Installation

West Fraser’s Trubord structural panels are to be installed according to the APA’s (The Engineered Wood Association) Construction Guide E30 and the appropriate building code. Below are a few key installation points.

  1. Make sure rafter alignment is uniform and square.
  2. Prior to application, acclimatization of panels to surroundings for at least 24 hours is recommended.
  3. A minimum of 1/8″ spacing is required at the ends and sides of panels.
  4. All panels must be continuous over two or more spans.
  5. Install panels perpendicular to the roof rafters.
  6. Roof clips are recommended and may be required* – check your local code requirements.
  7. Fasteners are to be 3/8″ in from edges and corners.
  8. Us 8d nails to fasten panels to the rafters.  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).
  9. A minimum of a 2′ wide panel is required at the peak.  (Wind loads are the greatest at the peak and eves.)
  10. Check for “shiners” and refasten or add additional fasteners.
  11. Cover the roof sheathing as soon as possible with shingle underlayment (or #15 roofing felt) to protect panels from weather.  If construction delays are anticipated, cover with #30 roofing felt.
  12. Check local building codes for minimum ventilation requirements* and build accordingly.
  13. Spraying foam insulation to the underside of the sheathing may reduce or void some shingle warranties.
  14. Provide 3/4″ expansion joints for every continuous section of panels exceeding 80 feet in length.
  15. Always wear the appropriate safety equipment.
  16. For roofs over 80′ in length, see APA U425 for details.

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

Prevent Buckling with Proper Spacing

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.

Resources

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