Installation

West Fraser structural panels are to be installed according to the APA’s (The Engineered Wood Association) Construction Guide E30 (downloadable PDF available in APA Publications. Below are some key installation points.

  1. All panels must be spaced 1/8″ apart along all edges.
  2. Be sure all studs are even, square and level before installing any wall sheathing.
  3. All panels should be continuous over two or more spans.
  4. Installing TallWall panels to overlap the joist area and the top plates significantly increases wall Capacity, Stiffness and Displacement*. Use 4×9’s* with 8′ walls and 4×10’s* with 9′ walls.
  5. Provide 3/4″ expansion joints for every continuous section of panels exceeding 80 feet in length.
  6. Fastener spacing**(minimum typical spacing is 6″ o.c. along edges and 12″ o.c. in the field but local and high wind requirements must be followed).
  7. Fasteners are to be 3/8″ in from edges and corners.
  8. Check for “shiners and refasten or add additional fasteners.
  9. Prior to application, acclimatization of panels to surroundings for at least 24 hours is recommended.
  10. When applicable, span ratings, durability and mill identification is included in the grade stamp applied to every panel.
  11. Add Strength to your walls by cutting the sheathing around windows and doors instead of the cut and paste method. This also reduces the number of joints and air-leakage.
  12. TallWall is for wall application only.
  13. TallWall can be used with up to 24″ raised heel (energy trusses) to eliminate blocking and in some cases hurricane clips.
  14. If Stucco is the exterior finish siding please refer to the APA (The Engineered Wood Assoc) Q370 for structural sheathing thickness and grade recommendations. You should also refer to applicable local building codes for proper stucco installation over OSB or plywood sheathing.

*Sized for spacing
**Consult your local building codes for local requirements and specifications and the APA Construction Guide E30

How to build energy efficient houses with TallWall Wall Sheathing

Prevent Buckling with Proper Spacing

TallWall® is engineered specifically to be used for wall applications and is not to be used for roof or floor sheathing.

Try our free online tool, Onsite. Great while on the jobsite or training new employees, Onsite has lots of videos and information, plus it focuses on the 3 most common mistakes made when installing OSB. There are videos for Sub-Floor, Wall and Roof applications plus a Trouble Shooting section. The online tool is a guide only. Always consult the local building codes, design professional’s specifications or the APA’s E30 for details that may apply to your application.

Visit the resources page for more information on product documents, forest certification, APA publications, seminars & trade shows.