Download Construction Tips.

Construction Tips.
Norbord.com/NA
Why Turning On The Hvac During Construction Is A Good Idea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
What Is The Difference Between Energy Efficiency And Efficacy? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
When Using A Caulking Gun, Should I Push Or Pull?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Replacing Rotten Sills And Joists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
How Your AC Can Lead To Poor Indoor Air Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Reasons For Reduced Airflow In Ducts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Construction Industry Faces Labor Shortages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Plywood Or OSB?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
EPA Imposes Tougher Rules For Wood-Burning Stoves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Engineered Wood Problems And Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Overdriven Fasteners And Shear Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Inspiring A Good Work Ethic In Your Construction Team. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
HERS Index Included In The IECC 2015. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Follow The Correct Fastener Protocols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Always Read The Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Are All Air Leaks The Same?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4 Essential Ways To Increase Productivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Norbord’s New Onsite App Helps Reduce Callbacks And Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Programmable Thermostats; Do They Really Save Money? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Ways To Minimize Buckling In Wood Sheathing Panels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Home Energy Audits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Keeping Up With Codes: A Small Business Owner’s Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5 Bathroom Design Mistakes To Avoid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
When In Doubt, Get A Second Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Norbord.com/NA
How Sand Dunes Prevent Flooding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Furnace Maintenance Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Green Globes Rating System Narrowly Beats Out Leed In Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Understanding R-Value And U-Value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Window Framing Material Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Mitigate Poor Indoor Air Quality With Mechanical Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Air-Sealing For Effective Building Envelopes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
The APA: A Valuable Resource For Industry Professionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Blower Door Testing Essentials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Can You Store OSB For Future Projects? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Phase Change Materials Make Windows More Efficient. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Exterior And Exposure 1 Ratings Explained. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Building A Storage Building Using OSB?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Apps For Building Industry Professionals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Best Ideas For Backyards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Will This OSB Meet Combustible Construction Requirements?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
What’s Your Building Science Climate Zone? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Heat Pump And Air Conditioner Condenser Locations Matter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Which Side Of Your OSB To Paint?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Are Vent-Free Fireplaces An Asset Or A Liability?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Tool Belt Technology Gives Modern Builders The Edge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
How Energy Audits Can Save You Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Plywood Or OSB Panels: Which Is Better? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Construction Abbreviations List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Norbord.com/NA
Construction Tips
Why Turning On The Hvac During Construction Is A Good
Idea
The rising costs of gas and construction materials,
as well as increased competition mean that small to
medium construction companies have to work hard to
keep costs to a minimum. One of the ways to do this is
to conserve energy and water onsite. However, there are
really great reasons why you should turn on the HVAC
and leave it on for the duration of your build.
Meet ASTM Compliance Levels
One of the most important reasons for keeping the
HVAC on is moisture control. Leaving the HVAC on will
establish the home’s ambient moisture and temperature conditions. This will allow for the increase or
decrease of moisture levels in building materials as they adjust to the new ambient conditions in the
home. Accurate moisture control is key for proof of warranty, while limiting liability, and complying with
industry standards on how to effectively manage moisture. The ASTM F2170 standard demands that a
concrete slab as well as the air around it be acclimated to ambient conditions for at least 48 hours before
RH testing.
Improved Flooring Installations
You can accelerate the drying time of your concrete slab and its adjustment to the service moisture
conditions of the home by leaving on the HVAC system. By stabilizing ambient conditions and ensuring a
continuous airflow, you can move excess moisture out of the home.
You can ensure a better flooring installation and reduce callbacks by allowing subflooring panels and
wood flooring to acclimate to the in-home moisture levels. Successful flooring installations rely on every
component of the flooring system being exposed to service conditions until they reach the required
moisture content prior to the flooring being installed. This will help prevent flooring components from
expanding or contracting (other than season changes) which can lead to uneven flooring.
Indoor Air Quality
The off-gassing of materials can significantly impact the indoor air quality. This may affect your workers
who are operating in confined spaces and the home occupants when your build is complete. Keeping the
HVAC system on will help to vent gases outside and bring in fresh air to improve air quality.
Turning off the HVAC system will also mean that the home is affected by temperature and humidity
fluctuations. This can cause building materials to expand and contract which can lead to other callback
issues. While turning off the HVAC system will save a little money in the short term, it may lead to bigger
long-term problems and expensive callbacks.
Norbord.com/NA
4
Construction Tips
What Is The Difference Between Energy Efficiency And
Efficacy?
Efficiency is output energy divided by input energy to give
you an idea of how much value for your investment you
are getting. We use this mostly with heating and cooling
systems.
Efficacy is defined as the ability to produce a desired
result. Efficacy is when you put energy in and get
something else out. For example, if you are putting
energy into a ceiling fan, you will get air flow out. The same goes for lighting where you put energy in and
get Lumens out.
When Using A Caulking Gun, Should I Push Or Pull?
Question
When applying sealants, should I pull the bead along
the joint, which leaves me with a more aesthetic look, or
should I push the bead which is messier, but does get
more sealant in the crack?
Answer
Should you push or pull when using a caulking gun?
Most contractors pull the caulking gun, but it’s hard
to keep an even pace and when the gun is pulled too
quickly, hardly any sealant is able to penetrate the joint.
Insufficient sealant will mean that your seal is not strong enough to bond and may split along the joint.
For this reason it’s much better to push the caulking gun along the joint in order to ensure that enough
sealant is applied to form a cohesive bond that is both air- and water-tight.
Don’t think ‘more is better’ because sealant that is applied too thickly will be less flexible and will lose its
elasticity. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions on sealant size which is usually 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch
Norbord.com/NA
5
Construction Tips
Replacing Rotten Sills And Joists
Question
When doing remodeling work, I often come across rotten
sills and joists. Should I remove these or can I leave
them in place?
Answer
Rot is caused by living fungi that can be creating health
hazards for building occupants. If the rot is in its early
stages, you can eliminate it by creating conditions which
are not conducive to living fungi. Since fungi thrive
between 32°F and 100°F and need water and oxygen, eliminating one or all of these elements will kill the
fungi and prevent further damage.
The easiest way to stop the rot is to keep the wood dry (under 22% moisture content). Find where
moisture is coming in to the home and patch the holes. Then use a heater or fan to dry the wood out.
You can sister joints into wood once rot is dealt with, but then you run the risk of it reoccurring should
moisture content rise above 22%. To prevent rot, treat wood with an anti-fungal spray. Once you have
sprayed the wood, allow it to dry completely before replacing joists. Always resolve your moisture
problems before dealing with rot or replacing sills and joists.
How Your AC Can Lead To Poor Indoor Air Quality
As summer temperatures rise, homeowners will be
closing up their homes and turning on the AC. But for
some, that could mean subjecting home occupants to
poor indoor air quality. Studies by the EPA show that
the indoor air quality in homes can be two to five times
worse than outside air, even if you live in the city. One
unlikely candidate for causing poor indoor air quality is
ducting design.
Effects Of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Known as sick building syndrome (SBS), illnesses that
result from poor indoor air quality are tricky to diagnose because of the wide range of symptoms that are
associated with SBS. Symptoms like headaches, congestion, skin and eye irritation, coughing, difficulty
breathing, asthma, oedema, lethargy and chest pains are most severe when sufferers are in the building,
but may continue even once they have left the home.
Norbord.com/NA
6
Construction Tips
How Ducting Affects Your Indoor Air Quality
If your ducts are leaky, your system could be pulling in air from unsuitable places. Vented crawl spaces,
musty basements or attics aren’t the best sources of fresh air for your home, so make sure that the air
that’s coming in is from a healthy source. Check ducts for leaks annually and repair damage to ensure
that your home is clean and your energy bill is lower.
Leaky ducts can also bring in excess moisture from outside which could lead to mold forming inside
ducting and vents. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, mold can pose a very
serious threat to the health of home occupants.
You should also check your filters for leaks. Filters are only effective if the air is passing through them,
they are correctly installed and regularly cleaned or replaced.
If bad ducting design leads to negative pressure inside your home, air infiltration from the basement,
attic, garage, crawlspaces or other undesirable places may reduce the quality of your indoor air. Negative
pressure may also cause back-drafting of combustion appliances. Instead of exhausting gases out through
flues, combustion appliances may be leaking carbon monoxide and other gases into your home.
Diagram from ACCA’s booklet Understanding the Friction Chart.
Reasons For Reduced Airflow In Ducts
Before the weather starts to really heat up, it may be
time to give your AC system a good inspection. If your
air flow is restricted, your air handler will have to work
harder which may increase energy use.
One of the most common causes of reduced air flow
is friction. When air passing inside a duct experiences
friction, it slows down and pressure is lost. The amount
of friction depends on the material that the ducting is
made from and how dirty it is inside. If you are using flex
ducting, ensure that it is pulled tight to reduce friction.
Rigid metal ducting provides an even smoother surface
and less friction for passing air.
Turbulence is another way in which airflow is restricted.
The main cause of turbulence is 90 degree elbows in
ducts. When you use elbows with curved sides, there is
less turbulence so choose your fittings with care.
Friction rates are given for different ducting and fitting
types. When combined with duct length, you can get an
accurate estimate of the pressure drop over the entire
system. Accuracy here will help you to select the correct sized HVAC appliances for your home. Any duct
work that is not sealed properly allows air leakage and will affect the airflow though the ducts and, of
course, the energy costs.
Norbord.com/NA
7
Construction Tips
Construction Industry Faces Labor Shortages
As the construction industry rebounds, construction
companies are faced with increasingly problematic
labor shortages that have caused delays of up to 30
days on new home builds. During the downturn, many
construction professionals moved to other industries
to find work which accounts for the current shortages
experienced in both the building material manufacturing
and construction industries. As construction slowed
during the recession, the number of workers decreased
from its 2006 high of 3.45 million workers to just under
2 million by March 2011.
A recent NAHB survey found that while only 30% of builders cited labor shortages as a problem in 2012,
53% were concerned about labor shortages by the end of 2013 and 65% of builders surveyed expected
the cost of labor to be an issue in 2014. Steve Brown from the Dallas News: “Homebuilding sector
employment is still down by more than a million workers from 2006 levels. The shortage is especially
acute in markets such as Dallas and Houston, where strong job growth is fueling demand for homes and
apartments.”
The greatest shortages were found in the framing and carpenter fields and builders had to compensate
by raising their wages (which led to increases in housing costs), looking further afield for potential
contractors or slowing down workloads to accommodate availability. David Crowe, chief economist of the
National Association of Home Builders: “A labor shortage tends to hit home buyers both with higher prices
and expensive delays. It’s a direct impact on the cost of the home because you have to pay more for the
resources to build it. And it’s an indirect increase because it delays final delivery of the home, and that
costs money, too.”
Labor shortages are compounded by the fact that fewer high school graduates are choosing construction
as a career. There are half as many 20-24 year-olds in construction now as there were in 2006 even
though the weekly wages have increased by 22.5 percent over this period. From Kris Hudson at the Wall
Street Journal: “Nationally, wages for construction workers are rising at nearly three times the rate for all
workers, increasing by 6.3% in February from a year earlier, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. In
comparison, the increase across all industries averaged 2.2% in that span.”
One of the ways in which the construction industry is striving to overcome labor shortages is through
hiring veterans. A February pledge by 100 companies in the construction industry to hire 100,000
veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan may prove to be a win/win situation. The unemployment rate of
veterans is 7.9% compared to the national average of 6.6%.
Despite these measures, there is no end to labor shortages in sight. With an aging population of
construction professionals and reduced enrollment rates, labor shortages are set to be a major headache
for some time to come.
Norbord.com/NA
8
Construction Tips
Plywood Or OSB?
Both OSB and plywood are made by gluing and pressing
wood together, although the process of doing so differs
considerably. The manufacturing process of OSB involves
cutting rectangular-shaped wood strands from logs and
laying them in cross-oriented layers using extremely high
pressure and heat to cure the resins to make a solidpanel product with a very consistent quality.
OSB has no core voids or gaps that can result in the
“soft spots” that sometimes happen in plywood.
This type of engineering and production process means
that OSB can be made into larger panels than plywood.
OSB is manufactured from smaller diameter trees which gives it a slight sustainability edge over plywood.
Plywood is made from thin sheets of veneer which are peeled from large logs using a lathe. The veneers
are then cross-laminated and glued together using a hot press. Each layer is perpendicular to the
underlying one. This means that plywood panels are lighter than OSB and may swell less when exposed to
moisture, especially at the edges.
OSB and plywood products share many of the same strength and performance characteristics. OSB is the
market leader in sheathing and subflooring material. Estimates put its market share as high as 75%.
EPA Imposes Tougher Rules For Wood-Burning Stoves
Wood-burning stoves have always provoked spirited
debate, mostly over safety and emissions. One of the
biggest objections from the EPA is the pollution which
has been linked to a number of serious health risks. Now
the EPA has announced new rules which govern wood
stoves in an effort to mitigate some the pollution caused
by our winter heating needs.
Not everyone is supporting the move to cleaner
stoves. Larry Bell from Forbes Magazine: “The EPA
has recently banned the production and sale of 80
percent of America’s current wood-burning stoves, the
oldest heating method known to mankind and mainstay of rural homes and many of our nation’s poorest
residents. The agency’s stringent one-size-fits-all rules apply equally to heavily air-polluted cities and far
cleaner plus typically colder off-grid wilderness areas such as large regions of Alaska and the American
West.”
Norbord.com/NA
9
Construction Tips
On January 3rd, the EPA announced new regulations that call on manufacturers to reduce the particulate
matter emitted by wood-burning stoves by 25% (from the current requirement of 15 micrograms per cubic
meter of air to 12 micrograms) which, the agency claims, will make these stoves 80% cleaner.
“Smoke from residential wood heaters, which are used around the clock in some communities, can
increase toxic air pollution, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide and soot, also known as
particle pollution, to levels that pose serious health concerns,” Said the EPA. “Particle pollution is linked
to a wide range of serious health effects, including heart attacks, strokes and asthma attacks. In some
areas, residential wood smoke makes up a significant portion of the fine particle pollution problem.”
The new regulations will cover wood stoves, fireplace inserts, indoor and outdoor wood boilers, hydronic
heaters, wood fire forced air furnaces and masonry heaters but exempts fireplaces, fire pits, pizza ovens,
barbecues and chimineas.
The more stringent regulations will be phased in over the next five years to afford manufacturers the
opportunity to improve designs to meet the new emission controls. Owners of older models that do not
meet the new standards will not need to upgrade their stoves, but will not be able to sell or trade old
stoves for new ones.
The EPA claims that for every dollar spent on the new wood-burning stoves, between $118 and $267 will
be gained in health benefits.
Improvements in efficiency will mean that homeowners who install the new wood-burning stoves will be
able to look forward to reduced costs. These savings (combined with the health benefits) are projected to
save Americans $1.8 to $2.4 billion annually.
Engineered Wood Problems And Solutions
Common mistakes in installing engineered wood
can create expensive problems and callbacks like
telegraphing in roof shingles and flooring and squeaky
or bouncy floors. Wall sheathing isn’t immune to these
mistakes either and walls that rattle during strong winds
or let moisture in and conditioned air out are caused by
a lack of attention to details such as fastening during
framing.
Going With The Strength Axis
Panels are strongest in the direction of the grain, usually
the long direction of the top ply. Engineered panels are
similar to solid wood, so go with the grain unless otherwise specified. Engineered wood panels should
always be installed so that the grade stamp is visible. Subfloors and roofs go stamp down and walls
have stamps facing the inside of the house so that the building inspector can confirm that the right OSB
sheathing was utilized.
Norbord.com/NA
10
Construction Tips
The same goes for glulam beams which are engineered with a slight camber. When installing glulam
beams, ensure that the camber faces upwards as they will only perform to their span rating when installed
correctly. Each beam will be labeled with a stamp that says ‘Top’ for easy identification.
Corect Panel Spacing
Panels will swell to adjust to ambient moisture conditions. The framer must leave a 1/8-inch gap between
panels to allow them to acclimate without buckling.
Correct Panel Supports
Every engineered wood panel needs at least three supports; one on both edges and another in the middle
for rigidity. Always check the span rating of the panel, found in the grade stamps, to ensure it meets code
for the application.
Using The Correct Nailing Protocols
Nailing patterns suggested by the manufacturer and design professional should be followed. Nails should
be driven so that the heads are flush with the panel surface, not below or above it. Overdriven nails
reduce panel properties and cause a loss of shear resistance. You should also ensure that nails hit their
supporting framing member so that panels are properly secured.
Adhesives
Ensure that you use an adhesive that matches the manufacturer’s recommendation and that you apply
enough adhesive between the subfloor and joist to prevent squeaking. Only apply enough glue at any one
time to install 2 or 3 panels to avoid the glue setting up and causing other problems. Adhesives are to be
used in addition to fasteners and not as a replacement.
Improper Notching And Cutting
This duplicate code violation is a prevalent one in homes with I-joists. Since the greatest shear forces on
the web occur near the end of the joist, avoid cutting holes for utilities in this area. I-joist manufacturers
provide clear hole-cutting guidelines with their products so follow these for best results.
Norbord.com/NA
11
Construction Tips
Overdriven Fasteners And Shear Capacity
Overdriven fasteners can affect the shear capacity. Here
are the important things to look for and if necessary
corrective actions required as outlined by the APA.
The following is a suggested guideline for determining
if overdriven fasteners will affect the shear capacity of
diaphragm or shear wall construction.
1.
If any case described below is met then no reduction in shear capacity needs to be taken.
•
If nails are overdriven into panels by 1/16” during construction under dry conditions
(moisture content less than 16%).
•
If no more than 20% of the fasteners around the perimeter of the panels are overdriven by
1/16” up to 1/8”, no reduction in shear capacity needs to be taken.
•
If all fasteners around the perimeter of panels appear to be overdriven by the same amount,
and it appears that panels have been wetted during construction, it can be assumed
that the fastener embedment is due to panel thickness swelling. This can be verified by
measuring the thickness of panels where fasteners appear to be overdriven, and comparing
to measurements where panels have been protected from the weather, or to the original
nominal panel thickness which is part of the APA trademark.
•
If actual panels used in construction are thicker than required minimum nominal panel
thickness upon which the design shear capacity is based, and the overdriving is less than
or equal to the difference between the two panel thicknesses. For example, if design shear
for the construction requires a 15/32” minimum nominal panel thickness and the actual
sheathing is 19/32” with all fasteners overdriven 1/8”, the net result is a 15/32” panel
which meets the design shear requirements.
2. If more than 20% of the fasteners around the perimeter of panels are overdriven by over 1/16”, or
if any are overdriven by more than 1/8”, additional fasteners shall be driven to maintain the required
shear capacity. For every two fasteners overdriven, one additional fastener shall be driven. If nails
were used in the original installation, and are spaced too close to allow the placement of additional
nails, then approved staples must be used for the additional fasteners required.
Norbord.com/NA
12
Construction Tips
Inspiring A Good Work Ethic In Your Construction Team
The construction industry is competitive and in order
to get ahead, you must consistently deliver quality in
the shortest amount of time and at the lowest possible
cost. Your most important asset is your team, but many
managers have difficulty finding the right people. If
you are experiencing a high employee turnover or have
trouble finding the right employees, there are ways in
which to create a culture of teamwork and support that
cultivate a good work ethic.
A Little Appreciation Goes A Long Way
One of the key components to creating a positive work environment is to reward a job well done.
Incentives for quality and rewards for teamwork will motivate employees to excel.
Another important aspect is to train employees in the leadership and behavior that you want to see. If you
want to promote an employee, ensure that they have the requisite leadership skills for their new position.
In training for new recruits, be sure to outline the ethics and conduct that you expect rather than focusing
solely on skills-related training.
Consider employee ownership as an option. When you find employees that you want to hang on to,
offering them a piece of the pie not only ensures their loyalty, it also motivates them to work harder.
Employee Surveys
Remember the old suggestion box? The best people to offer advice about how to make the workplace a
better one are the people who spend the most time in it. While you may have regular performance reviews
for your team, subjecting yourself to the same standards can be a very constructive exercise.
One of the best ways to find out what your employees would like to see improved is to conduct an annual
anonymous survey. DPR Construction, voted the 15th best company to work for in 2013, conducts annual
surveys where they measure employee satisfaction and takes suggestions on ways to improve.
Doug Woods, vice-president of DPR Construction has this to say: “Inspiring employees and cultivating
respect are pivotal to DPR’s business. As a company, it’s our job to take care of our customers, which
means consistently delivering the highest quality facilities in the shortest amount of time and at the
lowest possible cost. To do so, we know we must continue to hire, inspire, develop and grow the best
people in the industry and to measure our performance against some of the best companies in the
world.”
Focus On Employee Development
If your employees feel that they are able to grow in your organization, they will be more likely to stay.
Investing in their development on the skills and leadership fronts will help them to grow. Investing in your
employees inspires loyalty and ensures they won’t go elsewhere when they want to advance their careers.
Norbord.com/NA
13
Construction Tips
HERS Index Included In The IECC 2015
Many homeowners and home buyers are looking to
home rating systems to ensure that their homes reach
energy-efficiency targets and to potentially qualify for
government rebates. Builders also support home rating
systems as they provide a valuable selling point for
prospective homeowners. One of these rating systems
is the increasingly popular HERS index which has just
been adopted as part of the 2015 International Energy
Conservation Code (IECC).
What Is A HERS Index?
The HERS Index measures the energy efficiency of a home. From the Residential Energy Services Network:
“The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the industry standard by which a home’s energy
efficiency is measured. It’s also the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home’s
energy performance.”
The HERS Index indicates how much energy your home is using (or potential energy consumption) and
where improvements could be made to increase efficiency. Older homes score about 130 on the HERS
Index while a modern energy efficient home should score about 100. This score is based on specifications
found in the 2004/2006 International Energy Conservation Code.
The 100 index is based on energy consumed by heating, cooling, lights, water heating and some
appliances. Each 1% change in the HERS Index indicates a 1% change in energy efficiency with 0% being a
net-zero home which produces as much energy as it consumes. Consequently; a home that score 70 will
be 30% more energy efficient than a standard new home that scores 100.
How Is HERS Calculated?
Your home’s score is calculated by a certified HERS Rater who compiles energy usage data from the home
and compares that data with the reference home with a score of 100 that has a similar size, shape and
design in the same climate zone. According to RESNET: “The reference home is the geometric twin of the
rated home, configured to a standard set of thermal performance characteristics, from which the energy
budget, that is the basis for comparison, is derived.”
When you apply for a HERS Index rating, you get a number that shows how your home’s energy use
compares to a reference point; that being the HERS Reference Home. The inclusion of the HERS Index
in the 2015 Energy Code will encourage builders to construct more homes which adhere to a higher
standard of energy efficiency and it highlights the need for an index which accounts for climate zone.
Norbord.com/NA
14
Construction Tips
Follow The Correct Fastener Protocols
When installing new materials, most construction
professionals take care to establish the correct fastener
patterns required for the product to work optimally, but
how many of you ensure that you are using the right
fasteners?
Always know what type, length and gauge fastener you
should use in order to ensure durability and prevent
expensive call-backs from inspections. It’s cheaper and
easier to avoid problems that fix them later! Refer the manufacturer’s instructions and building code for
guidelines on the right fasteners for the job.
Ensure that your nail guns are adjusted to the correct settings for the kinds of fasteners you are using
and the materials you are installing. Check the compressor throughout the day as changes in temperature
can affect the pressure. Overdriven and under-driven fasteners do not have the same holding power that a
properly driven ones do.
Always Read The Instructions
There are certain pitfalls that construction professionals
are prone to making that can reduce the longevity of their
roof, wall and floor system. One of the ones we neglect
most often is to follow the manufacturer’s Instructions.
This seems obvious, but it’s important to remember
that products that look similar may have very
different installation protocols and even building code
requirements. Always defer to the manufacturer’s
instructions and notify your design professional if they
conflict with their instructions. Failure to follow the
instructions can lead to a lack of durability or your
warranty may be void.
Be sure to read instructions on each material before installation because even the smallest changes are
there for a reason and keep a record of manufacturer’s guidelines with the foreman.
Norbord.com/NA
15
Construction Tips
Are All Air Leaks The Same?
In an effort to create an airtight building envelope, you
may want to know which gaps to focus your energy on.
When considering air leaks, there are some that will give
you more bang for your energy efficient buck.
As a rule of thumb, air leaks which are higher up (think
attic) are more important to plug. But they aren’t the
only ones to consider, especially if you live in a highwind area. In these areas, the pressure applied to the
home during high wind events tends to short-circuit the
stack effect so it would be just as important to focus on
sealing walls as it would the attic.
One way to reduce the amount of sealing one has to do in the walls is to eliminate horizontal seams
by using taller wall panels like WindStorm and TallWall. Use Windstorm and TallWall in conjunction with
Energy Trusses (also called Raised Heel Trusses) and reduce the air leakage at joints where the walls and
roof connect.
According to the Homeowners & Trades Resource Center, your sealing priorities should be as follows:
• The attic is still number 1
• Cantilevers come in second and they can act as both an escape route & entry point
• Basements, Crawl Spaces
• The dominant wind wall
• Windows, doors, and other large penetrations in all the other walls
4 Essential Ways To Increase Productivity
Your processes, both in the office and on the job
site, need to be dynamic. This means that you are
constantly evolving to improve efficiency and productivity.
Productivity accounts for the quality of your service
and the resources you need to maintain the highest
standards. You should be open to new approaches,
constantly update equipment and technology and use
reliable assessment tools to establish what works and
what doesn’t.
Norbord.com/NA
16
Construction Tips
Technology
This is really where you can increase productivity on the job site. Construction project management
software will help with scheduling trades, ordering construction materials and processes so you never
have to wait.
Tablets and laptops, especially designed for onsite use, help to bring your plans on to the job site. You can
access plans and share them with other workers. When plans and documents are stored on the cloud,
changes to the plans are instantly accessible to all users which means that everyone is working off the
most current plans.
3D navigation applications enable designers and builders to turn off different layers so that they can see
the structural elements which they are working with.
Communication between all parties is standardized and instant, so changes can be communicated
effectively, customer approval obtained and issues reported and documented with ease.
Inspectors can create files with pictures, documentation and issues numbered on the plans and take
videos so that notes can be created in the field and sent instantly to the relevant design professionals
and onsite managers. This helps to expedite the inspection process.
The wide range of construction apps help you to make the best decisions, follow code, review
manufacturer’s instructions and get installation tips instantly. Apps also take the time and effort out of
data collection. These apps arrange data to make it easy to understand where your processes can be
more efficient.
This enables you to measure the time, efficacy and quality of each contractor. You may notice that the
HVAC installer that works for 10% less actually takes twice as long to install the system or that some of
your processes need to be streamlined.
Download Norbord’s new Onsite App for free here.
Equipment
There are always new, innovative tools and construction equipment on the market and some of them can
really help to improve the quality of your build while reducing the time it takes to complete the job. Before
buying new equipment, establish your equipment budget for the year. Then investigate the ROI of each
potential candidate. Updating your equipment must have some value either in the quality it will bring to
your workmanship or in time savings. Buying just because it’s new is not a good reason.
Once you have established which equipment will give you the most bang for your investment buck, you
should also ensure that the requisite training and safety precautions are in place; there’s no use buying
new equipment if it’s going to result in injury, damage or expensive callbacks.
Set The Scene
Always ensure that your job sites are clear of debris and are safe for workers. When you know trades are
Norbord.com/NA
17
Construction Tips
scheduled, optimize the job site for them so that they can come in and complete their tasks as efficiently
as possible. Take the time to set up proper security measures to ensure the safety of materials and
equipment. Store equipment and materials properly so as to avoid damage. Always protect areas that
have been completed to avoid callbacks. For example, be sure to cover the bath during tiling or place extra
OSB panels over your subflooring to prevent damage by drywall carts.
Employee Performance
Now that you have access to software and apps that help you to collect data effectively, you have all the
information you need to gauge employee performance in the field. The speed with which they complete
tasks, callbacks, quality, teamwork and customer care all factor in to their performance.
Reward improvements in performance and set realistic performance goals for each team member. Provide
incentives for your employees to reach their goals. It’s important that your employees feel appreciated,
so ensure that you acknowledge a job well done. Your employees are the best resource for suggestions
on how to improve productivity and reduce construction time and expenses, so ask for their input and
discuss new processes and equipment prior to implementation; they are far more likely to get onboard
with changes they have been a part of.
Norbord’s New Onsite App Helps Reduce Callbacks And
Costs
Norbord’s new Onsite app helps prevent mistakes and
reduces construction time. Onsite enables builders,
framers, and DIYers to work effectively with all their OSB
products. Onsite debuts at the International Builders
Show in Las Vegas on February 4th 2014.
Mike Dawson, VP Sales, Marketing and Logistics at
Norbord says “We talked to builders, trades, pro dealers
and industry associations about the most common and
frequent installation mistakes. Those conversations
led to the development of our new app that can remind
experienced crews and educate new framing members
on the correct way to install structural panels, reducing call-backs and construction times.”
Onsite is an excellent resource, providing education and information for new and experienced builders and
framers. It’s convenient for use on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices at the job site, whenever you need
it.
Norbord’s Onsite app has all the resources you need to make framing with structural panels easier.
Onsite’s resources are divided into three main sections; how-to guides, a video library and a
troubleshooting section.
Norbord.com/NA
18
Construction Tips
How-to guides: This addresses some of the most common mistakes which negatively affect structural
panel performance. These include tips for the beginner and the experienced framer. The guide covers the
three main areas of proper fastening, moisture management and panel spacing. This guide also gives
specifics for sub-flooring panels, wall panels and roof sheathing panels.
Videos give you visual guides for the topics covered in the how-to’s and full-length installation videos
which are convenient and easy to watch onsite.
Troubleshooting: This will help you look for and address installation issues. If you can’t find a solution in
our Onsite library, this section of the app allows you to send a notification directly to Norbord with photos
so a representative can help you address your concerns.
All builders and framers will find Onsite helpful, but especially those who are new to the industry.
Illustrations, text and how-to-videos guide you through floor, wall and roof applications during construction.
To learn more about Onsite App or to download please visit: www.norbord.com/onsiteapp.
Also available in Spanish.
Programmable Thermostats; Do They Really Save Money?
Programmable thermostats do have the potential to
save the homeowner money, but they can also cost
more. The secret to success is the way in which you use
them. Whether you are installing one in your own home
or in a home for your customer, it’s imperative that you
educate users so that they are able to effectively save
energy (and money) by correctly using a programmable
thermostat.
According to Energy Star, about 45% of a home’s energy
is utilized for heating and cooling (that averages about
$2,100-$2,500 annually). Unfortunately, a large portion
of that goes to heating or cooling unoccupied spaces.
You also don’t need to heat or cool your home as much
when you are sleeping. For every 1 degree Fahrenheit
you turn your thermostat down, you will use 1% less energy. That means if you reduce your heating by 10
degrees at night, you will use 10% less energy. The savings are larger the bigger the difference between
inside and outside temperatures.
The idea of the programmable thermostat is that you will reduce energy usage when you are away at
work or when you are sleeping. When used correctly, programmable thermostats are touted as saving the
homeowner 10-30% on their heating and cooling bills. However, these figures are difficult to achieve.
From the EPA: “Consumers are often advised that installing a programmable thermostat can save them
anywhere from 10 to 30% on the space heating and cooling portion of their energy bills. While reliant on
Norbord.com/NA
19
Construction Tips
proper use of the programmable thermostat, such savings are easily true in theory; however, there needs
to be more field-tested data to better substantiate savings claims. Analyses from recent field studies
have suggested that programmable thermostats may be achieving considerably lower savings than their
estimated potential.”
Some studies show that programmable thermostats actually save between 6.2 and 6.8% while a Florida
study showed that people who had programmable thermostats used an average of 12% more energy. The
reason few programmable thermostats save money is because while occupants do use less energy when
they are away or sleeping, they tend to use more when they are at home.
The defining elements of success seem to be attitude and consistency. The occupants must be
determined to save energy even when they are home and awake. The presets for occupied and
unoccupied rooms need to be set and then left. Large swings in thermostat temperatures and constant
changes will use more energy.
A good guideline for winter is to set your programmable thermostat to about 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20
degrees Celsius) when you are home and lower (about 10-12 degrees Fahrenheit or 6-8 degrees Celsius)
when you are sleeping or away. Get your thermostat to turn on the heat about an hour before you get up or
get home.
During warmer months your base temperature should be around 78° F or 26° C and warmer when you are
not home or when you are asleep.
Ways To Minimize Buckling In Wood Sheathing Panels
Buckling is mostly the result of moisture which causes
wood sheathing panels to expand. While buckling does
little to effect the structural integrity of the OSB panel, it
can have a negative aesthetic effect which would result
in expensive callbacks. Here are some ways in which
you can mitigate the effects of buckling by accounting
for normal moisture conditions and through moisture
control.
Your wood sheathing panels will naturally absorb water
until they are in equilibrium with their new environment.
From the APA: “In typical sheathing applications, relative
humidity may vary between 40 percent and 80 percent, with corresponding equilibrium moisture content
of the panels ranging between 6 percent and 14 percent.”
Generally this causes the panels to expand and contract to about 1/8 inch. You must make allowances for
this expansion by leaving an 1/8-inch gap between panels. Panels will expand more if directly exposed to
moisture. When you store panels onsite during the construction process, keep the panels from getting wet
by covering them and keeping them up off the ground.
Norbord.com/NA
20
Construction Tips
If the panels do get wet, cut the straps to ensure even expansion and allow them to dry sufficiently before
installation.
Design To Reduce Buckling
Panel spacing is an essential element to prevent buckling, but allowing the panels to acclimate prior to
installation will also help. You can get a full guide to on-site panel storage here.
Take care to install OSB sub-flooring with strength axis at right angles to the joists. OSB roof sheathing
should be also installed with the strength axis at right angles to the roof framing rather than parallel to the
supports. Remember that your span ratings are based on the proper installation of panels. Ensure that
your OSB panels are installed according to your local building code, design professional’s instructions and
the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Check that floor joists, rafters and wall framing are flat, square and level. Buckling of panels can result
from improper framing techniques.
Follow proper fastener spacing patterns, use the correct size fastener and ensure that fasteners do not
miss underlying supports. Consult your manufacturer or design professional for nail spacing and size.
Moisture Control
Adequate ventilation is essential to dealing with moisture. Follow your local building codes to ensure that
any areas such as attics and crawl spaces are correctly ventilated and ensure that your placement of
blocking and bridging does not interfere with the movement of air.
Keep attic and soffit vents clear. Baffling should be installed to keep insulation from clogging vent
openings.
Where suitable, use a vapor barrier to prevent moist air from entering the home.
Properly seal all light fixtures, plumbing fixtures and other holes.
Vent all appliances like dryers, bath and kitchen fans to the outside rather than into the attic, basement or
crawl spaces.
Home Energy Audits
Home energy audits help homeowners and construction
professionals to find the best solutions for improving
efficiency in existing homes and as a way to measure
the efficacy of newly installed systems. While most
professionals have some experience with home energy
audits, there are many contractors who take short cuts.
Knowing what to expect from a home energy audit and
the right questions to ask will ensure that you get the
most accurate results.
Norbord.com/NA
21
Construction Tips
Components Of An Energy Audit
The average energy audit on an existing structure will take about half the day. You can prepare your job
site or home for inspections on the following:
• A visual inspection of all areas from the attic to the crawlspaces.
• HVAC testing including a duct blaster test to find leaks as well as efficiency and safety tests for all
combustion appliances.
• A blower door test to ascertain the leakage rate of the structure and to identify the location of those
leaks.
• An infrared camera test to identify hot or cold spots in wall and roofing structures. This helps to
identify areas where insulation needs to be bolstered.
• Inspection to ensure that moisture is being vented outside of the house from places like bathrooms,
the laundry etc.
Costs for home energy audits range from $200-$500 dollars, but (if you are a contractor) you may want to
include this in the overall quote for retrofitting projects. Many local governments subsidize home energy
audits which may make this more cost effective for the home owner.
Companies provide different levels of home energy audits, so ensure that you are getting all the
information you need.
Keeping Up With Codes: A Small Business Owner’s Guide
The rapid rate with which burgeoning technologies
introduce new materials, products and techniques to the
construction industry marketplace means that building
codes need to be constantly changing in order to provide
consumers with buildings which are safe and energy
efficient. Changing weather conditions and rising water
levels compound the need for building codes that change
to meet these new challenges. This means that every
three years, building code changes help to improve the
way we build. For small business owners, these constant
changes may prove difficult to keep up with.
Behind each new iteration, there is a library of proposed changes, test data and a wealth of information
which is required for a code to go through the review process. While most industry professionals will only
read the “Major Changes” documentation, reviewing the supporting documentation can be as effective as
a training course and can give you a much deeper understanding of the codes, how to interpret them and
how to implement them.
Norbord.com/NA
22
Construction Tips
Changing building codes provide strong barriers to entry which make it necessary to use a professional
builder. This means that builders with the expertise to professionally complete a job are able to charge
fees commensurate with their knowledge. Constant code changes help to add to that body of knowledge
and introduce builders to techniques and products that make their buildings stronger and more energy
efficient. It may also introduce them to techniques which save construction time and money which
improves their profit margins.
The latest changes to the International Building Code (IBC) are set to be released in 2015. The
International Code Council provides a wealth of information to the construction industry. You can follow
the proposed changes and read up on studies and other supporting documents here. Following the
development cycle and reading supporting documents is a great way to stay abreast of code changes as
they happen so that you can phase in new techniques over the next two years.
Going for training and sending employees on training courses is good for professional development and is
cheaper than expensive call backs which may result from failed inspections if your crew doesn’t know how
to correctly implement new codes. You can contact your local building council for information on training
courses in your area.
A combination of training and following documentation as it is released should become a professional
habit. The more you learn, the better you will be at your chosen profession and you can offer to your
customer base a far better service. Make training and continuous education a part of your business and
always stay ahead of the building code curve.
Canadian construction codes are available from the NRC: http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/solutions/
advisory/codes_centre_index.html.
5 Bathroom Design Mistakes To Avoid
The bathroom is surprisingly one of the most difficult
rooms in the house to design effectively. Whether you
are designing a new bathroom or working on a remodel,
this is the one room where form and function must meet
seamlessly to create a practical space for the building
occupants that is aesthetically pleasing. Here are five
common mistakes that can detract from an otherwise
perfect bathroom design.
Let The Sunshine In
Avoid dark, dank bathrooms by designing yours adjacent
to an outside wall so that you can put windows in. If this is impractical, consider a skylight to let some
sunshine in or a comprehensive lighting system that will transform your bathroom into a bright, sunny
place. Also ensure that your lavatory is properly ventilated outside.
Norbord.com/NA
23
Construction Tips
Location, Location, Location
Its common practice to avoid placing bathrooms in the line of sight of common rooms such as dining
rooms, kitchen and living rooms. If you must situate the bathroom off one of these rooms, use a small
passage or alcove to ensure that you can’t sit in the kitchen or dining room and see the toilet.
Careful Planning
Speaking of line of site, never make the toilet the first thing you can see when you enter the bathroom.
Rather make that the basin or the shower. An even better idea is to separate the toilet with a wall in
homes with many occupants so that the functionality of the bathroom is doubled. Now two people are able
to use the bathroom at the same time.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Curbless showers make the bathroom look bigger. If space is an issue, then follow universal design
principles and use lighter colors to make spaces look bigger. You should also avoid pairing colors
which contrast sharply as this makes the space look smaller. Create plenty of storage space as clear
countertops also give the illusion of space.
Funtionality First
Whether you have all the space to create a large bathroom, or you’re squeezing a bathroom into a
tiny space, always put functionality first. Having a bathroom that functions well is worth making a few
aesthetic sacrifices for. Take care to avoid designing bathroom spaces which are too small as these
cramped conditions won’t be comfortable even if they are meeting building code guidelines.
When In Doubt, Get A Second Opinion
Question
I live in a new home (three years old 25’X25’) and I
had a kitchen sink water line leak. This messed up my
floating laminate flooring and likely caused a bit of edge
swell on the sub floor. I removed about 4 x 10 area of
laminate to check things out. My repair guy who told me
I’d have to replace all the 2 x10 at 24” joists with 2 x 12
because the 12 1/2 ‘ x 2” span was too much. He also
said I need to replace the sub floor. This doesn’t sound
right to me.
Answer
Your 2×10 at 24” span is ok and you shouldn’t need to replace it with 2x12s. It was built to code and is
only 3 years old! Just check the nail pattern and sand the seams flat. Remember, if something doesn’t
sound right to you, always get a second opinion; it may save you a lot of money.
Norbord.com/NA
24
Construction Tips
How Sand Dunes Prevent Flooding
After the devastation wrecked by Hurricane Sandy, New
York’s Mayor Bloomberg released a report called “A
Stronger, More Resilient New York,” which informed
residents that rising sea levels and climate change had
created a need to improve defenses against flooding.
One of the most important ways to do so will be through
the restoration of sand dunes along the coast. Sand
dunes help to mitigate the effects of flooding during
storms and, according to Dr. Phillip Orton who consulted
on the report, the restoration and expansion of sand
dunes “is a proven method of effectively reducing
flooding. It had a huge positive influence on areas along
open shores during Sandy.”
Wake Up Call
For many residents of New York and New Jersey, hurricane Sandy was the wakeup call needed to take
real action against rising sea levels and the threat of severe storms. While the prognosis is dire, Mayor
Bloomberg outlined the city’s plans to prevent damage from flooding and high winds in the future: “Our
city will be much more vulnerable to flooding in the decades ahead…We expect that by mid-century up
to one-quarter of all of New York City’s land area, where 800,000 residents live today, will be in the
floodplain. If we do nothing, more than 40 miles of our waterfront could see flooding on a regular basis,
just during normal high tides… [Hurricane] Sandy cost our City $19 billion in damages and lost economic
activity. And we now forecast that a storm like Sandy could cost nearly five times that much by midcentury—around $90 billion.”
Natural Tactics
Part of the comprehensive plan to protect against flooding and storm damage revolves around restoring
and expanding the area’s natural sand dunes, oyster reefs and wetlands. These natural flood prevention
methods were favored over building sea walls which would take decades and cost an estimated $25
billion. Sea walls also have dire hydrodynamical effects on the shoreline.
Dr. Orton explains how these effects could negatively affect the city: “The fluid dynamics is a definite
reason for not building barriers in the harbor. Any barrier raises the flood level somewhere else
some amount. At Stevens Institute, we’ve run models and quantified the storm surge increase off of
hypothetical barriers due to the reflection of the storm surge back out to sea. Since we’re right next to the
open ocean, the extra water radiates out to sea and the storm surge increase is not actually that large.
But even a decimeter is still too much for some high-risk, low-lying neighborhoods to find it palatable.”
Despite the positive influence of these natural flood prevention methods, some of the low-lying
neighbourhoods are slated to be under six feet of water by the end of the century. Governor Cuomo has
proposed a buy-out plan that compensates residents and acquires property that can be used for further
sand dune and wetland development.
Norbord.com/NA
25
Construction Tips
Furnace Maintenance Tips
As the seasons change, it’s time to give your heating
system a once-over to avoid any mid-winter freezes
from dysfunctional furnaces. Regular maintenance of
your ducting and furnace can reduce energy costs, and
improve the efficiency and longevity of your furnace.
Always follow your manufacturer’s recommendations
when conducting furnace maintenance. Here are some
additional tips to consider.
Check air filters and clean or replace as necessary.
Ensure that vents are clean and free from obstruction.
Have the ducts and the chimney cleaned annually.
Ensure that they are both free from obstructions and
cleared of dust.
Inspect the outside flue and ensure that no vegetation has grown over it through the summer months and
that it is clean and clear of debris.
Check that all the components of your heating system are clean and in good working order and use a
vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the coil. Remove the cover from the air handler and check that the
blower belt is in good working order. A cracked or loose belt can reduce furnace efficiency. If the belt is
loose, cracked or frayed, replace it. A few drops of oil on moving parts will also improve efficiency.
If you have a programmable or set-back thermostat, program it to lower the temperature of your home
while you are asleep or at work. Effectively managing your thermostat can save you 20-75% of your
operating costs according to the Consumer Energy Center.
Reduce drafts and increase the efficiency of your HVAC system by sealing ductwork effectively.
Reverse the switches on your sealing fans so that they effectively circulate heat throughout your home.
Green Globes Rating System Narrowly Beats Out Leed In
Study
Green Globes may not be as well-known as some of
its competitors, but it certainly is the little building
rating system that could. More than eleven years in the
making, this simple, practical rating system is recognized
as a US national standard. Green Globes is used in both
the US and Canada to rate new developments as well
as existing buildings. A recent study by the U.S. General
Services Administration (GSA) found that Green Globes
beat out other building rating systems (including LEED)
as it was most closely aligned to federal requirements
for new construction.
Norbord.com/NA
26
Construction Tips
History Of Green Globes
Like most rating systems, Green Globes gets its basic DNA from the Building Research Establishment’s
Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). Having worked with this system in the UK, Jiri Skopek
brought BREEAM to Canada. Skopek had studied in London and had been involved in some interesting
projects including master planning the BCE Place, building a recording studio for the legendary The Who,
designing the first UK solar house in Milton Keynes.
The system was adapted to suit conditions in Canada with collaboration between representatives from
federal and provincial departments, the National Research Council and University of Toronto. BREEAM
morphed into Green Globes in 2000 when it became the first online building rating system.
“Green Globes is used in both the USA and Canada,” says Skopek. “In the USA, Green Globes is operated
by the Green Building Initiative (GBI) while in Canada, the existing buildings program is run by Building
Owners and Managers Association of Canada (BOMA) under the name ‘BOMA BEST’.”
Why Use Green Globes?
“We are always working to refine and perfect the system,” says Skopek. “In fact, a major overhaul of
our new construction rating system will be released in November. The GBI is also committed to constant
improvements and they have become the first green building organization to be accredited as a standards
developer by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The official Green Globes ANSI standard
was published in 2010.”
Green Globes grew out of a need to simplify complex existing building rating systems. “Our new system
rates buildings on a thousand points,” says Skopek. “We feel that it’s important to focus on designing
buildings comprehensively rather than including features simply because they will earn you a point. With
so many ways in which to earn points, designers can focus on creating the most energy efficient building
designs and forget about point chasing.”
The Green Globes system certainly is user friendly. This means you don’t need an external consultant
and can do everything online yourself. It’s much cheaper than other rating systems and provides market
recognition through third-party verification.
Apart from energy modeling and life cycle assessment, Green Globes requires little in the way of
additional supporting documentation and the rating is based on the review of working drawings and
specifications which designers have already completed. In the new version a post-construction follow up
with photos and descriptions gives the building credit for the extent to which it has fulfilled the original
plans.
Green Globes has enjoyed widespread success as a building rating system and is used by large
developers and property management companies like the Canadian federal government. It has many
iconic feathers in its cap including the Vancouver Olympic Velodrome, Carleton University, the University of
Alberta and many Scotiabank buildings in Canada. In the US notable Green Globe-rated buildings include
the Clinton Library and Drexel University.
Norbord.com/NA
27
Construction Tips
Understanding R-Value And U-Value
Knowing what R-value and U-values mean is key to
following energy issues and to selecting products that
best suit the climate zone you are building in. R-value
is essentially a product’s resistance to heat flow which
means that the higher the product’s R-value, the better
it is at insulating the home and improving energy
efficiency. Adversely, U-value measures the rate of heat
transfer. This means that products with a lower U-value
will be more energy efficient. It is tempting to think that
these two values are direct opposites of each other, but
there are some important differences to note.
“There is a tendency for people to confuse R and U-values with each other and their relationship with
performance of materials. R and U-values are the P’s and Q’s of the thermal comfort vocabulary. Knowing
the differences between them will enable you to make effective decisions when it comes to selecting the
best building products to suit your needs.” Jiri Skopek from GreenGlobes.
What Is R-Value?
R-value tells us how well a particular construction material insulates. The higher the R-value, the better
the insulation and the more energy you will save. An R-value only applies to specific materials, not to
systems.
What Is U-Value?
U-value is generally used to rate door or window units. The lower the U-Value, the more energy efficient
the system in question will be. A U-value is typically a low number because it is a rating of how much heat
energy is lost or gained.
If we look at the two values mathematically, U-value is the reciprocal of R-value; that is, U = 1/R and R
= 1/U. For example, a material with an R-Value of 5 has a U-value of 0.2 (1 divided by 5). A high R-value
means a low U-value but the real differences between them are far more complex.
U-value is more of an engineering term which describes thermal performance. It has traditionally been
applied to materials such as window systems which are made up of a number of different materials.
R-value is usually used in reference to construction components that are made up of only one material.
When determining the R-value of a wall cavity (area between framing members), you can add the individual
R-values such as the wall sheathing, the insulation and the internal dry wall to get the overall R-value.
This is different with U-values because you can’t just add up the individual U-values of each component.
Let’s take a window system for example. Each window is comprised of a number of different materials,
some with disparate functions. While some may work to prevent heat transfer, others may be focused on
air filtration or ventilation.
U-values represent the transfer of energy through conduction and radiation while R-value only represents
resistance to heat transfer.
Norbord.com/NA
28
Construction Tips
Window Framing Material Options
While the focus is usually on the window itself and the
energy efficiency and insulation value it will contribute to
the building envelope, a thought should also be spared
for the material from which the window frame is made.
The window frame contributes 10%-30% of the window
system’s resistance to weather. Using a window framing
material that allows rapid heat transfer will negate any
insulating value the window or glazing may contribute.
Coupling efficient window framing materials with the
right glass options for your climate will give you the most
effective window framing systems.
Aluminium And Other Metals
These are the most inexpensive options for window framing and they are durable and require little
maintenance. However, aluminum frames do not have high energy efficiency values as they conduct heat
fairly well for a U-factor of around 2.0. You can halve this value by selecting frames with plastic thermal
breaks inserted between the aluminum frames.
Vinyl
Another inexpensive framing choice, vinyl frames are welded products which negates all joints and makes
a continuous hollow frame which, when filled with insulating materials, offers excellent energy efficiency.
Vinyl windows not only offer excellent insulating qualities, they don’t require painting and maintenance.
Vinyl does not resist extremes in weather and its best to coat your frames with an ultraviolet light
stabilizer to prevent sun damage. Vinyl window frames can become brittle in extremely cold conditions.
Fiberglass
A framing material that is gaining traction in the market is fiberglass because it is strong and has a high
thermal efficiency. It is resistant to corrosion, mold and mildew. It is a more expensive option, but its
durability and great insulating value makes it an attractive choice.
Wood
Wood is still one of the most desirable materials for window framing thanks to its excellent insulating
value and unbeatable aesthetic appeal. Wood tops out the window framing insulating values at between
0.3 and 0.5. Wood does expand and contract to varying weather conditions and is susceptible to insects
and mold. Wood requires regular maintenance, but chemical treatments can be added to prevent insect
and mold damage and to improve resistance to weathering. Composites are also available and here
mixtures of plastic and wood are more durable, require less maintenance and have the same thermal
properties as wood. Cladding can also reduce the maintenance of wood window frames.
Norbord.com/NA
29
Construction Tips
Mitigate Poor Indoor Air Quality With Mechanical
Ventilation
Energy efficient home design relies on effective building
envelopes and as these get tighter, some concerns are
being raised about poor indoor air quality. This has led
many construction professionals to add mechanical
ventilation to their designs. You may question why the
cost of mechanical ventilation can’t be mitigated by less
insulated building envelopes, but the need for ventilation
is not about infiltration. When you look at the sources
of poor indoor air quality, you can see that leaky homes
don’t necessarily have cleaner air.
Causes Of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality should be of great concern, but reducing the efficacy of your building envelope is
not the right solution. The EPA touts poor indoor air quality as one of the top five health hazards in North
America and says most buildings have indoor air that is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air.
The contributing elements are legion:
• Chemical off-gassing from furniture, carpets, paints and just about everything else
• Air fresheners and cleaning products
• Mold and mildew
• Building materials
• Radon, lead and asbestos
• Termiticides and other insect poisons
• Dust and pollen
These pollutants can result in a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, allergies, skin irritations, nose,
throat and eye irritations, headaches, nausea and respiratory ailments.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Choosing the right rate relies on so many factors, that it really should be up to your design and
construction professionals to advise you on what suits your needs best.
Alison Bailes from Vanguard Energy has this to say on rates: “I think most people would say that a home
with 3 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals (the pressure used during a blower door test, abbreviated
ACH50) is definitely tight enough to require a mechanical ventilation system. If the home leaks at the rate
of 20 ACH50, a ventilation system sized to ASHRAE 62.2 levels would be swamped by infiltration much of
the time.”
Norbord.com/NA
30
Construction Tips
Leaky homes don’t improve indoor air quality. Providing an effective building envelope still takes
precedence but, where indoor air quality is poor, a mechanical ventilation system is a must for the health
of building occupants. Work with your design professional to test indoor air accurately and create a
filtration systems that suits the needs of your building.
Air-Sealing For Effective Building Envelopes
An effective building envelope is one of the key factors
in an energy efficient home. Since heating and cooling
account for the lion’s share of energy consumption,
keeping conditioned air in the home is the first
step to efficiency. An effective building envelope is
a combination of insulating building materials and
a reduction in air leakage. This reduction can be
achieved by using taller wall sheathing panels and
through effectively sealing air leaks. When determining
which air leaks construction professionals should
focus on, Dave Wolf from Owens Corning Science and
Technology has conducted a study to see which leaks require the least effort and sealant and provide the
highest returns in building envelope efficiency.
Building Code Requirements
Stringent new building codes will soon make air sealing a priority for construction professionals. The 2012
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requires buildings in climate zones 1 and 2 to have a 5
ACH50 threshold while other zones must provide a 3 ACH50 threshold. These levels require a blower door
test and visual inspection to ensure that the thresholds have been met.
The number of states which adopt the 2012 IECC codes will increase from the current 5 to at least 16
by 2015. While these energy codes do provide occupants with a home that consumes less energy, they
also increase construction costs for companies who are already struggling with cost increases and a
competitive market. The astute construction professional will want to focus on those air-sealing tasks that
will provide the most return for the effort and costs involved.
Most Effective Air Sealing Targets
The purpose of Wolf’s research is to provide designers and builders with a table of air-sealing tasks and
the return on investment. The five areas that provide the biggest return for your air-sealing efforts are:
• Recessed lights
• Band joists
• Duct boot
• Top plate to drywall at attic
• Garage walls
Norbord.com/NA
31
Construction Tips
While these were the best options, sealing leaks in sheathing joints and around windows and doors
offered the least return on investment.
Another option, and perhaps the best solution to air-sealing, is to prevent the problem in the first place.
Using longer wall sheathing panels means fewer seams and, consequently, fewer leaks. In fact, if you
use a product like TallWall, you can reduce your air leakage by an incredible 60%. TallWall and Windstorm
have 9’ and 10’ wall sheathing panels which have the added advantage of reducing installation time and
wastage.
The APA: A Valuable Resource For Industry Professionals
The APA has helped to promote ingenuity in the building
industry for over 70 years. It has become the gold
standard in engineered wood products and industry
professionals the world over turn to the APA as their
trusted partner in building excellence.
The APA works with professionals in the industry to
create products that have exceptional strength and
reliability. To do so, the APA relies on the efforts of the
scientists at their research center and the cooperation
of their member manufacturers which have decades
of field work experience, to find building solutions for
the changing market needs. APA field agents provide support, information and recommendations to the
industry through the APA’s online resource library. We spoke to Bryan Readling, P.E. who has been a field
rep with the APA for 23 years and Karyn Beebe, P.E. who is an APA engineer in Southern California.
What fields of expertise do the APA field reps cover?
Bryan: The APA field reps cover a wide range of expertise that includes most applications for engineered
wood products, from 5-story multi-family to agricultural-use buildings; to industrial applications for
products made for sale and materials handling. From architects, to building officials, to engineers, to
material suppliers, APA field reps are from varied backgrounds.
Karyn: We are lucky to have a diverse group of professionals working as a team with degrees and career
experience in architecture, engineering, forest science, building and code enforcement. Each APA field rep
works with builders, architects, and engineers in their given territory in the field and in their offices.
What does a typical week’s activities include?
Bryan: No two weeks are the same. Activities may include promoting and presenting APA seminars and
meetings for designers, builders and code officials, writing technical articles for trade journals, observing
and reporting on misapplications and product claims for our manufacturers, and providing technical
assistance to designers who are seeking to utilize wood in new ways. The end result is that we make it
easier for wood building materials to be used in our field territories.
Norbord.com/NA
32
Construction Tips
Another rewarding part of my job is observing the condition of buildings after natural disasters.
Specifically, this activity is intended to help learn common deficiencies in modern construction in order to
make buildings and communities more disaster-resilient.
Karyn: One of my favorite aspects of the job is the absence of a “typical week.” Field visits, office
consultations, seminars, in-office research and technical support are regular tasks we engage in.
What kind of educational services do field agents provide?
Bryan: I have recently been asked to educate groups on wind and seismic-resistant construction, wall
bracing changes in the IRC, advanced framing for improved thermal performance, and reducing call-backs
in new home construction. One of my more interesting tasks was being interviewed by a local television
news program about raised wood floors in a flood-prone area of Houston.
I have given programs to engineers and architects at the WoodWorks Wood Solutions Fair events on Nonresidential Construction on Seismic and Wind-resistant design and have spoken to local and state groups
of American Institute of Architects and the Structural Engineers’ Institute.
Karyn: APA field reps provide education in a multitude of formats from in-person one-on-one consultation,
in-office presentations for a single group, online webinars, to training held for hundreds of professionals
in an all-day setting. That being said, our most frequently requested training is typically an hour-long
presentation. Aside from formal educational seminars, I enjoy meeting builders at their job sites or
designers in their offices to provide project support.
Why should a manufacturer want an APA grade stamp on their products?
Bryan: A manufacturer wanting to improve quality or enhance their reputation of quality would benefit
from the APA trademark. An especially good reason is the support coming from APA field personnel who
can provide training to their customers and also offer assistance if problems arise due to quality or
installation.
Karyn: The APA grade stamp signifies the commitment to producing a product of high quality with the
added benefit of technical support to industry professionals (through APA field reps) and ongoing research
(APA’s Technical Services Division).
What kind of resources does the APA provide online for in the field?
Bryan: Resources on the website include a wide variety of publications aimed at proper field application of
wood products including Builder Tips (now available in a mobile format) Technical Notes, and Data Files,
each addressing critical installation procedures for APA products.
Karyn: The majority of our publications are available for free download on our website and we’ve recently
released mobile-friendly versions of our Builders Tips and a Smart Phone App for APA Product reports.
Norbord.com/NA
33
Construction Tips
Why should construction professionals insist on APA-trademarked products?
Bryan: The best reason is that APA members are committed to making quality products, which end up
receiving the APA trademark. The APA Quality Services staff partner with member mills and are considered
world leaders in quality auditing for the manufacturing of engineered wood products. The trademark also
ensures you have support from APA Field Services in resolving field installation issues should they arise.
Karyn: The APA mark is the only trademark that represents the added benefits of research and technical
support to the construction industry. These services are provided to builders and designers free of
charge.
Why should a consumer look for the APA grade stamp?
Bryan: The APA trademarks are an indication that the product meets certain performance criteria and
that published design capacities and span capabilities are accurate. APA publications offer unparalleled
information on various uses for products produced by APA members.
Will the APA help a builder if they have a question?
Bryan: Yes, I often get asked to contact a builder due to some performance issue with a product or
system. Helping with problem resolution is one of the best ways to build relationships with builders. I am
now working with builders on ways to improve thermal resistance of wall systems through employment of
Advanced Framing techniques.
Karyn: Yes, each APA field rep is tasked with helping all members of the construction team: designers,
suppliers, builders, and code enforcement.
Do you get involved in local, state, or national code issues?
Bryan: A lot of my involvement is at the local code level and is to help a builder get past a code block
or to help a code official with an interpretation. I also get involved with individual state codes (based on
the model International codes,) when they are amended for local conditions and practices. I was able to
assist building officials in getting APA’s Simplified Wall Bracing method as an accepted alternate into both
the NC and Georgia State codes. The APA Simplified Wall Bracing method makes it easier for builders to
meet, and code officials to approve the wall bracing requirements.
Karyn: As an association we work at all levels of the building, residential, and energy codes. For example,
I am Vice President of the San Diego Area Chapter of ICC, chair of the Residential committee, and
participate in the Structural Code Committee of ICC LA Basin. I regularly provide training to chapters of
ICC throughout the Southwest as well.
What are the most common problems you see in the field?
Bryan: Hardwood flooring installation into new homes is one of the most common call-backs, possibly
because there are multiple critical steps in the procedure to ensure the performance of a hardwood floor,
most of which have to do with moisture levels in the materials during construction.
Otherwise panel buckling is a common call-back issue for builders specifically with roof and wall
sheathing.
Norbord.com/NA
34
Construction Tips
Karyn: As documented by our Builder Tips, buckled sheathing, squeaky floors, and incorrect field
modifications of structural members are common mistakes, yet I feel the bigger problem is a lack of
communication between the designer and builder particularly when it comes to wall bracing. The bracing
needs to be better documented on the plans in order for the builder to efficiently meet the provisions of
the residential code. This is a prime way that your APA field rep can assist in properly documenting the
required wall bracing for your project.
What materials do you provide an Architect or Engineer that would make it
easier to more efficiently design with engineered wood products?
Bryan: In designer programs I make them familiar with the APA website and where to find our publications
store. Recently I have been promoting advanced framing, wind resistant construction, and designing
wall sheathing for simultaneous shear and uplift force, all of which are represented by relatively new
publications on the APA website. In addition, I always encourage designers to join the APA Designers
Circle as a way to stay abreast of changes in codes and design methods. Best of all, I remind designers
that I am available to help with project design and am a free consultant, paid for by APA member
manufacturers. Working with designers on real-world projects is one of the more satisfying roles of the
APA field representative.
Karyn: I believe overview training is helpful, with follow up training. I know the best way to learn is through
practice, so I always encourage builders to call on us, their APA field reps, when they’re back at a job
site and see an issue with their Engineered Wood Products – whether its related to proper installation or
design.
The Engineered Wood Construction Guide, E30, is a great publication that covers all products and
applications for construction. The proper specification, trademarks, and design tables are provided for
the designer’s use as well. In addition to the E30, our Advanced Framing Guide and ICC coauthored Wall
Bracing Provisions guide are my top recommended documents. Last but not least, the Systems Report,
SR-102 details a brand new Simplified Wall Bracing method. You can download all of these publications
for free on our website, www.apawood.org, and your local APA field rep can provide guidance on these
publications as well.
Blower Door Testing Essentials
picture by John Brooks
Despite the high energy efficiency rating of individual
materials, building envelopes may not perform at their
peaks. Building enveloped that perform poorly reduce
energy efficiency, increase ROI times, and increase
carbon footprints and utility bills for building owners. A
blower door test can help to establish the airtightness
of small to medium buildings, measure the flow of
air between different areas in a building and test the
airtightness of ductwork.
Norbord.com/NA
35
Construction Tips
The reasons for why building envelopes perform below their peaks are legion. Everything from
construction flaws to improperly sized HVAC systems can be to blame. One of the main reasons is leaks
that occur where wall sheathing panels connect. Using taller wall panels like TallWall and WindStorm help
to reduce wall air filtration by up to 60%.
Blower door tests measure the efficacy of the building envelope during the construction process to identify
gaps and flaws that can be corrected prior to completion.
Conducting a blower door test will show whether the building envelope meets its insulation targets
and needs to be documented in order for a building to qualify for energy efficiency programs such as
Passivhaus and Energy Star.
How They Work
During a blower door test, a large fan in an expandable frame is sealed into a door jamb. The fan exhausts
air from the building until internal pressure measures 50 pascals. Depressurizing the home makes it
easier to locate leaks and indicates the rate at which air seeps from the building.
Experts are then able to measure airflow at a pressure difference of 50 Pascals (cfm50) or air changes
per hour at a pressure difference of 50 Pascals (ach50). Smoke sticks are utilized to show where there
are leaks in the building envelope.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0Vw1Mqu5hE
Reading The Results
The first number of the blower door test (cfm50) can be read off the manometer when the test is
conducted while the second number (ach50) can be calculated once the volume of the building (including
the basement) in cubic feet has been established. Then multiply the cfm50 reading by 60 (minutes per
hour) and divide by the building’s volume.
David Keefe, from Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, gives the rule of thumb for understanding the
results of your calculations: “Houses with less than 5 or 6 ach50 are considered tight, and those over
20 are quite leaky, though these numbers can be misleading without considering other variables such as
climate, house size, and old versus new construction.”
A blower door test should be conducted prior to the installation of internal wall covering to expedite the
correction of gaps in the building envelope. Some builder do two or three tests at different stages of
construction so that they can catch leaks. Blower doors can be calibrated or uncalibrated, but it is best to
use one that is calibrated as uncalibrated ones are only good for locating gaps in the building envelopes
with smoke sticks. Calibrated blower doors allow you to accurately determine the efficiency of your building
envelope and the rate of leakage. Blower door tests can also be conducted on existing structures to
expose leaks and help with planning of retrofits.
Norbord.com/NA
36
Construction Tips
Can You Store OSB For Future Projects?
Question
I am going to build a house in about 5 years and I was
wanted to buy 2 pallets of your OSB 7/16 thick 4 by 8
foot sheets and wanted to know if I kept it where it would
not get wet, would it last for 5 years? Or I can wrap it so
no moisture gets to it would that be better?
Dallas Rasmussen, Castlewood
Answer
Thank you for the email Dallas. That would not be a good
idea for several reasons:
OSB is a commodity and prices do fluctuate and it’s possible that you could be paying more for product
now than you would be in a few months or a few years.
OSB can be stored inside for long periods of time but it will pick up moisture with changes in the
conditions where it is stored, but this should not affect the structural properties of the panels.
Wrapping it “so no moisture gets to it” is a bad idea because moisture will be trapped inside the wrapping
and that can condense with changes in temperature which could lead to mildew and mold.
Also to be considered is the possibility of changes to the building code over the next 5 years that might
make what you bought unsuitable to meet new codes.
If you are thinking about sub-flooring the manufacturer of the finished flooring may make changes to their
installation requirements that could affect you.
All things considered, it would be best to wait until closer to the time to purchase your panels.
Phase Change Materials Make Windows More Efficient
Every designer and architect wants to fill interior spaces
with natural light. Natural light saves money on lighting
costs and provides plethora of health benefits for building
occupants. Because glass is a poor insulator, the large
amounts of energy that are wasted trying to keep the
interior of office buildings and schools comfortable make
glass unviable for those who wish to create an effective
building envelope. Designers are torn between form and
function, having to compromise either their vision or
sustainability goals. Now phase change windows offer a
new evolution in energy efficient window systems that will
enable designers to let the light shine in.
Norbord.com/NA
37
Construction Tips
A great example of phase change window systems comes from GlassX; the world’s first thermodynamic
glazing system which can reduce a building’s energy consumption by 30-50% with at least 1/3 coverage
on a south-facing facade.
Phase change windows work using two different technologies: first, a prismatic layer reflects solar
radiation in warm summer months, but allows it to pass through in cooler winter months. This is because
winter radiation hits the prism at angles below 35° and can pass through to warm the interior of the
building.
Second, a layer of Phase Change Material (or PCM) liquefies as temperatures increase and the chemical
bonds weaken. This process is endothermic and the PCM windows absorb heat. When the ambient
temperature drops, PCM materials radiate heat and crystallize. A layer of phase change material (salt
hydrates) liquefies when temperatures increase and crystallize when temperatures drop. The salt hydrate
crystals are hermetically sealed in grey polycarbonate containers. Phase change window systems such as
GlassX have a U-value of 0.08btu/F/ft. and an R-value of 12.
PCM technology isn’t new; it’s been around since the 1940s. The biggest selling point of PCM is that is
can store heat energy for longer periods than other building materials. At room temperature, a 16mm
thick PCM window can absorb as much solar energy as a 10-inch concrete wall. Because phase changing
windows have no moving parts, they last just as long as any conventional window system.
With phase change materials, designers can incorporate window systems that allow natural light in, but
have the same insulating properties as a solid wall. Phase change materials are also being incorporated
into wall and flooring systems to improve building envelopes making this a budding technology to keep an
eye on.
Exterior And Exposure 1 Ratings Explained
There is a vital difference between Plywood and OSB
panels and sheathing that are classified as ‘Exterior’
and ‘Exposure 1’. Utilizing the wrong panels or sheathing
could compromise the structure which is exposed to
weather. The classifications are based on material
composition as well as the durability of the adhesives
utilized in the manufacturing process.
Exterior ratings are for panels and sheathing that will
be subjected to extended exposure to the elements.
Exposure 1-rated panels and sheathing can withstand
exposures to inclement weather during construction,
but are not suitable for extended exposure. The grade
stamp on each panel will indicate whether you are using Exterior or Exposure 1. Using Exposure 1-grade
panels and sheathing for applications where they will continuously be exposed to weather conditions will
compromise the structure.
Exterior Classification
Exterior panels are waterproofed which means that they are able to withstand extended exposure to
inclement weather.
Norbord.com/NA
38
Construction Tips
Exposure 1 Classification
Exposure 1 sub-floor and sheathing panels are able to withstand weather it may be exposed to during
construction without affecting the structural properties of the panel as well as a certain amount of
moisture or humidity inherent in a structure. It is important to note the on-site storage recommendations
from the APA which suggest that Exposure 1 panels and sheathing be stacked horizontally on a platform of
4x4s to prevent panels from coming into direct contact with the ground.
It’s also suggested that Exposure 1-rated sub-floor panels and rated sheathing be stored under tarp or
roof with adequate air circulation to keep them protected from prolonged rain or snow.
If Exposure 1-rated panels and sheathing do get wet, edge swelling may be experienced. In order to
prevent damage, cut the steel bands on the bundles. Allow the panels to dry properly prior to installation.
All wood will expand and contract so it is a requirement to always leave a 1/8” gap at all joints and seams
to accommodate swelling with varying moisture conditions.
Building A Storage Building Using OSB?
Question
We are building a 16’ x 16’ storage building primarily using your
7/16” OSB panels for sheathing, decking etc. On the second
floor we laid two sheets end to end over the 2nd floor joists. They
give and creak quite a bit. I have beefed up the joist structure to
no avail. The sheets are running parallel to the joists. I did this
to avoid cutting the sheets. Would it make any difference to cut
the sheets in two and run them across the joists on this small
an area? Or would that even matter for such a small area (its 64
square feet)?
Silas Johnson
Answer
Thank you for the e-mail Silas and your question. There are a couple of things I would like to point out.
Firstly 7/16 is a roof or wall sheathing and is not for flooring. Secondly you have installed the panels
with the strength axis parallel to your joist/ceiling joists. OSB stands for Oriented Strand Board and that
means the wood strands are laid up so one direction is stronger than the other; the same way plywood
is. That means you have the weak direction carrying the loads it is not designed to. I assume you will
never be walking on this and may be using is to store light objects. Beefing up the joist structure will not
compensate for what you describe.
Norbord.com/NA
39
Construction Tips
What to do? Even if this is just for storage of light items you need to turn the panels so the strength axis
is perpendicular to the supports (the strong direction in OSB is parallel to the longer length) and I strongly
recommend you add another layer of 7/16 as a safety measure. If you are going to be walking in this
area or storing heavier items you need to at the least turn the panels and install a second layer of 23/32
T&G sub-floor panel like our TruFlor in that area (again the strength axis needs to be perpendicular to the
supports). For a little bit of work and a few more dollars you will have something safe.
Apps For Building Industry Professionals
In no other industry is mobile information as important
as it is in the construction sphere. Any construction site
is a collaboration between so many players, suppliers
and professionals that a lack of communication and
information sharing has often resulted in delays. Gone
are the days when multiple trips to the site office were
the only way to get approval or information while waiting
for off-site team members could delay construction for
days. With the technical evolution of smart phones and
tablets, all the key players in any construction endeavor
can communicate and access all the latest information.
Whether you are looking up code details or nailing
patterns, there’s an app for that!
APA Builder Tips: the APA has recently released a mobile-friendly version of its invaluable builder tips
resource: “We know that the labor shortage in the construction sector will result in a surge of relatively
inexperienced builders and framers who need simple, easy-to-use information and training,” said APA
Communications Director Marilyn Thompson. “By making our Builder Tips more accessible to tablet
and smartphone users, we’re confident we can get our key construction recommendations out to more
contractors.”
SmartBidNet: This app keeps all your subcontracts, bids projects and documents online in an easy
to manage and secure dashboard. Designed for large commercial builders, this app was created to
streamline the construction bid management process on one centralized portal. The site is optimized for
smart phones and tablets.
Architect’s Formulator: Designed especially for iPhones and iPads, this helpful app contains over 400
formulas to help architects speed up design. The Architect’s Formulator helps you to calculate for each
scenario from concrete and steel design to swimming pools. It also comes with electrical and plumbing
calculators and carpenter’s formulas.
Carpenter’s helper: The free version (Carpenter’s Helper Lite) or the full version of Carpenter’s Helper
contains formulas, makes for easy conversion between units of measure and comes with storage for big
projects. Take the guesswork out of estimates and speed up calculations with this advanced calculation
tool.
Norbord.com/NA
40
Construction Tips
Drywall Calculator: This handy app helps you to figure out the area of a room and the requisite drywall for
ceilings, walls and slopes. Simply input dimensions and square footage is calculated along with how many
sheets of drywall will be utilized.
BIMx: This app allows you to open and edit 3D building information models created in ArchiCAD. This app
enables you to examine plans onsite or show plans to clients. This is an intuitive and user-friendly app
which helps to bring your plans to life. Due to its large file format, check that your handheld device is
suitable prior to loading.
DeWalt mobile pro app: This app comes in a simplified free version for basic construction calculations
and a paid version which adds on features like carpentry and electrical calculators. Each additional add-on
calculator costs $10, so you only pay for features that you use. Customize your calculator to cover every
aspect of the construction job site.
Apps designed for tablets and smartphones can streamline your construction process, mitigate errors and
save you both time and money. In an industry suffering from labor shortages, these helpful programs can
help you to work smarter, not harder. This is not an endorsement of any of these apps but hopefully they
will help you be better informed and make your job a little easier. If you have apps that you use, please let
us know in the comments section and we’ll add them to our growing list.
Best Ideas For Backyards
It’s summertime and those of you with backyards may be
regretting the big lawn that seemed like a great idea initially,
but now demands constant care and mowing. Backyards can be
a real boon when you make them work for you. Here are a few
great ways to get the most out of your backyard this summer.
Entertaining
If you build it, they will come—so make sure your backyard
is optimized for entertainment. While a barbecue grill is an
essential ingredient, make the backyard somewhere you want
to spend time by adding a picnic table or a gazebo. Put up a
volleyball net or create a mini-golf course for hours of family fun. A small splash pool, sauna or a hot tub
will be a hit with friends and family members or set out lounge chairs where you can stargaze at night
and relax during the day. Add birdbaths and feeders to your backyard to attract a variety of birds or plant
a butterfly-friendly garden. Make your backyard a place to share with friends, create wonderful family
memories and get your kids moving.
Grow Vegetables
Whether you clear a patch to grow your own vegetables, create a container vegetable garden or build
raised beds for your crops, you can grow more than enough vegetables for your family with a surprisingly
small amount of work and space. This can be an enormously rewarding exercise, it can save you money
and it can provide you with a source of organic fruits and vegetables.
Norbord.com/NA
41
Construction Tips
Ditch The Lawn
When it comes to your backyard, working smarter, not harder is the key. Every year in the US, 800 million
gallons of gas are used to mow lawns and this contributes 5% of the county’s greenhouse gases. Large
lawns are unsustainable and are increasingly being replaced by low-maintenance ground covers. There
are many varieties of ground cover that are as hardy as grass and require no mowing and very little
maintenance. There are many varieties of perennial ground covers that are suitable as a lawn replacement
including alyssum, tapien (verbena), cotoneaster, bishops weed, juniper, dwarf dogwood and herbs like
thyme and oregano. The latest craze in alternative lawns is microclover.
If you’re not ready to get rid of your lawn, at least consider reducing its size. Add some shrubs and
pathways or some paving and walkways that provide interesting features too. Use stepping stones (you
can even make your own), pebbles, stones or wood to create pathways. You can also build a little garden
pond which runs off a solar-powered pump.
Use your backyard space to create compost which you can use as an organic and environmentally-friendly
way of nourishing your garden and lawn. Get the most out of your backyard space by adding a couple of
features and making it a place where you want to spend more time.
Will This OSB Meet Combustible Construction
Requirements?
Question
I would like to know if TallWall Wall Sheathing, Windstorm
Wall Sheathing, and Solarbord Radiant Barrier Sheathing
meet the requirements of classification B when tested in
conformance with CAN4-S124-M; “Test for the Evaluation
of Protective Coverings for Foamed Plastic”.
Bob Hilson, Kingston, ON
Answer
Thank you for the email and question Bob. I took your question to the APA as this was a question we had
not been asked before.
APA response:
The requirements differ considerably depending upon application i.e. combustible or non-combustible
construction.
If one looks to the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) for guidance protection of foam plastic
for ‘combustible construction’ has an either or compliance method. You can meet 3.1.4.2.a by using
any interior wall finish in subsection 9.24.4 to 9.29.9. OSB falls under section 9.29.9 so it meets the
requirement. The alternative would be meeting 3.1.4.2 c which of course is meeting S124.
Norbord.com/NA
42
Construction Tips
Combustible construction, on the other hand, falls under Section 3.15.11 (2) the requirements are as
follows:
1. not less than 12.7 mm thick gypsum board mechanically fastened to a supporting assembly
independent of the insulation
2. lath and plaster, mechanically fastened to a supporting assembly independent of the insulation
3. masonry
4. concrete or
5. any thermal barrier that meets the requirements of classification B when tested in conformance with
CAN4-S124-M, Standard Method of Test for the Evaluation of Protective Coverings for Foamed Plastic
(See Appendix A).
As far as I know OSB will not meet classification B under S124 without a Fire Retardant Paint.
What’s Your Building Science Climate Zone?
Knowing your climate zone and building accordingly is one of the basic tenants of building science.
Moisture, extreme temperatures and inclement weather require completely different building techniques
to ensure longevity and efficiency. When you know your building climate zone you can select techniques
and materials that are safe, cost effective, and efficient to install and provide an energy efficient building
envelope.
Climate zones are defined by two parameters; temperature and moisture which are combined to create
hygrothermal maps. There are eight major climate zones in North America based on heating degreedays, average temperatures and precipitation. The Building Science website has its own climate
zones map: “Building Profiles for residential construction were developed by BSC to be appropriate
for specific climates. The profiles include building cross sections, enclosure and mechanical design
recommendations, field expertise notes, material compatibility analysis as well as climate challenges.
Each climate has multiple profiles listed as there is more than one possible solution for design and
construction of a high performance building within a
single region.”
In the early 2000s the US Department of Energy’s Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory combined a number of
disparate climate resources into the IECC’s current
climate zone map. Using information from the 4,775
US weather sites, the PNNL created a definitive map
with includes eight climate zones and three moisture
zones which produce 24 potential climate designations.
Climate zones are based on county borders to enable
builders to easily determine the climate zone their build
falls into. The map has been adopted by the IECC and
Energy Star.
Norbord.com/NA
43
Construction Tips
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) map shows the climate zones here:
Temperature divisions are determined by degree days.
An explanation of degree days from the degreedays.net
site:
“Degree days are essentially a simplified representation
of outside air-temperature data. They are widely used
in the energy industry for calculations relating to the
effect of outside air temperature on building energy
consumption.
“Heating degree days“, or “HDD“, are a measure of
how much (in degrees), and for how long (in days),
outside air temperature was lower than a specific “base
temperature” (or “balance point“). They are used for calculations relating to the energy consumption
required to heat buildings.
“Cooling degree days“, or “CDD“, are a measure of how much (in degrees), and for how long (in days),
outside air temperature was higher than a specific base temperature. They are used for calculations
relating to the energy consumption required to cool buildings.”
For example, the base temperature for Toronto is 18°C. On a day with an average temperature of 10°C,
the city would rack up 8 heating degree days (HDDs).
Moisture zones are divided into three categories. ‘Moist’ (A) is based on precipitation and falls outside of
the marine climate zones.
‘Dry’ (B) is calculated on annual mean temperature as well as precipitation. Here the formula is 0.44 x (TF
- 19.5), where TF is the annual mean temperature in Fahrenheit.
‘Marine’ (C) is a temperate zone where the warmest months don’t exceed 72 °F and winter temperatures
range between 27 and 65 °F.
Being cognizant of the climate zone in which you are building will help you to utilize advanced technologies
and appropriate energy efficiency techniques in your building design.
Norbord.com/NA
44
Construction Tips
Heat Pump And Air Conditioner Condenser Locations
Matter
Does your heat pump or air conditioner condenser
need to be installed outdoors? Some installers believe
that placing these systems in a garage or attic space
may make the system more efficient by decreasing the
difference in temperature. But it’s precisely because of
these disparate temperatures that you should place your
heat pump and air conditioner condenser outside.
These systems work when the condenser exchanges
heat with the surrounding air. If placed outside, the
condenser has an ever-changing supply of fresh air to
utilize for cooling or heating. In a closed space, the
limited amount of air reduces the efficiency of the condenser.
If you put a condenser in the attic or garage space, it will cause that space to heat up in the summer
and that heat will radiate back inside the home. In the winter, these spaces will cool down and, because
heat moves to colder spaces, this can work against you. Installing these systems in a garage or attic will
reduce efficiency and may void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Placement of the condenser systems is important. Ensure that they are placed in areas which enjoy a
good air flow and are shielded from hot afternoon sun. Avoid planting vegetation around units or installing
too many units close together where air circulation will be negatively affected. The east or north sides of
the home are preferable. Placing them in preferred places may extend the life of the equipment and make
your home more comfortable.
Secrets To OSB Sheathing Success
OSB sheathing is a sustainable, durable, economical and practical
choice for builders and framers. OSB sheathing success relies on proper
installation and there are a number of strategies to follow to minimize
call backs and to ensure that your build enjoys longevity and aesthetic
appeal.
Choose The Right Product
Learning to understand an APA grade stamp will help with OSB sheathing
product selection. The APA has been working with code bodies to
improve sheathing performance since the early 1950s. Some of the
most important attributes are discussed below. For a full outline of grade
stamp information, click the APA guideline here.
Norbord.com/NA
45
Construction Tips
1. APA grade stamps are divided into three classes which outline the sheathing panel’s intended use:
Stud-I-Floor, Rated Siding, Structural I Rated Sheathing and Rated sheathing.
2. The number beneath the grade is the span rating. From the APA Guidelines: “The left-hand number is
the maximum recommended center-to-center spacing for supports in inches when the panel is used
for roof sheathing with the panel’s long dimensions across supports. The right-hand number is the
maximum center-to-center spacing of supports in inches when the panel is used for subflooring with
the panel’s long dimension across supports. The Span Rating on APA RATED STURD-I-FLOOR and
APA RATED SIDING panels appears as a single number. The Span Ratings for APA RATED STURD-IFLOOR panels, like those for APA RATED SHEATHING, are the maximum recommended center-to-center
spacing for supports in inches with the panel’s long dimension or strength axis across three or more
supports.” The span ratings are determined by strength and not thickness.
3. Bond classification: Here the classification denotes the weather conditions and moisture levels your
OSB sheathing panels are designed to withstand. Exposure 1 means the panel is not intended for
permanent exposure to the elements but will withstand normal delays in construction.
4. Mill Thickness expressed in inches (the thickness category is below #9). The thickness and
application will help you establish the proper fastener size and spacing.
5. This number identifies the producing mill.
6. PS-2 10 is the voluntary standard the panel must meet or exceed.
16. OSB sheathing panel face orientation indicator.
Onsite Storage
Once your selected OSB sheathing panels arrive on site, correct storage away from moisture and sun will
ensure that they do not warp or swell. Store the OSB panels under cover to allow them to acclimatize.
Wood sheathing panels will expand and contract according to ambient humidity levels. Utilizing dry lumber
and allowing wood products to acclimatize to onsite conditions will minimize nail pops.
Panel Spacing
Even if you have allowed your OSB sheathing panels to acclimate to onsite conditions, wood products will
continue to expand and contract according to changing weather conditions. Leave 1/8-inch gaps between
panels during installation to allow for expansion without buckling or warping. You can expedite installation
by using a 10d box nail to measure spacing distances.
Adhesive Applications
If you are gluing your sub-floor, select adhesives which comply with APA specifications AFG-01 or ASTM
D3498. Clear joists of dust and dirt and ensure they are dry before applying adhesive. Only apply glue to
two panels at a time to prevent drying. Use a zigzag pattern when applying adhesives.
Norbord.com/NA
46
Construction Tips
Fastening Schedules
Follow your local the building code requirements or your design professional’s fastener schedule for
correct nail size and spacing.
Which Side Of Your OSB To Paint?
Question
I am using 7/16th OSB on the inside of our shop/
garage. We will be painting the board and are wondering
which side should face outward that we can paint? I have
read lots of articles online and the majority say to put
dark side out and paint it. Could you advise me please?
Thank you
Adrian, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Answer
Thank you for the email and question Kevin. There is no “right way” in that application. The choice is yours
depending on whether you prefer a rougher texture or not.
Here are a couple of tips for you:
• Spread the panels out along the walls for 24-48 hours to let them adjust to the humidity conditions.
• In that application, leave more than the required 1/8″ spacing at the edges (wood expands and
contracts with changes in humidity) and with snow and rain on vehicles a garage can be extremely
humid.
• Use a high quality acrylic latex paint system.
• The nail lines on the screened side are paint but the grade stamp on the smoother side is ink and
may be more difficult to cover. Ask your paint dealer to suggest a sealer as a prime coat.
• In that application it would be a good idea to paint both sides and all edges before installing the
panels.
• If you do not like the wider spacing of the panels you could install a batten over the joints. If you do
just fasten the batten to one panel as that allows the other panel to move behind the batten.
Norbord.com/NA
47
Construction Tips
Are Vent-Free Fireplaces An Asset Or A Liability?
Vent-free fireplaces expedite installation as they don’t
require outside exhausts. While some homeowners and
builders promote the use of vent-free fireplaces because
of reduced installation and running costs, others see
them as a liability. One of the major contributing factors
to the failure of vent-free fireplace units is improper use,
but critics claim that lack of ventilation makes these
installations a health and safety risk. We take a look at
both sides of the argument.
Advantages Of Vent-Free Fireplaces
Proponents of vent-free fireplaces claim that if they are used according to the instructions, for less
than four hours a day and in a well-ventilated area, they pose no health hazard to home occupants. The
installations are cheaper than vented fireplaces and provide an inexpensive addition to heating options.
From VentFree.org: “Once appliances are in the U.S. marketplace, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) is the primary safety ‘watchdog’, accumulating product safety data from numerous
sources, and investigating and reporting the safety record of various product categories… The U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has stated that it is not aware of any documented incident
in the CPSC In-Depth Investigation (IDI) database of fatal CO poisoning associated with an ODS-equipped
vent-free gas heating product. These appliances have earned an outstanding safety record.”
Disadvantages Of Vent-Free Fireplaces
Other builders are less enthusiastic and claim that venting the by-products of combustion into your home
is never a good idea. Perry Bumpers from Fireplace Creations in Tennessee refuses to install vent-free
fireplaces: “After doing research, we decided we would never put a vent-free (room vented) appliance into
our home. Because of this decision, we didn’t believe it would be right to sell them to our customers…
In the last several years we have removed well over 400 vent-free appliances and replaced them with our
direct-vented products,” says Bumpers.
One of the overwhelming concerns is that by-products of the combustion process collect in the home
which may be related to health issues. Water vapor is a by-product of vent-free fireplace use (a 40,000
BTU appliance can produce over 6 gallons of water a day) and this may cause a myriad of moisture-related
issues.
“The reason for removal of the vent-free products ranged from water running down the windows and walls,
discolored walls, soot, mold and mildew issues, bad smell, not a realistic look, getting headaches, staying
sick while using it etc.,” says Bumpers.
Vent-free fireplaces create a number of hazardous gases during combustion including carbon monoxide,
carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde which can contribute to respiratory ailments and cause
eye irritations and headaches.
Norbord.com/NA
48
Construction Tips
Home Advisor suggests the following: “Improper installation, improper fireplace sizing, improper use,
and appliance failure can all lead to major safety issues. In fact, health concerns over the use of this
appliance have led some countries and states within the U.S. to ban vent-free gas fireplaces… Your best
bet remains to simply put up the extra money and install a vented fireplace. It may cost a little more and
not be as energy-efficient, but saving a few dollars on your utility bill shouldn’t be as important as the
health and safety of your household.”
From VentYes: “Many of the largest national homebuilders have ceased using unvented gas hearth
products because they don’t want the liability that is inherent in this product category… The American
Lung Association’s Health House program has excluded them from building guidelines mainly because
of water vapor production and nitrogen dioxide… A review of the Vent Free Alliance State by State Code
Status shows that jurisdictions in 28 states restrict or prohibit the use of vent-free appliances with one
state [California] prohibiting their use statewide.”
Natural Resources Canada: “Avoid vent-free gas fireplaces (gas logs). As the name implies, these units
offer no venting capacity. This means that harmful combustion byproducts, including possibly deadly
carbon monoxide, are released directly into your home. In airtight Canadian housing, these units are not
only unacceptable, they can be dangerous. They may introduce unwanted moisture into the home as well.”
Many issues can be mitigated when users follow the guidelines and use the fireplace for less than four
hours a day. Rooms that have vent-free fireplaces should be adequately ventilated, the fireplace should
not be utilized as an alternate source of heat and it should be properly operated and regularly cleaned. It
is advisable to ensure that there are carbon monoxide detectors in the room with the vent-free fireplace. If
you currently advocate the use of vent-free fireplaces, ensure that you have done the necessary research
and always adhere to the manufacturer’s installation instructions. We are not promoting either side of
this discussion but simply want to inform people that there are potential issues and that they should
investigate current information before making a decision.
Tool Belt Technology Gives Modern Builders The Edge
While an upswing in the housing market is good news for
the construction industry, many builders are concerned
about higher materials costs. Innovative construction
companies are utilizing advances in technology to make
their builds more efficient. The construction industry
has been notoriously reluctant to adopt technological
advances in the field, but the time and management
improvements they provide are too impressive to be
ignored.
Hand-Held Success
Increasingly, builders are relying on handheld devices such as smart phones, tablets and laptops to
streamline their builds. While 70% of builders utilize computers and smartphones, a smaller group of 2844% have implemented the use of apps and tablet computers in their on-site planning and execution.
Norbord.com/NA
49
Construction Tips
80% of these users utilize technology for internal project management and communication while 50% use
technology to make presentations to clients and view product options. Only 20% of users use technology
to enable homeowners to track the project’s progress or for builders to track client satisfaction after a
build has been completed.
Tablets are set to bring about a dramatic change in the construction industry. Some products, like
Motion Tablets, have even been designed especially to overcome the particular needs of the construction
industry. These tablets boast longer battery life and can be read anywhere, even in direct sunlight. Tablets
help with project management, plans, product ordering and selection, on-site data collecting and improved
communication means you save time on job sites and improve problem solving.
Tablets are particularly handy on site because they are portable and have a longer battery life. Plans
can be accessed at any time and shared with everyone involved in the build. With tablets, issues can be
tagged on plans and emails sent to the manager or designer concerned.
Plans and documents can be stored on the cloud and accessed on site through tablets. This means that
documents are standardized and that communications, ordering and obtaining client approval is easy as
pie.
Toronto architect, Logan Amos, from Altius: ‘Using 3D navigating applications, designers and builders can
turn off and on different layers for 3D views of structural elements, mechanical chases or finish details
like cabinetry and resolve any uncertainties immediately on site.’
When plans are stored in the cloud, changes to those plans are instantly accessible to everyone and all
your contractors are working from the most current plans.
Punch lists (lists of issues and alterations that need to be made) are a tedious task. Inspectors go from
room to room writing notes and numbering rooms and problems. They then have to type up the notes and
send them to the contractors involved. With a tablet, pictures and videos of building site issues and notes
can be created in the field and sent instantly.
Apps and other software programs enable real-time data collection in the field so you are able to use
analytics to ensure that the build is flowing smoothly. This means that you can measure the time, efficacy
and quality of each contractor. You will notice that the HVAC installer that works for 10% less actually
takes twice as long to install the system.
Construction Apps That Work
AutoDesk’s AutoCAD WS: A cloud-based CAD editor.
Bentley’s Navigator: for project review and analysis.
PlanGrid: This is a time saving app where blueprints are stored in the cloud where access is fast and
easy. Changes to plans in the cloud means that everyone is on the same page.
goBIM: This handy app allows you to access BIM models from your smartphone or tablet.
fingerCAD: Access your CAD files on the go with this handy application.
Norbord.com/NA
50
Construction Tips
GreenPro: These helps workers in the field track and calculate LEED points.
CADTouch R2: Make or alter plans on the go.
Software Solutions
BIM: Building Information Modeling (BIM) software helps key players to plan a build from conception to
occupancy. Software such as Revit, and ArchiCAD streamline planning and build times by enabling more
accurate planning and increased transparency of building components.
Energy modeling software ensures designs are efficient even before they are constructed. Ensuring that all
the components of your proposed or existing building work together with the environment they
are located in will prevent overbuilding, unnecessary utility consumption and will ensure that your systems
work harmoniously to create the most efficient building possible. Some examples include HOT2000, EE4
and eQUEST.
Project management software enables you to improve site management and prevent downtime. A building
site manager is very much like the conductor of an orchestra. Effective planning means that materials
arrive on time and that the site is organized so that each contractor can come in and complete their tasks
in a safe and organized environment.
With so many players and elements in the mix, the building site manager must ensure that each phase
of the build is completed on time to prevent delays. Project management software helps to keep track
of each aspect of your build, ensures that you have all the information you need to make decisions and
helps with contingency plans when issues arise.
How Energy Audits Can Save You Money
An energy audit is a series of tests run to determine
the efficiency with which your building utilizes energy.
Whether you are planning a renovation to reduce energy
consumption, or have just completed a new build, energy
audits establish the efficacy of your building envelope.
Buildings which use energy effectively require a
combination of elements working in harmony as well as
attention to the details which ensure that there are no
gaps or spaces in wall sheathing or around openings
that will compromise the building envelope. Conducting
an energy audit will help to identify gaps in the building
envelope. In some areas or green building programs,
conducting an energy audit is mandatory to meet code or a pre-requisite to claiming government rebates.
There are a number of different aspects to an energy audit:
Blower Door Test: A door is sealed with plastic and a large fan in an expandable frame is slotted into
the door jamb so that the air can be pumped from the building. The fan draws out air until the internal
Norbord.com/NA
51
Construction Tips
building pressure reads 50 Pascal on a manometer. The test produces two readings; airflow at a pressure
difference of 50 Pascal (cfm50) or air changes per hour at a pressure difference of 50 Pascal (ach50).
The energy audit inspector can conduct a smoke test to find gaps where air is either escaping from, or
entering into the building envelope. On new builds, conducting a blower door test before the dry wall is
hung allows corrective changes to be made easily. Some jurisdictions may require this to be done at a
later stage of construction.
PFT Test: The PFT (Perfluorocarbon tracer gas) technique is an alternate to the blower door test. Since
the blower door test cannot register air leakage with changes in atmospheric pressure and wind, the
results are restricted to conditions at the time of testing. The PFT technique is far more accurate. Here an
emitter releases small amounts of harmless perfluorocarbon gas and the receiver monitors the average
concentration of gas in the room which is proportional to the air tightness of the building; the better the
building envelope, the higher the concentration of gas.
Insulation: The building’s insulation is inspected and measured and the building envelope efficiency is
measured.
Appliances: The amount of energy each of the appliances in the home (such as the HVAC system, air
handlers, furnaces, kitchen appliances etc.) utilizes is calculated. A duct blaster test will evaluate the
efficiency of the HVAC system.
Thermographic Inspections: Infrared cameras, thermal line scanners and spot radiometers are utilized
to show where air is escaping from areas not accessible during the smoke test while thermal imaging
cameras map heat-loss patterns. Infrared cameras are more accurate when utilized in the interior of the
building as heat can travel inside the wall before escaping and, if measured from outside the building,
may give an inaccurate account of where leaks originate. These tests are generally conducted at the same
time as the blower door tests to improve accuracy. Since wet insulation conducts heat faster than dry
insulation, thermograms (pictures showing energy loss) have the added benefit of detecting leaks in roofs.
They can also help to identify faulty electrical wiring or excessive friction in mechanical building systems.
Once tested, your new building will be receive a HERS rating. If you are constructing homes, an energy
efficient home should aim for a score of around 50 while a net zero home will need a score of 0.
Finding A Qualified Home Energy Auditor
Ask your local building department, HBA or local energy provider if they can provide a list of recognized
energy auditors. If you intend to use the audit to claim rebates, it’s essential that you use a recognized
auditor. You can also contact your local energy provider for a list of energy auditors in your area. You can
ensure the accuracy of your energy audit by checking the references of the auditor and calling the Better
Business Bureau to ensure no complaints have been filed against your inspector.
Energy Audit Rebates In an effort to help home and building owners to assess their energy consumption,
many local governments offer rebates on energy audits. Find the links below.
Canada Rebates for energy assessments or energy audits differ from one province to another. While some
provinces have programs in place, others do not. Check the Natural Resources Canada website for links
to the rebates in your province.
Norbord.com/NA
52
Construction Tips
U.S. Find a comprehensive guide to federal tax credits for energy efficiency on the US Department of
Energy site. Knowing where and how your home or build utilizes energy can help you to see what changes
need to be made in order for you to save on energy costs. Energy audits help to show where you can
get the most savings for your building buck and what improvements will give you the best return on
investment.
Plywood Or OSB Panels: Which Is Better?
Building codes consider OSB (Oriented Strand Board)
and plywood interchangeable and refer to both as
“structural wood panels” as both OSB and plywood
panels are created when wood is glued and compressed
to form a rigid panel. Despite the obvious similarities,
there are some essential differences. From a structural
standpoint Plywood and OSB panels are considered
equitable although their different manufacturing
techniques give each board its advantages and
disadvantages.
OSB Wood Panels
When OSB panels are created, thin wood strands are combined with adhesive and then hot-pressed
into sheets. OSB’s strength comes from the fact that strands of wood are aligned in each layer and that
each layer is perpendicular to the one below (they mimic plywood in this perpendicular layering). There
are approximately 50 layers of wood strands in every OSB panel. While the two kinds of panels carry the
same span rating (because they are based on strength and not thickness), nail pull and screw hold, OSB
panels have several structural advantages over plywood panels:
• OSB can be manufactured into larger panels than plywood and offer more cost saving options for
today’s builders
• OSB panels do not have core voides like plywood panels do
• OSB panels are considered greener by some as they are manufactured from smaller, sustainablygrown trees rather than old-growth forests
• OSB has a greater shear strength than plywood panels
• OSB is less expensive than plywood and, when its utilized for sub-flooring, wall and roof sheathing, the
savings to builders are significant
Plywood Panels
Plywood panels are created when sheets of veneer are peeled from a log and cross-laminated together
with a hot press. Plywood has a few advantages over OSB panels:
Norbord.com/NA
53
Construction Tips
• When plywood panels are exposed to moisture, they expand but they do dry faster than OSB. Moisture
issues for both plywood and OSB can be mitigated with correct storage of panels during construction
• Since plywood panels are manufactured from continuous pieces of veneer, they have a smoother
appearance which is better for painting or laminating
While both panels are equitable in strength, weight, span and ability to hold fasteners, OSB’s consistent
quality from panel to panel and lower cost has made it a popular choice on North American projects with
over 80% of residential construction using OSB over plywood.
Proper storage and handling through the distribution channels and construction stages, meeting
ventilation and vapor barrier code requirements and the proper spacing of panel edges can virtually
eliminate issues caused by moisture. OSB manufacturers have also addressed this issue by coating panel
edges. OSB offers more consistent quality than plywood because there are no core voids and OSB will not
delaminate. Plywood is also more likely to delaminate when exposed to moisture than OSB.
No matter your inclination, OSB has become the building material of choice for North American
professionals. As manufacturing techniques improve, OSB’s lower cost and improved performance ensure
it will remain the building material of the future.
Construction Abbreviations List
We’ve compiled a list of all the construction abbreviations we use most often as a resource to builders,
engineers, framers, dealers, architects and other trades. This list is a work in progress, so if you have any
abbreviations we’ve missed, leave them in the comments section and we’ll add them to the list.
AB
Asbestos Board or Anchor Bolt
AC
Asphalt Concrete
ACCA Air Conditioning Contractors of America
ACCU Air Cooled Condensing Unit
ACH50 Air Changes per Hour at 50 Pascals
ACI
American Concrete Institute
AFUE
Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency
AGC
Associated General Contractors of America
AHRI
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute
AIS
American Institute of Steel Construction
ANSI
American National Standards Institute
ASE
Alliance to Save Energy
Norbord.com/NA
54
Construction Tips
ASHRAEAmerican Society of Heating Refrigerating & Air conditioning Engineers
AWI
American Woodwork Institute
AWS
American Welding Society
AWWA American Water Works Association
BAS
Building Airflow Standard
BETEC Building Environment and Thermal Envelope Council
BOCA Building Officials and Code Administrators International
BPI
Building Performance Institute
BSU
Basic Structural Unit
BTU
British Thermal Unit
CBS
Concrete Building Structure
CCA
Canadian Construction Association
CCF
Hundred Cubic Feet
CCI
Construction Cost Index
CEMP Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
CFA
Conditioned Floor Area
CFL
Compact Fluorescent Light
cfm50 Cubic feet per minute at 50 Pascals
CIA
Cold Inducted Air
CIP
Cast Iron Pipe
CIPE
Certified in Plumbing Engineering
CIPP
Cast Iron Pressure Pipe
CISP
Cast Iron Soil Pipe
CO
Carbon Monoxide
COP
Coefficient of Performance
CM
Corrugated Metal
CP
Clay Pipe (standard length)
Norbord.com/NA
55
Construction Tips
CP
Construction Planning
CP
Cost Proposal
CPI
Coalescing Plate Interceptor
CRPH Cross Recess Pan Head
CS
Corrugated Steel
CSC
Constructions Specifications Canada
CSI
Construction Specifications Institute
CSP
Corrugated Steel Pipe
CSPI
Corrugated Steel Pipe Institute
CSW
Critical Structural Weakness
DFRCC Ductile Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composite
DI
Ductile Iron
DIP
Ductile Iron Pipe
DL
Drainage Layer
DOAS Dedicated Outdoor Air System
DOE
Department of Energy
DSA
Division of State Architects
EBV
Exhaust Back-pressure Valve
ECAO Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario
ECDA External Corrosion Direct Assessment
EEBA
Energy and Environmental Building Association
EER
Energy Efficiency Ratio
EF
Energy Factor
EIR
Environmental Impact Report
EOS
Equivalent Opening Size
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
EPP
Environmentally Preferred Product
Norbord.com/NA
56
Construction Tips
EPS
Expanded Polystyrene
EPSCA Electrical Power Systems Construction Association
ES
Edge Split
ESA
Electrical Safety Authority
ESA
Environmentally Sensitive Area
ESC
Erosion and Sedimentation Control
ESP
Electrical Submersible Pump
ETABS Extended Three Dimensional Analysis of Building Systems
ERV
Energy Recovery Ventilator
FCR
Fast Cast Rate
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FM
Field Memo
FO
Field Order
FWD
Field Work Directive
G1S
Good One Side
GBC
Green Building Council
GC
General Contractor
GIS
Geographical Information System
GLULAM
Glue-laminated Beam
GS
Grade Stamped
GS
Grid Standpipe
GSFT
Glazed Structural Facing Tile
GSHP Ground-source Heat Pump
GTAW Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
HAZMATHazardous Materials
HDD
Heating Degree Days
HDPE High Density PolyEthylene
Norbord.com/NA
57
Construction Tips
HET
High Efficiency Toilet
HERS Home Energy Rating System
HPFRCCHigh Performance Fiber Reinforced Cement Composites
HPwES Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program
HRV
Heat Recovery Ventilator
HSPF Heating Season Performance Factor
HVAC Heating, ventilating, and Air Conditioning
IAQ
Indoor Air Quality
IAQA
Indoor Air Quality Association
IBC
International Building Code
ICC
International Code Council
ICF
Insulated Concrete Form
IECC
International Energy Conservation Code
IPM
Integrated Pest management
IW
Induction Welding
JHSC
Joint Health and Safety Commission
LC
Level Compressed
LCA
Life Cycle Assessment (Sustainable Architecture)
LED
Light Emitting Diode
LEED
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design
LP
Level Points
LRFD
Load and Resistance Factor Design
LVF
Low Velocity Fasteners
MAWL Maximum Allowable Working Load
MCAA Mechanical Contractors Association of America
MCAC Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada
Norbord.com/NA
58
Construction Tips
ME
Metal Edge
MEP
Maximum Extent Practicable
MERV Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value
MIAC
Mechanical Industry Advisory Committee
MMAW Manual Metal Arch Welding
MS4
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet
NAHB National Association of Home Builders
NAHBRC
National Association of Home Builders Research Center
NAPHCC
National Association of Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors
NBC
National Building Code of Canada
NEC
National Electric Code
NGBS National Green Building Standard
NIBS
National Institute of Building Sciences
NICET National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
NIST
National Institute for Standards and Technology
NPS
Non-point Source
NVSD Non-vibration Sand Drain
OC
On Center
O&M or O/M
Operations and Management
OCEW On Center Each Way
OHSA Occupational Health and Safety Association
OSB
Oriented Strand Board
OSDS On-site Disposal System
OWST Organic Waste Storage Tank
P2
Pollution Prevention
PAF
Plant Availability Factor
Norbord.com/NA
59
Construction Tips
PAH
Poly-Aromatic Hydrocarbon
PAMPoly-Acrylamide
PAP
Permit Application Package
PCB
Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyl
PCC
Portland Cement Concrete
PCCO Prima Contract Change Order
PCE
Pre-stressed Concrete Erection
PCHWPProcess Chilled Water Pump
PCO
Potential Change Order
PCO
Proposed Change Order
PCR
Project Completion Report
PDO
Project Design Outline
PDS
Project Data Sheet
PED
Preconstruction Engineering and Design
PEP
Polyethylene Pipe
PEP
Project Execution Plan
PLF
Plant Load Factor
PME
Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation
PMG
Project Management Group
PO
Project Originals
POD
Position, Orientation, and Direction
POTW Publicly Owned Treatment Works
PPC
Portland Pozzolana Cement
PPT
Pollution Prevention Team
PQPre-Qualification
PS1
Performance standard for wood-based structural panels (plywood)
PS2
Performance standard for wood-based structural panels (OSB)
Norbord.com/NA
60
Construction Tips
PSD
Particle Size Distribution
PVCP
Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe
PVD
Prefabricated Vertical Drain
RBEC Registered Building Envelope Consultant
RC
Reinforced Concrete
RCP
Round Reinforced Concrete Pipe
RFP
Request for Pricing
RFP
Request for Proposal
RFSW Raised Face Socket Weld (i.e., face of a pipe flange)
ROJ
Required On Job site
RSPC Regulated Set Portland Cement
RTR
Reinforced Thermosetting Resin
RTRC Reinforced Thermosetting Resin conduit
RTRP
Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Pipe
RWDP Rain Water Drain Pipe
RWQCBRegional Water Quality Control Board
SAP
Sampling and Analysis Plan
SAPS Site Assessment Prioritization System
SB
SolarBoard Radiant Barrier Sheathing
SCP
Sand Compaction Pile
SCFM Standard cubic feet per minute
SD
Sand Drain
SFPM Surface Feet Per Minute
SIC
Standard Industrial Classification
SIP
Structural Insulated Panel
SJI
Steel Joist Institute
SLC
Self-Leveling Compound
Norbord.com/NA
61
Construction Tips
SP
Steel Pipe
SPCC Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure
STMS Site Traffic Management Supervisor
SUSMPStandard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan
SWMP StormWater Management Program
SWPPP StormWater Pollution Prevention Plan
TB
TruBoard wall and roof sheathing
TD
Tender Design
TEC
Thermal Efficient Control
TOC
Total Organic Carbon
TQA
Trades Qualification Act
TSS
Total Suspended Solids
TW
TallWall wall sheathing
UBC
Uniform Building Code
UFC
Uniform Fire Code
USBIC Sustainable Buildings Industry Council
USGBC United States Green Building Council
VEC
Value Engineering Cost
VESDA Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus
VMA
Variable Air Volume Modular Assembly
VMB
Valve Manifold Box
VOC
Volatile Organic Compounds
VOR
Variation Order Request
VLT
Vertical Turret Lathe
WEF
Water Environment Federation
WHMIS Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
WS
WindStorm wall sheathing
WSIB Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
Norbord.com/NA
62