minimizing Buckling of Wood Structural Panels Technical Note - D481 Provides design and construction practices that reduce the potential for buckling of wood structural panel sheathing caused by wood expansion due to increased moisture conditions. Buckling of Wood-Based Panel Siding Technical Note - F410 This publication describes mechanism and construction features that contribute to siding buckling 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 Proper Installation of APA Rated Sheathing for Roof Applications Builder Tip - N335 This publication provides step-by-step instructions for roof sheathing installation 2024 Multi products OSB and plywood 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

More Technical Documents

More Training & Tools