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Yes, CARB regulations, H.U.D., and TSCA all explicitly exempt structural plywood specified to PS 1, structural panels specified to PS 2, OSB specified to PS 2, structural composite lumber specified to ASTM D5456, structural glued laminated timber specified to ANSI A190, and prefabricated wood I-joists specified to ASTM D5055. These exemptions apply to products trademarked or audited by APA under the APA quality assurance program, regardless of whether the product is used in a construction or industrial (manufacturing) application. Note that although CLT is not listed as an exempted product, CLT certified to ANSI/APA PRG 320 is made with moisture-resistant adhesives and has a low formaldehyde emission.

Find additional guidance in APA's publication Formaldehyde and Engineered Wood Products, Form J330, which addresses concerns related to engineered wood products and explains why they have such low emission levels that they are exempt from the leading formaldehyde emission standards and regulations.

Energy efficiency policies and building energy codes continue to evolve rapidly at the federal, state, and local levels, directly impacting residential and commercial construction practices. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) serves as the foundation for many state and local energy codes and influences construction practices, including wall assemblies, insulation requirements, air sealing, continuous insulation, and overall building envelope performance. APA supports practical, cost-effective energy solutions that maintain design flexibility, affordability, constructability, and durability for builders and designers. Engineered wood products play a critical role in high-performance wall, floor, and roof systems by supporting durable assemblies, advanced framing techniques, and efficient insulation strategies. Learn more about engineered wood’s important role in Energy Efficiency and how APA advocates on behalf of building professionals for flexible compliance approaches that allow builders to meet energy goals using a variety of compliant and proven engineered wood assemblies.

You can download APA Product Reports® for free on the Product Report section of the Technical Document Library on APA’s website.

APA Product Reports help building officials and design professionals determine a product's conformance with codes and national, international or industry-recognized standards. APA issues these reports to document the compliance of an engineered wood product that is manufactured under a quality program audited by APA. APA Product Reports signify the product's compliance with the relevant provisions in the model building codes.

Looking for APA Product Reports for use in Canada? These reports are denoted with a "C" at the end of the form number.

If you're using APA’s Wall Bracing Calculator to determine bracing requirements for your project, follow the basic steps below to create your wall lines and bracing segments.

To use the Wal Bracing Calculator:

• Click the input wall line information button

• Advanced to the wall line details and wall line segment details page of the calculator

• Create braced wall lines and bracing segments

Please note that APA’s Wall Bracing Calculator is intended for use by experienced designers that are familiar with wall bracing. Refer to the Wall Bracing Calculator Quick Start Guide, Form Q230, for basic instructions on using the calculator.

If you're wondering what happens when engineered wood products get wet on the job site, the short answer is that wood construction is durable and will normally be structurally sound after severe exposure to moisture. Structural plywood and OSB used in floors, walls and roofs are made with water-resistant adhesive and retain their strength following wetting events. Although the surface of the panels may be rough from water exposure, they generally remain structurally sound. However, panels saturated with water will feel less stiff than those in a dry condition. Until the panels dry, they should not be subjected to heavy loading, such as repeated heavy foot traffic or loaded drywall carts.

In cases of severe or unusually prolonged exposure, it may be necessary to retain the services of a qualified construction expert for panel evaluation.

For more information about engineered wood products that get wet on the job site, refer to APA’s FAQs: Questions About Wood Structural Panel Exposure to Excessive Moisture, Form X501.