Norbord structural panels are to be installed according to the APA’s (The Engineered Wood Association) Construction Guide E30, the appropriate building code and/or the design professional’s specifications.
Below are some key installation points.
Space panels 1/8” apart on the 4’ edges
Lightly butt the T&G together
Ensure the joists are aligned, uniform and square
Install panels with the major strength axis perpendicular to supports.
Install T&G panels with the APA grade stamp down.
Fastener Spacing – consult your local building codes for local requirements, the APA Construction Guilde E30 and/or your design professional’s specifications.
Gluing subfloor panels is recommended and may be required. We recommend the use of PL 400 subfloor adhesive. At a minimum sub-floor adhesives must meet current industry test standards. If glue is used, apply only enough glue to install 2 or 3 panels at a time and fully fasten the panels before continuing.
Running a small bead of glue in the groove of the panels during installation adds strength to the floor.
Provide ¾” expansion joints for every continuous section of panels exceeding 80 feet in length
NB. One of the most common mistakes made during the installation of
sub-floor structural panels is not leaving a gap along the 4’ ends of the
panels by butting the panels together. Not leaving 1/8” space to allow for
expansion can lead to potential problems. Butting panels tightly together
can cause callback issues that add cost and impact the bottom line. TruFlor
panels are sized to allow for this spacing and leaving 1/8” along the 4' edges
is a requirement. Using a 10d nail as a space guide is a quick and easy
way to ensure spacing. These publications by the APA The Engineered Wood
Association Cut Callbacks
with Proper Spacing, Brace
Walls with Wood, Construyendo
un sistema de piso solido sin chillidos and
Heavily Loaded Drywall Carts provide excellent information and guidance
to anyone using structural panels and should be read in addition to the
installation requirements listed below.
The Following Floor Coverings May Be Installed Over TruFlor
Commercial and residential carpet and under pad.
Ceramic Tile and lightweight concrete (check your local building code and the finished floor installation instructions).
Hardwood floors can be installed over TruFlor when following the manufacturers or industry installation requirements (Solvent based adhesives are recommended when gluing parquet hardwood flooring)
Vinyl flooring requires a suitable underlayment.
Always follow the floor covering/installation product manufacturers’ application
recommendations.
