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Over Five Decades of Service to the Plywood Industry The CertiWoodTM Technical Centre (formerly named the Canadian

Plywood Association or CANPLY) is a non-profit, industry-funded association representing manufacturers of engineered wood products in Canada. Since the associations name change in 2005 from CANPLY to CertiWoodTM, plywood producing companies have retained the CANPLY trademark and continue to stamp their production with the well-known mark. The CANPLY stamp continues to serve as an assurance to buyers that the plywood is produced under CertiWoods exacting 3rd party quality auditing process and that it will perform in a satisfactory and predictable manner. CANPLY plywood is manufactured by 6 companies belonging to CertiWoodTM (member companies) operating in British Columbia and Alberta. Together, these companies operate 9 mills and produce over 90% of all structural, construction and industrial plywood manufactured in Canada. Member company plywood production is about 1.7 billion square feet (3/8" basis) annually. Approximately 90% is shipped to markets across Canada. The balance is exported to some 28 countries, among these: the United States, Japan, the United kingdom and Germany. Originally founded in 1950, CertiWood has a long history of service to its member companies and their customers. Today, CertiWoods purpose is, To provide cost-effective certification, quality auditing and testing services to Canadian engineered wood products manufacturers. CERTIFICATION MARkS The registered certification marks shown below appear on CANPLY EXTERIOR Douglas Fir plywood (DFP), CANPLY EXTERIOR Canadian Softwood plywood (CSP) and CANPLY EXTERIOR Poplar Plywood manufactured by our members to meet the requirements of CSA O121, CSA O151 or CSA O153. CertiWood also certifies its Members products to meet US and other international standards (see below).
Face Stamp on CANPLY EXTERIOR Plywood (Unsanded grades)

www.canply.org
Licensed mill number of the CertiWood member Indicates that this product is manufactured under CertiWoods Quality Certification Program. Indicates that the plywood has been manufactured by a member of CertiWood Indicates a completely waterproof glue bond Indicates species designation: DFP (Douglas Fir plywood), CSP (Canadian Softwood plywood), Aspen or Poplar plywood Indicates the CSA standard governing manufacture

Edge Stamp on CANPLY EXTERIOR Plywood (Sanded and Unsanded grades)


Indicates that the plywood has been manufactured by a CertiWood member and is quality certified Indicates a completely waterproof glue bond
PLYCO CANADA BC xxx CANPLY EXTERIOR CSP GRADE

Panel grade Indicates species designation: DFP (Douglas Fir plywood), CSP (Canadian Softwood plywood), Aspen or Poplar plywood Licensed mill number of CertiWoodmember (BC xxx, AB xxx). This symbol identifies the patented tongue and groove profiles of CANPLY T&G products formerly known as COFI FLOOR & COFI ROOF.

Face stamp on COFI FORM Douglas Fir plywood for concrete formwork.

INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION MARkS:

Japan

EuropEan union

uSa

certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

Panel Construction CANPLY EXTERIOR plywood is an engineered panel built up from sheets of veneer glued together with a waterproof resin adhesive. The thickness and orientation of the plies determine the performance of the panel. The veneers are united under high temperature and pressure with a resin glue that is completely waterproof, making the plywood suitable for use under conditions of extreme exposure to moisture. Species Plywood marked CANPLY EXTERIOR may be designated as Douglas Fir (DFP), Canadian Softwood (CSP), Aspen or Poplar plywood. CANPLY EXTERIOR PLYWOOD Information in this brochure pertains to CANPLY EXTERIOR Douglas Fir plywood, CANPLY EXTERIOR Canadian Softwood plywood and CANPLY EXTERIOR Poplar plywood. These products are manufactured in accordance with Canadian Standards Association Specifications CSA O121 Douglas Fir Plywood, CSA O151 Canadian Softwood Plywood or CSA O153 Poplar Plywood by companies who are members of CertiWood. CANPLY certification stamps, shown opposite, are on all Canadian Plywood products meeting CertiWoods Quality Certification Program. CANPLY EXTERIOR Douglas Fir plywood is manufactured with faces of Douglas Fir veneers. The inner plies and some backs may be of veneers of the selected coniferous species shown in Table 1. The permissible species for CANPLY EXTERIOR Canadian Softwood plywood are also shown in Table 1. For a complete list of allowable species in CANPLY Poplar plywood, please refer to the standard CSA O153. Manufacture The manufacturing process begins by conveying selected logs to a barker where they are rotated against a steel claw to strip the bark and debris from the log surface. The logs are then cut into peeler blocks. In conformance with todays standards of sustainable forestry, the logs we harvest are from secondary growth forests and average 25cm (10") in diameter. After conditioning, peeler blocks are moved to a lathe where they are set in the chucks by an automatic charger. Using laser sensors, the block is imaged and automatically aligned in the lathe to maximize veneer recovery. As the block is rotated, the honed steel blade of the lathe is brought in contact with it, peeling a continuous sheet of veneer. As veneer is produced it is directed to semiautomatic clippers that scan the veneer, remove oversize defects and cut it to width for sorting and stacking. Standard widths are stacked automatically and random widths manually. Veneer is passed through moisture sensors and segregated by moisture content. Segregation is necessary as veneer with different moisture contents requires different drying cycles. Veneer is dried in steam or gas-heated ovens at temperatures ranging from 160 to 200 C. The speed at which the veneer moves through the dryer depends on the thickness of the veneer and its moisture content. 3

Plywood Handbook

After passing through the dryer, electronic moisture detectors mark all veneer in excess of the moisture content allowed for gluing. The veneer is stacked separately and later re-dried. After dying, the veneer is optically scanned, imaged on a computer and further sorted according to grade. Narrow widths may be directed through a composer where edges are cleaned, squared and welded into continuous sheets and clipped into standard widths. Substandard veneer with oversize imperfections is either discarded or channeled to patching machines where the imperfections are neatly replaced with sound wooden patches. Sound veneer then moves to the glue spreader or automatic lay up line where the veneers are uniformly coated with resin glue and laid at right angles to the adjacent veneers. This cross-lamination accounts for plywoods exceptional two-way strength and dimensional stability. After lay up, the veneer sandwiches go to the hot press, the key operation in the manufacturing process. Here, depending upon the thickness of the plywood panel, one or more sandwiches are loaded into each press opening. The press is then hydraulically closed and the panels subjected to a temperature of 150 C and a pressure of 1.38 MPa which cures the glue. The resin glue, when cured in the hot press, produces an inert water-proof bond. After removal from the hot press, trim saws cut the plywood panels to the required dimensions, usually 1220 mm by 2440 mm (4' x 8'). Panel edges and panel ends are trimmed in consecutive operations. Panels are then graded as sheathing or selected for further finishing. Panels to be produced as sanded grades pass to a sander where face and back are simultaneously sanded smooth. Any minor imperfections remaining in the face and back veneers may be repaired with wood inlays or synthetic filler before the panels are finally graded by skilled inspectors. All grades of plywood produced by CertiWood members are then stamped with the registered certification mark CANPLY EXTERIOR before leaving the mill. Most wood waste during manufacture is collected and burned in high efficiency burners to be converted into heat or electricity, offsetting most of the mill's energy needs.

Contents

page

CANPLY EXTERIOR Plywood ....................3 Plywood Grades and Products .................6 Sizes and Thicknesses .............................6 Working with Plywood ...............................8 Fasteners ...................................................8 Glues and Gluing ...................................10 Floor Sheathing .......................................11 Wall Sheathing ........................................14 Roof Sheathing .......................................18 Permanent Wood Foundations ...............19 Concrete Forms .......................................19 Plywood in Farm Structures ....................23 Plywood Structural Assemblies ..............23 Finishing ..................................................23 Preservative Treatments ..........................26 Fire Retardant Treatments .......................26 Specifying Plywood .................................27

certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

Table 1. Species permitted in Canply Exterior plywood

* Permitted on the backs of 6, 8, 11 and 14 mm Good One Side DFP ** Not permitted in sheathing grades

Steps in the manufacture of plywood

1. The log emerges from the barker after having been stripped.

2. Logs are conditioned using steam or hot water to improve peel quality

3. At the lathe, a sharp blade peels the log, now called a block, into a continuous sheet of veneer.

certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

4. Green veneer is dried in steam or gas heated ovens.

5. Veneers are coated with waterproof glue and laid up into sandwiches.

6. The veneer sandwiches are subjected to heat and pressure in the hot press until the glue is cured.

7. After pressing, the panels are trimmed, squared, and selected for grade.

8. Finished panels are carefully inspected and graded.

9. CertiwoodTM quality control inspectors check finished panels in inventory.

10. Plywood samples, selected at random, are tested at the CertiWood Technical Centre.

11. Other samples are subjected to the boiling test specified by the CSA.

12. Some samples are subjected to vacuumpressure tests.

13. Samples are shear tested to determine the strength of the glue bond.

14. Panels that meet our stringent requirements are identified with the CertiWood Certification Mark.

certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

PLYWOOD GRADES AND PRODUCTS CertiWood members produce a wide range of CANPLY EXTERIOR plywood grades and products. Grade names in general are based on the quality of the veneers used for the face and back of the panel. CANPLY EXTERIOR plywood grades are shown in Table 3. A list of proprietary CANPLY Exterior Plywood products is given in Table 4. Overlaid Plywood Plywood is also manufactured with overlays which improve the appearance and durability of the panel. The overlays are bonded to the face veneers of the plywood by heat and pressure. This process seals the overlay to the wood to form an inseparable bond stronger than the wood itself. The resin content of the overlay determines whether the final product is called Medium or High Density Overlaid plywood.

Tongue and Groove Plywood T&G plywood has a factory-machined tongue along one of the long edges and a groove along the other. T&G panels interlock to ensure the effective transmission of loads across joints, eliminating differential deflection between adjoining panel edges and making the use of blocking or H-clips at longitudinal joints unnecessary. CertiWood members manufacture two patented T&G panels, under one name EASY T&G. These panels have T&G edges specifically designed for roof and floor sheathing. Panel installation is fast and easy with these patented edge profiles, exclusive to CertiWood members Concrete Form Panels All plywood bearing the registered certification mark CANPLY EXTERIOR is suitable for concrete formwork because it is manufactured with waterproof glue.

panels designed specifically for use as concrete formwork. These panels are significantly stiffer than standard construction of DFP in wet service conditions because of stricter limits on species and ply thicknesses during manufacture. COFI FORM PLUS is the stiffest Douglas Fir panel manufactured by CertiWood members (Table 4). SIZES AND THICKNESSES CANPLY EXTERIOR plywood is manufactured in a size of 1220 mm by 2440 mm, the metric equivalent of the familiar 4 ft by 8 ft panel. It is also available in a metric size of 1200 mm by 2400 mm (Table 2). Net face widths for EASY T&G are given in Table 2. CANPLY EXTERIOR plywood is manufactured in a range of thicknesses from 6 mm to over 30 mm as shown in Table 2. NOTE: CANPLY EXTERIOR plywood panels are available in additional sizes and thicknesses on special order.

CANPLY EXTERIOR DFP is Medium Density available in sanded and The resin unsanded grades and in special impregnated high strength constructions. face presents a CANPLY EXTERIOR CSP is smooth uniform available in unsanded grades surface intended only. Sanded grades produce a for high quality smooth, wood grain finish valued paint finishes. by many architects. Unsanded Some evidence grades are suitable for formwork of the underlying EaSy T&G - Floor profile where the appearance of the grain may concrete is less important such as in subappear. Overlay is produced in a natural surface foundations. buff colour and certain other colours. Popular uses for Medium Density Overlaid plywood are flat, lap and bevel sidings; and sundecks, soffits and accent panels in residential construction. Other applications include boats, highway signs and many other commercial uses. High Density The resin impregnated face is hard, smooth, and chemically resistant. No further finishing with paint or varnish is necessary. The overlay is usually produced in a whitish semi-opaque colour but other colours may be used by manufacturers for identification. Major uses for High Density Overlaid plywood include fine finish concrete formwork, storage bins, liquid tanks and signs. Mill Specialties Mill specialties are variations of the plywood grades and products shown in Tables 3 and 4. These panels are manufactured by a number of member companies and marketed under their own brand names. Mill specialities include patterned, overlaid, textured, brushed, embossed, striated, grooved and pre-finished panels for decorative use.
certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

CANPLY EXTERIOR plywood is also available edge sealed, treated with chemical release agents, and with resin impregnated cellulose fibre overlays. Overlays produce the highest quality concrete finish. They also help protect the plywood from oil and water, simplify form stripping and extend the service life of concrete forms. COFI FORM PLUS and COFI FORM are special high-strength constructions of DFP

EaSy T&G - Roof profile

Table 2. Sizes and Thicknesses of Canply EXTERIOR plywood


Thickness Sanded Grades 6 mm 8 mm 11 mm 14 mm 17 mm 19 21 24 27 30 mm mm mm mm mm Sheathing and Select Grades 7.5 mm 9.5 mm 11 mm 12.5 mm 15.5 mm 18.5 mm 20.5 22.5 25.5 28.5 31.5 mm mm mm mm mm Lengths Available up to 2500 mm W i dt h s Available from 600 mm to 1250 mm Size

All thicknesses are metric, but some approximate imperial dimensions, e.g. 6 mm (1/4 in.) Available as square edge or with EASy T&G edge.

For EASy T&G panels, deduct 15 mm from the nominal width for net face coverage.

Table 3. CANPLY EXTERIOR Plywood Grades


Veneer Grades** Grade* Product** Face Good Two Sides DFP (G2S) Sanded Good One Side (G1S) Select Tight Face (SEL TF) Select (SEL) Sheathing (SHG) Poplar DFP A C C Sanded. Best appearance one side only. May contain neat wood patches, inlays or synthetic patching material. Surface openings shall be filled and may be lightly sanded. Surface openings may be filled and may be lightly sanded. Unsanded. Face may contain limited size knots, knotholes and other minor defects. Smooth, resin-fibre overlaid surface. Further finishing not required Where appearance or smooth sanded surface of one face is important. Cabinets, shelving, concrete forms. Inner Plies Characteristics Back Sanded. Best appearance both faces. May contain neat wood patches, inlays or synthetic patching material. Typical Applications

Furniture, cabinet doors, partitions, shelving, concrete forms and opaque paint finishes

DFP DFP Aspen Poplar CSP DFP Aspen Poplar CSP DFP Aspen Poplar CSP DFP Aspen Poplar CSP DFP Aspen Poplar CSP

B***

Underlayment and combined subfloor and underlayment. Hoarding. Construction use where sanded material is not required. Roof, wall and floor sheathing. Hoarding. Packaging. Construction use where sanded material is not required. Bins, tanks, boats, furniture, signs, displays, forms for architectural concrete.

High Density Overlaid (HDO)

B***

B***

Medium Density Overlaid (MDO) MDO 1 Side

C***

C Smooth, resin-fibre overlaid surface. Best paint base. Siding, soffits, paneling, built-in fitments, signs, any use requiring a superior paint surface.

MDO 2 Sides

C***

C***

Table 4. CANPLY Exterior Plywood Proprietary Products


Product* EASY T&G ROOF Product Standard** DFP CSP DFP CSP Aspen Poplar DFP (limits on thickness and species of face and inner plies) Grades** Characteristics Milled with patented edge profile for easy installation and edge support without H-clips Milled with a patented edge profile for fast, easy installation. Special construction Douglas Fir panels with greater stiffness and strength providing improved properties particularly in wet service conditions. Available in regular sanded and unsanded grades and speciality grades with resin-fibre overlays. Also available with factory-applied release agent. Typical Applications Roof sheathing and decking for residential, commercial and industrial construction. Floor and heavy roof sheathing for residential, commercial and industrial construction.

SHG or SEL SHG SEL SEL TF SEL G1S G2S SPECIALTY HDO MDO

EASY T&G FLOOR COFI FORM PLUS and COFI FORM

Concrete forms and other uses where wet service conditions or superior strength requirements are encountered.

* All grades and products including overlays bonded with waterproof resin glue. ** For complete veneer and panel grade descriptions see CSA O121 (DFP), CSA O151 (CSP) and CSA O153 (Poplar). *** Indicates all openings are filled.

certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

WORKING WITH PLYWOOD Storing and Handling Plywood, like any other panel product, requires proper handling and storage. Despite its sturdy cross-laminated construction, face veneers, panel edges and panel corners are vulnerable to damage and should always be protected. Plywood is manufactured at a low moisture content and while small changes in moisture content will not appreciably affect its dimensions, large changes should be avoided since they may encourage checking of the face veneer with consequent impairment of its qualities as a paint base. It is good practice to store plywood which is to be used for interior finish under conditions that approximate those it will experience in service. Points to watch when handling plywood are: 1. Store plywood panels flat and level. 2. keep finish faces inward and cover stacks to protect from bumping and abrasion. 3. Protect panel edges and corners. This is especially important with tongue and groove plywood. 4. Carry panels on edge (always being careful not to damage faces, edges and corners). 5. When plywood is used as a finishing material, deliver to job-site at the last possible moment. 6. Protect panels from sunlight, water or excessive humidity. Sawing Hand sawing For handsaw work, panels should be sawn face (good side) up with the angle between saw teeth and panel surface as flat as possible. This prevents face veneer splintering. Generally, an 8 or 10 point cross-cut saw or a 10 point panel saw gives the best results. Hand Power sawing A sharp carbide tip combination blade set to protrude no more than 12.5 mm through the panel and firm panel support will give excellent results with a hand power saw. Panels should be sawn face down. Table Power sawing Panels kept face up on a table power saw are cut cleaner. A combination blade filed with less than normal hook is best for most work. The blade should be set to protrude no more than 12.5 mm. In general, a blade of 250 mm diameter or more works best. A table extension will help in handling full sized panels. When using a radial arm saw, the orientation of the plywood panel will depend on the type of cuts being made. The
certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

instruction manual accompanying the radial arm saw should be consulted. Drilling Hand brace and bit, power drill or drill press all work easily with plywood. Holes of large diameter are best cut with a brace and expansion bit rather than with a high-speed drill. For power drilling, spur bits give good results. Reversing the panel as soon as the bit point is through and completing the cut from the other side will ensure a clean cut without splintering. Small holes are readily cut with either hand or power drills. As a general rule, the larger the hole the slower the drill speed. Clean cuts can be obtained with all methods of drilling, if the panel has firm support and is backed with scrap wood to prevent splintering. Routing Routers can be used to V-groove, shiplap or rebate edges of panels. Special bits are available for moulding and chamfering. Use sharp bits and work carefully across panel. Deep cuts in panel edges should be made in two stages. For specific instructions, see router manufacturers literature. Bending Plywood panels can easily be bent when dry into mild simple curves. Table 5 gives dry cold bend radii for the most common plywood thicknesses. As shown in the table, plywood can be bent more sharply when the bend is perpendicular to the direction of the face grain. These radii are based on panels selected at random with no regard to defects such as knots, patches and short grain. Without selection, a small percentage of panels bent to these radii may be expected to break. To obtain smaller radii, i.e. sharper curves, the panels must be soaked or steamed. Saw-kerfing the back of the panel to make it bend more easily is not recommended if the plywood is to be used structurally. Compound curves are virtually unobtainable with a single plywood panel and should not be attempted. Edge Finishing

Planes used on plywood edges are working on grain that goes in both directions because of cross lamination of the plies. For this reason a sharp plane with shallow set is recommended. A light jack plane will work well on most jobs and planing in from the ends towards the centre helps prevent the ends from splintering. Power tools will help get a smooth edge. A power saw with a carbide tip blade can produce a smooth edge if the first cut is made more generous than is necessary and the edge is then cut to size with a hollowground blade. With a jointer it is best to feed the wood into the jointer head slowly. With a disc sander, feed the panel slowly against the sander at a slight angle so that the area of edge contact is on the downward side of the rotating disc. Sanding When finish-sanding the panel face, work with the grain using even pressure and regular strokes. Use fine sandpaper for final easing and smoothing the edges and for rubbing down between coats of paint. Fasteners Plywood can be fastened to framing materials and other materials can be fastened to plywood with a number of devices such as nails, staples, screws, bolts, clips, and glue. Of these, nails, staples, and glue are the most commonly used. Nails Nails are available in a variety of lengths, diameters, heads points, shank styles and coatings. In Canada, nails are specified by length and the diameter of the wire used in their manufacture. For most construction uses, common nails will be satisfactory. Where greater withdrawal resistance is required, such as in subflooring and underlayment nailing, ring thread, spiral or annular grooved nails should be used. Coated nails are not generally used with plywood; galvanized nails usually hold better and are less likely to cause staining if the plywood is exposed to the weather. The length of nail for a specific purpose is determined by the thickness of plywood
Bending Axis Perpendicular to Face Grain (m) 1.5 2.4 3.6 4.8 6.0 7.0

Table 5. Cold Bend Radii


Plywood Thickness (mm) 6, 7.5 8, 9.5 11, 12.5 14, 15.5 18.5, 19 20.5 Bending Axis Parallel to Face Grain (m) 0.7 1.0 2.4 3.6 4.8 5.8

These radii are theoretical values only and have not been verified experimentally.

through which it must be driven. Table 6 gives recommended nail lengths for the thickness of sanded plywood used in finish carpentry work and Table 7 gives nail lengths for use with unsanded plywood. Nail lengths for the thicknesses of plywood used in sheathing applications are found in the sheathing tables. Staples Staples are similar in nature to nails and are often used interchangeably. Staple sizes conforming to the requirements of the National Building Code of Canada for plywood sheathing and subfloor attachment are given in Table 7. Screws Screws are primarily employed to fasten plywood used in finish carpentry work, cabinetry, displays and boat building. Screw sizes for the most commonly used thicknesses of plywood together with the diameters of the screw shank clearance and pilot holes are given in Table 8. Screws may be counter-sunk but care should be taken to avoid breaking the surface grain of the plywood panel. In general, sheet metal or drywall screws hold better. Flathead screws set flush have more holding power than round-head screws of the same size. Under round head screws, a washer will give extra strength.

construction. Bolt holes should be 2 mm larger than the bolts. A tight fit requiring forcible driving of the bolts is not recommended. With common bolts, a washer or metal plate or strap should be inserted between the plywood and the bolt head and between the plywood and the nut. Nuts should be tightened snugly but not so as to crush the wood under the washer, plate or strap. 1. Plow bolts have flush heads with fins to prevent turning. 2. Carriage bolts normally are more useful with plywood than common bolts. 3. The speed nut system is a bolt with a self locking sheet metal nut.

blocking. They are used to reduce differential deflection between adjoining panel edges. H-clips should be spaced as follows: One at midpoint for supports up to 600 mm on centre. Two at 1/3 points for supports 601 to 1000 mm on centre. Three at 1/4 points for supports more than 1000 mm on centre. Using EASY T&G panels eliminates the need for H-clips, and prevents differential deflection between adjoining panel edges.

H-Clips 1 2 3 H-clips are panel edge supports in lieu of

H-Clip

Table 6. nails for Sanded plywood used in Finish Carpentry


Plywood Thickness (mm) 6, 8, 11 14 Nail Length (mm) (in.) 38 38 51 51 1 1 2 2 Nail Type Casing or Finishing Casing Finishing Casing or Finishing

Counter sink

17, 19

Shank clearance Pilot hole

Table 7. nails and Staples for Unsanded plywood


Plywood Thickness (mm) 7.5 and 9.5 Nail Length Common Ring Thread (mm) (in.) (mm) (in.) 51 51 57 2 2 2 45 45 51 1 1 2 Staple Length (mm) 38 51 NA (in.) 1 2 NA Maximum Spacing 150 mm on centre along edges and 300 mm along intermediate support

Grommets and Inserts Metal grommets and inserts are employed when plywood is used for removable panels. Several types are manufactured for this purpose.

12.5 to 18.5 20.5 to 25.5

1. Staples shall not be less than 1.6 mm in diameter or thickness with not less than 9.5 mm crown driven with crown parallel to framing. 2. All nails should be long enough that no less than half their length penetrates into the second member.

Table 8. Screws for plywood


Plywood Thickness (mm) 6 7.5 to 9.5 11 and 12.5 14 and 15.5 17 to 20.5 Screw Size (mm) 19 25 32 38 38 (in.) 1 1 1 1 (No.) 6 6 6 8 10 or 12 Shank Clearance (mm) (in.) Pilot Hole (mm) (in.)

1. Grommet is fitted with countersunk hold and crimped to form socket for removable wood screw. 2. Grommet designed for round head screw has slotted hole for panel adjustment. Bolts Bolts have only limited use in plywood

9/64 3.6 9/64 3.6 9/64 3.6 11/64 4.4 4.8 or 5.6 3/16 or 7/32

1.6 1/16 1.6 1/16 1.6 1/16 2.0 5/64 2.4 or 2.8 3/32 or 7/64

certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

GLUES AND GLUING Glues Glue is playing an increasingly important role in plywood construction, both in nonstructural applications such as flush panel doors, furniture, cabinets and built-ins and in structural uses such as web beams, stressed skin panels and similar plywood structural components. Because of the many developments in recent years in the field of wood adhesives, and the varied conditions of service under which glued wood products are expected to perform satisfactorily, the selection of a proper adhesive is important and is sometimes a complex problem. The following notes on the most common types of glues in general use today should help make the selection of a suitable glue for a specific job somewhat easier. It is important to note that plywood treated with wood preservatives or fire-retardants is difficult to glue. Also, if the wood is to be treated after gluing, the choice of adhesives is severely limited. Casein glue is one of the older woodworking glues and is still readily available in powder form. When mixed with water it forms a glue of moderately high dry strength and moderate resistance to water, damp atmospheres and intermediate temperatures. Casein is generally applied and pressed at room temperature. It is not recommended for exterior exposure and is used primarily for laminating structural timbers for interior use. Contact and rubber-based glues - other than those elastomeric construction adhesives developed specifically for field-glued plywood subfloors (see page 13) and affixing plywood wall paneling to studs and strapping - are not suitable for structural uses. One of the main disadvantages of these types of glue is that their dry strengths are generally lower than those of conventional wood working glues and the joint tends to creep under prolonged loading, losing its original configuration. This joint deformation remains even after the load is removed. Contact adhesives are developed for bonding two surfaces together without the use of clamps. Unlike many conventional wet bonding glues, contact adhesives are applied to each surface to be bonded, allowed to dry, then joined together with pressure. The two dried adhesive coatings fuse together to form a uniform bond of immediate strength. Generally speaking, the higher the pressure, the more uniform the bond will be. Common uses for contact adhesives involve the bonding of non-porous materials to
certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

themselves or other non-porous materials and include gluing hard or textured surfaced materials such as metal, high density plastic laminates, vinyl and other fabrics to plywood surfaces. Polyvinyl acetate glues, often called white glues, are valuable for non-structural interior uses such as assembling flush panel doors, cabinets and furniture. They are not recommended for exterior exposure because they are inherently elastic and have low resistance to heat and moisture. The glue joint also tends to creep under external loads and with dimensional changes in the wood caused by changes in moisture content. Synthetic resin adhesives now surpass most of the older glues in importance for bonding plywood. Urea resin adhesives, available in dry powder or liquid forms, are used extensively for furniture, cabinet and door construction, and similar general assembly work. They are also used in some areas of marine construction where the joint is not subject to excessively high temperatures and high humidity conditions. In general, urea resins are high in both wet and dry strength, moderately durable under damp conditions, and have moderate to low resistance to temperatures above 50 C. Resorcinol, phenol-resorcinol and phenolformaldehyde resin adhesives, similar to the type of thermo-setting glue used to make plywood, are required for gluing plywood and lumber into products that must withstand stress and exposure to the elements. Such uses include marine work and plywood structural components such as beams and stressed skin panels. For such high strength uses a glue must develop shearing stresses between the two surfaces being joined and therefore should be stronger than the wood itself in shear. These three types of adhesives are high in both wet and dry strength, very resistant to moisture and damp conditions, and more resistant than wood itself to high temperatures.

Epoxy resins are used for more specialized applications such as bonding metals, plastics and some masonry materials to themselves and to plywood. Their use in wood-to-wood bonding is limited since their permanence has not been adequately established. Epoxy resins are marketed in two parts, resin and curing agent, for mixing at the point of use. Of invaluable assistance to the glue user is the technical assistance provided by adhesive manufacturers. Many reputable glue manufacturers maintain staffs of technically trained personnel willing to assist the glue user in the selection and use of the type of adhesive best suited to job requirements. NOTE: To achieve the optimum glue bond between members it is imperative that the glue manufacturers recommendations in regard to wood moisture content, shelf life, pot life, working life, mixing, spreading, assembly time, time under pressure, and ambient temperature be followed. Gluing Gluing pressure can be applied to secondary gluelines (i.e. gluelines other than the primary gluelines used in the manufacture of the plywood itself) by many methods, including weights, presses, clamps and nails. Whatever the method, it should be capable of exerting a pressure on the glueline of 0.7 to 1 MPa. Weights, presses and clamps are often impractical for many gluing operations, particularly in the fabrication of large plywood structural assemblies. In such cases, glueline pressure may be developed by nails - a technique known as nail-gluing. Nail sizes and spacings for various thicknesses of plywood are given in Table 9 and are suggested as a guide to nail-gluing. Nail spacings recommended for nail-gluing techniques are closer than those recommended for field glued sub-floors because in the former the nails are used to develop uniform pressure along the glueline

Table 9. Guide to nail Gluing


Plywood Thickness (mm) Nail Length (mm) (in.) Nail Type Nail Spacing Nails spacing shall not exceed 75 mm oc along each row for plywood up to 7.5 mm thick or 100 mm oc for plywood 12.5 mm and thicker. One row of nails shall be used for each 50 mm width or part thereof of contact area to be glued.Rows shall be spaced such that the distance to the edge of the contact area is approximately half the distance between rows. Nails in adjacent rows shall be staggered to provide even glueline pressure and to reduce the danger of splitting the lumber.

6 to 9.5

38

Common

11 to 20.5

51

Common

10

so that the adhesive can perform as a structural fastener whereas in the latter, the elastomeric glue serves primarily to stiffen the subfloor and prevent movement that may cause floor squeaks. SHEATHING, SIDING AND PANELING Floor Sheathing General CertiWood EXTERIOR plywood provides an ideal floor beneath resilient flooring and carpeting. Plywood goes down flat and stays flat for a smooth, uniform surface. When exposed to moisture during construction, some swelling may occur, but it is substantially less than panels made with particles, strands or wafers. Also, when it dries it returns to its original thickness, thus eliminating the need to sand the joints before applying the next layer. EASY T&G plywood panels may be used to further reduce labour and material costs by eliminating the need for costly blocking at panel edges.

Plywood panels for subflooring and single layer subflooring should be applied with face grain perpendicular to supports and with joints parallel to joists staggered. A 2 mm gap should be left between all square edges of adjacent panels. EASY T&G Floor is designed to butt at the tip of the tongue leaving a 1 mm gap on the face and underside. To ensure the best possible performance, plywood floors should be protected from rain and snow shortly after installation to prevent excessive moisture pickup. Where water permeable finished flooring is used in bathrooms, kitchens, public entrance halls and laundry areas, such flooring shall be installed over a membrane with a water permeability not exceeding 18 ng/Pasm2 Subflooring For subflooring that does not come into direct contact with floor finishing material and is used under plywood underlayment, hardwood flooring or concrete, Sheathing grade plywood is suitable (see table 10).

Single Layer Subflooring EASY T&G plywood or square-edge plywood with edges supported by blocking can be applied to floor joists forming a single layer subfloor. Minimum plywood thicknesses for various support spacings and finish floorings are given in Table 10. Select grade plywood is recommended for single layer subfloors intended for use under most carpeting. Single layer subfloors for use under resilient floor finishes such as linoleum, rubber, and synthetic sheets or tiles, and some types of glued-on carpets which normally require the use of underlayment, are usually referred to as combined subfloor and underlayment. This type of subfloor is recommended only for prefabricated structures or for applications where panels are fully protected against damage and moisture before and after installation and is not permitted for use under ceramic tiles applied with adhesive. 18.5 mm Select or Select Tight Face cleaned & sized plywood is recommended for support spacings up to 407 mm. For best performance, elastomeric glue should be applied between plywood and supports and into T&G profiles before nailing with annular grooved nails. Final nailing should be left until the finished flooring is to be laid, at which time the plywood should have dried to the approximate conditions that will exist in the structure during occupancy. The surface should be prepared as recommended by the floor covering manufacturer. Underlayment Select or Select-Tight Face grades of 7.5 mm or 9.5 mm plywood, or special underlayment panels made by several CertiWood members, are recommended for use as underlayment under resilient floor finishes such as linoleum, rubber and synthetic sheets or tiles, ceramic tiles and those types of glued-on carpets for which the manufacturer recommends the use of underlayment. For ceramic tiles applied with adhesive, 11 mm thick underlayment is required where supports are spaced wider than 300 mm on centre. Underlayment panels should not be installed until wood subfloors, concrete, plaster and lumber framing have dried to the approximate conditions that will exist in the structure during occupancy. Also, underlayment panels should be allowed to acclimatize in room conditions. To achieve this, it is recommended that the panels be placed separately on edge around the room for a minimum of 48 hours prior to installation of the finished floor.

Table 10. Minimum Thickness of Canply EXTERIOR plywood and nailing Schedule for Subflooring
Recommendations suitable for residential floors where the National Building Code stipulates the design live load does not exceed 2.4 kPa. Reduced support spacing and/or greater thicknesses may be necessary for non-residential construction.

Plywood Designation

End Use

Spacing of Supports (mm) 300 400 480 600 800 Plywood Thickness (mm)

DFP, CSP, Aspen or Poplar

Subflooring with panel edges not supported: a) Under matched softwood flooring not less than 19 mm thick laid at right angles to the joists b) Under matched hardwood flooring not less than 7.9 mm thick laid at right angles to the joists c) Under separate panel-type underlay not less than 6 mm thick or with concrete topping applied to subfloor 4 Single layer subflooring with panel edges supported by blocking or tongues and grooves: a) Under carpeting b) Under resilient floor finishes3

12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 NR2 12.5 15.5 15.5 18.5 NR 12.5 12.5 NR NR NR

DFP, CSP, Aspen or Poplar

12.5 15.5 15.5 18.5 20.5 18.5 18.5 NR NR NR

Plywood Thickness (mm) 12.5, 15.5, 18.5 20.5

Nailing Schedule for Subflooring Size and Type 51 mm (2 in.) Common or 45 mm (1 in.) Annular grooved 57 mm (2 in.) Common or 51 mm (2 in.) Annular grooved Maximum Nail Spacing 150 mm around perimeter and 300 mm along intermediate supports

1. Plywood shall be applied with face grain perpendicular to supports. 2. NR - Not recommended. 3. When resilient flooring is applied directly to plywood subfloors, the subfloors shall be fastened to supports using annularly grooved nails and elastomeric glue should be applied between plywood and supports and into T&G profiles. 4.Not applicable where flooring consists of ceramic tiles applied with adhesive.

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certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

Underlayment panels should be laid at right angles to subflooring panels with joints in underlayment staggered and offset at least 200 mm from joints in subflooring, and with ends and edges butted to light contact. Unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer, underlayment panels shall be nailed or stapled every 100 mm around the perimeter (10 mm to 15 mm from edge), and every 150 mm throughout the rest of the panel. Use 25 mm ring grooved underlay flooring nails, or 28 mm long staples with 5 mm crowns and not less than 1.2 mm shank diameter. Avoid nailing underlayment to joists supporting the subfloor. Nailing or stapling should begin at one corner of the underlayment panel and should progress diagonally across the panel. Preparation of underlayment prior to applying floor covering should be done as recommended by the floor covering manufacturer. Such a recommendation should include sanding uneven surfaces and panel joints to level, filling surface voids according to the floor covering manufacturers procedure and, when required by the manufacturer, a procedure for filling joint seams. It should also include specification for a suitable filler. Field-Glued Subfloors This technique provides stiffer, better quality floors. With the new adhesives and gluing techniques available, field-glued combined subfloor and underlayment plywood floors save money while providing premium quality construction. Material and labour costs are reduced with the single floor system, which combines the functions of both structural subflooring and smooth underlayment in a single layer of plywood. Floor stiffness is also increased from 20% to 70% (depending upon the size and spacing of the joists and thickness of plywood) compared to conventional floor construction because the glued plywood floor and joists act together as a composite, stiff T-beam unit. Builders who have adopted this floor system have experienced an added benefit minimum call backs to repair floor squeaks. With field-glued plywood subfloors, the glue firmly bonds the plywood and joists together to help prevent the differential movement between the joists and the subfloor which causes squeaks. Glues Several brands of elastomeric glue suitable for field use are available from building supply dealers. Most are conveniently packaged in spouted, ready-to-use cartridges for caulking guns. Some brands are available in bulk for use with portable pneumatic systems. These special construction adhesives are not be confused with ordinary drywall glues. Use only glues specified for construction purposes and
certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

apply according instructions.

to

manufacturers

The Canadian General Standards Board Specification CAN/CGSB - 71.26 - M 88 establishes minimum performance and test requirements for elastomeric construction adhesives for bonding plywood to lumber framing. Gluing Conditions Glues are formulated to provide adequate bonds and unseasoned lumber, which makes their use practical under normal site

conditions. With several of the adhesives available, gluing can be done in below freezing weather provided the temperature rises above freezing reasonably soon after the floor is applied. However, for best results the ambient temperature should be above freezing. Gluing should never be done when temperatures are continually below freezing because none of the adhesives currently available can develop adequate shear strength under such conditions. The adhesive should be kept as warm as possible during cold weather to ensure ease of application.

Hardwood flooring

Resilient flooring

CANPLY Select grade plywood underlayment Underlayment used to compensate for difference in thickness between resilient and wood flooring Wall to wall Carpet CANPLY Sheathing grade plywood subflooring Edge blocking (not necessary with EASY T&G plywood) Resilient flooring

CANPLY Select grade underlayment EASY T&G Sheathing grade subfloor

Underlayment used to compensate for difference in thickness between carpet and resilient flooring

Resilient flooring

EASY T&G Select grade Cleaned and Sized single layer subfloor Combined subfloor and underlayment

Plywood Subfloor and Underlayment


12

Application of EASY T&G Plywood for Regular and Field-Glued Plywood Subfloors It is advisable to plan placement of EASY T&G panels to minimize cutting, waste and labour. Panels should be placed with the face grain at right angles to the supports. End joints, which must occur over supports, should be staggered. When placing the tongued edge of a panel into the groove of a previously placed panel, care should be taken to ensure that tongues and grooves are not damaged. Note that each T&G panel is stamped THIS SIDE DOWN to ensure correct placement. The recommended application sequence for EASY T&G plywood is as follows: 1. It is important that the first row of panels be aligned straight and true. To ensure this, measure a panel width in from the ends of the two outside joists and snap a chalk line between these points. This line will also act as a boundary when applying glue for the first row of panels of a field-glued plywood subfloor. 2. For a regular subfloor, lay the first row of EASY T&G panels with the grooved edge along the chalk line and tack in position with four to six nails per panel. Do not nail within 150 mm of the grooved edge in any row until the tongues of the following row are in position. For a field-glued plywood subfloor, lay a 3 mm to 6 mm diameter bead of glue along the joists or beams apply glue in a serpentine pattern. Where panel ends will butt on the joists, lay two beads of glue to ensure that each panel end will be glued. Apply only enough glue to lay one or two

panels at a time (unless the glue manufacturers instructions permit covering a larger area in advance of laying the panels). See Table 11 for glue coverage. Nail panels securely in position taking care not to nail within 150 mm of the grooved edge until the tongues of the following row are in position. 3. Place a second row of EASY T&G panels along the other side of the chalk line with the tongues fitting into the grooves of the panels

in the first row and having the end joints between plywood panels staggered relative to the first row. Do not attempt to force a tight joint between panel faces as the EASY T&G Floor is designed to butt at the tip of the tongue leaving a 1 mm gap on the face and underside. A 2 mm gap should also be left between panel ends to allow for expansion of the plywood and shrinkage in the joist thickness.

Table 11. approximate Glue Coverage vs Bead Size


Bead Diameter (mm) 3 5 6 8 10 Litres per 100 metres 0.7 2.0 2.8 5.0 7.9 Metres per Litre 142 51 35 20 13

Note: 1 U.S. gallon equals 3.78 litres; 1 Imperial gallon equals 4.54 litres If EASY T&G plywood is used, no blocking is necessary

Edge blocking for square edge plywood Where joists are continuous over bearing points, they may be end-butted, not lapped, to provide continuous nailing CANPLY plywood splice plates Beam Joist

Spliced Floor Joists

MAINTAIN PROPER GAPS DO NOT FORCE PANELS TIGHTLY TOGETHER! Leave built-in 1 mm expansion gap between tongue and grooved edges. Leave a 2 mm gap between panel ends.

Lay panels with face grain across the joist

Face Gr Direc ain tion

3 Fasteners spaced 150 mm (6") around the perimeter of the panel

and 300 mm (12") on intermediate supports. For plywood thicknesses up to 18.5 mm, Code approved fasteners include 51 mm common or spiral nails, 51 mm staples and 45 mm ring thread nails or screws.

NOTE: Adding a bead of elastomeric glue between joist and panel helps eliminate squeaks and nail popping, and increases floor stiffness resulting in potentially longer spans.

EASY T&G Floor Installation


13
certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

4. Sheathe the remaining floor area. For a field-glued subfloor apply glue in advance of each panel and nail each panel securely in place within the glue manufacturers specified assembly time. For extra stiffness, a bead of glue, either continuous or intermittent, may be squeezed into the grooves before mating the panels. If applying a regular subfloor, the panels can be nailed securely to the joists at this stage. If the plywood is being used as combined subfloor and underlayment as a base for resilient flooring, panel nailing should be left until the finish flooring is to be laid, at which time nailing should be completed and the nail heads set. 5. Protect floor from excessive moisture. Hints to Reduce Nail Popping in Floors Nail popping is the term used to describe the tendency of some nails to rise above the plywood surface after driving. It becomes a problem in subfloor and underlayment applications only if nails are driven into unseasoned lumber joists. As the lumber shrinks, the whole depth of the joist is reduced, including the depth of the nail hole. With the nail hole reduced in depth the nail head is raised above the surface of the plywood because the nail itself cannot increase the depth of the hole. This causes humps or blisters on the surface of resilient flooring. The tendency for nails to pop can be reduced by: 1. Selecting lumber joists so that members with similar crowns will be placed side by side. 2. Using dry products, such as k.D. lumber

or engineered I-Joists, whenever possible. If unseasoned lumber is used do not fasten plywood permanently until the joists have attained equilibrium moisture content. 3. Using the shortest possible annularly grooved nails consistent with the recommendations given in Table 10. Drive nails at a slight angle and set all nail heads prior to laying resilient flooring. Wall Sheathing CANPLY EXTERIOR plywood used as wall sheathing stabilizes the building framework and makes diagonal and corner bracing unnecessary. Damage to finish materials in the structure due to uneven settling of the frame is minimized when plywood sheathing is used because plywood adds rigidity to the building. This rigidity is especially important when walls are prefabricated on the floor and then tilted into position, or where walls are to contain large areas of glass. Plywood sheathing also contributes to the overall thermal performance of the wall because the large panels mean fewer joints through which air can leak and heat can escape. Minimum plywood thicknesses for wall sheathing are given in Table 12. For maximum performance of the plywood, panels should be applied with the face grain perpendicular to the studs. Plywood panels should not be applied to form a tie between the bottom plate and the floor joists or header or sill, since shrinkage of the lumber may cause the plywood sheathing to buckle. A strip of plywood along the joist header, as shown in the illustration below, will extend sheathing to the required lower limit of the

wall and provide a flush surface for the exterior siding material. A small gap should be left between panels to allow for expansion. Siding and Paneling Combined Sheathing and Cladding This siding system, sometimes called a single skin finish, is a sound and economical method of wall construction in which plywood is applied directly to the studs to perform the dual role of structural sheathing and finish siding. Available in a range of patterns and textures, plywood siding panels combine the natural characteristics of wood - warmth, beauty and durability - with the superior strength and stiffness imparted by cross-laminated construction. This form of construction is one of the least expensive ways to enclose space and is suitable for most types of buildings. Minimum thickness requirements, support spacing and nailing schedules for plywood siding are given in Table 13. Plywood Siding Plywood can be used in panel form or cut and applied as lap or level siding. Sheathing grades of plywood make an economical cladding with a pleasing rustic appearance. These grades are especially attractive when the plywood is stained with a heavy bodied stain and the joints are covered with battens or moulding. When the plywood is to be painted, Medium Density Overlaid plywood should be used. This type of plywood has a smooth, durable, resin impregnated surface ideal for a long lasting paint finish. Textured, grooved, factory-primed and pre-finished siding panels are also available. Hot-dipped galvanized nails should be used with plywood siding to avoid rust streaks. It may be desirable to use colour-matched nails for some pre-finished panels. If battens are applied over pre-finished siding, the battens should be nailed separately so that they can be removed for refinishing without damaging the siding. Wood, Metal and Vinyl Siding Siding should be nailed directly to the studs through the sheathing. All vertical joints should occur over studs. Nails should be corrosion-resistant. Red Cedar Shingles and Shakes Plywood applied perpendicular to the studs provides a stiff nailing base for shingles and shakes. They should be nailed directly to the sheathing with hot-dipped galvanized nails driven flush but not so that the head crushes the wood.

Open Joint

Top plate Studs

Stagger panels for maximum strength Leave 2 mm gap between panel edges. In wet service conditions, increase gap to 3 mm CANPLY plywood strip Header

EASY T&G plywood Subfloor Joists Sill plate Foundation

Plywood Wall Sheathing


certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

14

Stucco If self-furring metal lathe is used, it may be nailed directly over the plywood sheathing after applying building paper. Nails should be hot-dipped galvanized, have large heads and be driven through the plywood into the studs. If wire mesh is used, it should be attached with furring nails. Brick or Masonry Veneer Plywood sheathing should be covered with asphalt-impregnated paper lapped 100 mm at the edges. Brick or masonry should be set at least 25 mm from face of sheathing. Metal ties may be secured by nailing through the sheathing to the studs.

Table 12. Minimum Thickness of Canply EXTERIOR plywood and nailing Schedule for Wall Sheathing
(Recommendations suitable for Housing and Small Buildings governed under Part 9 of the National Building Code of Canada)

Spacing of Supports (mm) 300, 400 480, 600

Plywood Thickness (mm) 6 7.5

Nailing Schedule for Wall Sheathing Size and Type 51 mm (2 in.) Common or 45 mm (1 in.) Annular grooved Maximum Nail Spacing 150 mm around the perimeter and 300 mm along intermediate supports

1. Plywood may be applied with face grain parallel or perpendicular to supports. 2. A 2 mm gap shall be left between panel edges. Gap shall be increased to 3 mm in wet service conditions. 3. If asbestos cement shingles are to be attached to the sheathing only, plywood shall be not less than 9.5 mm thick. 4. If vertical lumber siding or stucco lath or reinforcing are to be attached to the sheathing only, plywood shall be not less than 12.5 mm thick. 5. If vertically applied metal siding or wood shingles and shakes are to be attached to the sheathing only, plywood shall not be less than 7.5 mm thick.

Table 13. Minimum net Effective Thickness of plywood Siding and nailing Schedule
Spacing of Supports (mm) 300 Condition of Use 400 480 600 Minimum Net Effective Plywood Thickness (mm) Nailing Schedule for Plywood Siding (see note 6 for lap or bevel siding) Size and Type Maximum Nail Spacing

Without sheathing or over furring: Face grain parallel to supports Face perpendicular to supports

8 6

8 6

11 8

11 8

With sheathing: Face grain parallel to supports Face grain perpendicular to supports

6 6

6 6

6 6

6 6

52 mm (2 in.) corrosion-resistant common nails compatible with siding for plywood thicker than 7 mm and 38 mm (1 in.) nails for plywood up to 7 mm thick

150 mm on centre along edges and 300 mm along intermediate supports

1. Net effective thickness: For brushed, grooved, striated and saw textured plywood, the net effective thickness is the thickness between the bottom of the scores or grooves and the back face of the plywood. 2. The edges of plywood siding shall be treated with a suitable paint or sealer. 3. Plywood applied in panels must have all edges supported. No less than a 2 mm gap shall be provided between the panels. Gap shall be increased to not less than 3 mm in wet service conditions. Vertical joints in such siding shall be protected with batten strips or caulking when the plywood joints are not matched. Horizontal joints shall be lapped not less than 25 mm or shall be suitably flashed. 4. Plywood applied in horizontal lapped strips shall have no less than a 2 mm gap (3 mm in wet service conditions) provided at the butted ends, which shall be caulked. The horizontal joints shall not be lapped any less than 25mm. Wedges shall be inserted under all vertical butt joints and at all corners when horizontal lapped plywood is applied without sheathing. 5. Building paper is not required with panel-type siding provided all joints are caulked and either covered with battens or suitably factory-detailed to exclude moisture. 6. Nails for lap or bevel siding shall be 51 mm corrosion-resistant and compatible with the siding. Nails shall be spaced 100 mm oc at vertical joints and one nail per stud along bottom edge of siding. 7. Clearance of no less than 200 mm shall be provided between the finished ground level and plywood siding and no less than 50 mm between roof surface and plywood siding.

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certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

Joints - no caulking required for factorydetailed joints or where the joints are covered with battens or backed with building paper. Leave 2 mm gap between panels edges. In wet service conditions, increase gap to 3 mm.

Joints - no caulking required for factorydetailed joints or where the joints are covered with battens or backed with building paper. Leave 2 mm gap between panels edges. In wet service conditions, increase gap to 3 mm. No diagonal wall bracing required with single skin construction Insulation as required No diagonal wall bracing required with single skin construction

Insulation as required

Batten (nails through batten should penetrate stud at least 25 mm CANPLY plywood panel siding Uniform Panel - Board and Batten CANPLY plywood panel siding Grooved Panel - Vertical

Joints - no caulking required for factory-detailed vertical joints or where the joints are covered with battens or backed with building paper. Leave 2 mm gap between panels edges. In wet service conditions, increase gap to 3 mm.

Lap or lash horizontal joints.

No diagonal wall bracing required with single skin construction Insulation as required Blocking at horizontal joints Insulation as required Building paper

Battens to conceal butt joints at panel ends CANPLY plywood panel siding installed horizontally, nail as required for vertical application Grooved Panel - Horizontal

Shingle wedge under vertical joints (lap siding only). Stagger butt joints over studs CANPLY plywood lap siding Lap Siding

Typical Wall Construction Details:


Note: Not all construction details are shown in above diagrams. Wall assemblies should be designed according to local building code requirements and conditions. certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

16

Table 14. Minimum Thickness of Canply EXTERIOR plywood and nailing Schedule for Roof Sheathing
Recommendations suitable for designs governed by Part 9 of the National Building Code of Canada and/or where the design live load does not exceed 2.4 kPa

Method of Edge Support Corner Boards Flat Panel Panel edges supported by blocking or H-clips Panel edges supported by EASY T&G roof edge profile Corner Boards Lap or Bevel Panel edges not supported

Plywood Designation DFP CSP, Aspen or Poplar DFP EASY T&G CSP EASY T&G DFP, CSP, Aspen or Poplar

300 7.5 7.5

Spacing of Supports (mm) 400 480 610 800 1200 Plywood Thickness (mm) 7.5 7.5 9.5 9.5 9.5 9.5 12.5 18.5 15.5 20.5

11 11 7.5 7.5 9.5 9.5

11 11

12.5

12.5 12.5 15.5 NR 12.5 12.5 15.5 NR

Plywood Thickness (mm) Butted 7.5, 9.5, 11, 12.5 15.5, 18.5 20.5 Butted Square Corner Flat Panel

Nailing Schedule for Roof Sheathing Size and Type 51 mm (2 in.) Common or 45 mm (1 in.) Annular grooved 57 mm (2 in.) Common or 51 mm (2 in.) Annular grooved Maximum Nail Spacing 150 mm around the perimeter and 300 mm on centre along intermediate supports except that when primary supports are spaced greater than 800 mm on centre, nails shall be spaced at 150 mm intervals along all supports.

Notes: 1. EASy T&G panels are available in thicknesses of 11 and 12.5 mm, and are recommended for superior performance as roof sheathing. For details, see pages 18 and 19.

Corner Stop

2. Recommendations suitable for flat, flat-pitched or pitched roofs. Because of point loads, which may be imposed during construction, the tabulated thicknesses should not be reduced nor the tabulated spans increased. For thickness of roof sheathing on a flat roof used as a walking deck, follow the recommendations for flooring in Table 10. 3. Plywood shall be applied with the face grain perpendicular to supports. 4. Plywood shall be applied so that joints parallel to rafters are staggered and all adjacent edges are separated by no less than a 2mm gap. In wet service conditions, the gap should be increased for all panels except EASy T&G to no less than 3mm. 5. DFP - Douglas Fir Plywood meeting CSA O121. 6. CSP or Aspen - Canadian Softwood Plywood meeting CSA O151. 7. Poplar Plywood meeting CSA O153. 8. NR - Not recommended.

Butted Square Corner Lap or Bevel

Corner Moulding Paint

Open Joint

Typical Exterior Wall Corner Details


17
certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

Soffits Plywood cut to correct size and nailed directly to roof joists, rafters or outriggers can act as soffits. Use 6 mm for supports up to 400 mm on centre and 7.5 mm for 600 mm spacings. Cut-to-size and vented soffits are available from many building supply dealers. It is a good idea to stain or prime the soffit panels before installation. This will save much work later. MDO provides a superior paint surface. The illustrations opposite show two methods of placing vents in plywood soffits. Roof Sheathing Plywood roof sheathing offers time and money saving advantages while contributing to the overall strength and rigidity of the structure. In some cases it may be possible to reduce roof construction costs by using fewer rafters spanned by a thicker than usual sheathing panel. The high-strength, low weight, skid-resistant deck provided by plywood sheathing is ideal for all type of roofing materials, from red cedar shingles and shakes to built-up roofing. Table 14 gives minimum requirements for the application of CANPLY EXTERIOR plywood roof sheathing. Panels should be applied with the face grain at right angles to supports to obtain maximum strength. A small gap should be left between panels to allow for expansion. During construction, the rafter header should be applied first. The first row of plywood panels should then be nailed flush with the outside edge of the header to give a true roof edge. The fascia board is then applied to cover the rafter header and the edge of the plywood sheathing. This method of construction will also help stop leakage into the soffit if water should back up the eave. H-clips are an alternative to solid blocking in conjunction with 9.5 mm plywood roof sheathing spanning rafters placed 600 mm apart, subject to the following conditions: 1. One H-clip shall be placed midway in the joint of abutting sheets between each pair of rafters or joists. Rafter or joist spacing shall not exceed 600 mm. 2. H-clips should fit snugly. 3. Abutting plywood sheets shall be fitted as closely as clips permit, providing the separation required by the National Building Code is maintained. Occasional misfit of abutting sheets may be tolerated providing resulting gaps at maximum opening do not exceed 6 mm.

Sloped Soffit Rafter Top Plate Wall studs CANPLY plywood wall sheathing Fascia CANPLY plywood roof sheathing

Horizontal Soffit Rafter Top plate Stud Continuous nailer Outrigger CANPLY plywood wall sheathing

CANPLY plywood soffit Intermittent screened soffit vents CANPLY plywood roof sheathing

Fascia

Vented Soffits

CANPLY plywood soffit Screen vent runs length of soffit

For maximum strength, place plywood panels across rafters and stagger joints No H-Clips required with EASY T&G Leave 2 mm gap between panel edges. In wet service conditions, increase gap to 3 mm

Grain Face ion t e ir D c

Roof rafter Top plate See Table 14 for nail spacing

Fascia

Rafter header

EASY T&G Roof Sheathing

certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

18

An alternative to sheathing with regular CANPLY plywood is to use EASY T&G panels. These panels are manufactured specially for roof sheathing and have a new, patented edge profile that results in a stiffer roof and eliminates differential deflection as well as the need for H-clips. Table 14 gives thickness and nailing recommendations. Install EASY T&G with tongued edge up (i.e., pointing toward the top of the roof). An exception may be made where triangular cut-offs are made, such as when sheathing hipped roofs. When square edge plywood is used on hipped roofs, the triangular cutoffs are flipped over and used on the other end of the same row. This is not possible with EASY T&G when all panels are installed with tongued edge up. Instead, install one side of the roof with the tongued edge up and the other side with the tongued edge down (i.e., pointing toward the eaves). The triangular cut-offs from one side of the roof can then be used on the other side with no loss of footage. Panels should be installed with the grain across supports and applied so that joints parallel to rafters are staggered. A 2 mm gap between the ends of adjacent panels is required. Correct spacing between the long edges of adjacent panels is inherent in the design of the edge profile. Finish Material over Plywood Roof Sheathing Many types of roofing materials have proven satisfactory under various service conditions when applied over plywood roof sheathing. The most common materials used on sloping roofs are Western Red Cedar shingles and shakes, asphalt shingles and tiles. For flat or flat-pitched roofs, built-up roofing is generally used. Rolled roofing is suitable for temporary use but is not recommended for permanent installation over plywood roof sheathing. When a plywood flat roof deck is to carry pedestrian traffic, it must be considered as a floor or walking deck and the plywood thickness selected accordingly. Surface membranes conventionally used as roof coatings are rarely suitable for pedestrian traffic and should not be used on walking decks. However, special coatings which are both waterproof and abrasion-resistant have been developed in recent years and their use on plywood walking decks is recommended. PERMANENT WOOD FOUNDATIONS Permanent Wood Foundations (PWFs) are a complete wood-frame foundation system for low-rise residential, school, industrial, commercial and other types of buildings. Built with preservative treated wood, they are an extension of the familiar wood-frame system with the frame walls carried below

ground to serve as the foundation. The first documented uses of wood foundations of this type were in the Mark III and IV experimental homes built in 1961 and 1963 at Canadian Forces base, Rockcliffe (Ottawa) by the National House Builders Association (now the Canadian Home Builders Association), in cooperation with Canada Mortgage and Housing corporation, the Institute for Research in Construction and Forintek Canada. The foundation walls for both homes were built of preservative treated lumber framing and plywood sheathing. Forintek Canada scientists have inspected those wood foundations regularly since construction and report that treated wood foundations can be expected to perform as well as similarly treated wood in ground contact in other situations. Good performance of treated wood in ground contact has been well established. Many of the major structures of the world are supported on preservative-treated wood piles, another form of wood foundation. In the Permanent Wood foundations system all wood exposed to decay hazard is pressure treated with preservatives. The preservatives permanently impregnate the wood cells to penetration and concentration levels that make the wood resistant to attack by decay organisms and termites. The treated wood is then dried, resulting in an odourless product with a colour characteristic of the preservative used. Wood foundations lend themselves to plant fabrication or to on-site construction. If the foundation wall panels are fabricated in the plant, they can be assembled on jig tables used to frame the upper walls. This speeds up erection at the site, and usually results in cost savings and improved quality control. The plywood-sheathed wood frame provides automatic dimensional controls because plywood panels are square and are manufactured to precise dimensions. Construction can take place in most weather conditions, and can be completed faster than with traditional foundations, resulting in reduced construction and lower labour costs. The PWF system has many advantages over conventional foundations such as more comfortable living areas, speedier erection and reduced energy costs. Wood frame foundation walls are readily insulated to the same high standards as the rest of the house, resulting in warm, low-cost living space. They can be finished on the interior and on the exposed exterior with conventional coverings and finishes. Construction details, including plywood sheathing thickness recommendations, for 19

the PWF system are fully detailed in the Canadian Wood Council publication Permanent Wood Foundations, and in CSA Standard S406 Construction of Preserved Wood Foundations. CONCRETE FORMS CANPLY EXTERIOR plywood is suitable for all concrete forming applications. Load/span tables for various thicknesses of CANPLY EXTERIOR Douglas Fir plywood, together with other design data, are given in the CertiWood publication Concrete Formwork. The Advantages of Plywood for Concrete Forming The selection of formwork materials should be based on maximum overall operating economy consistent with safety and the quality of finish required. Many contractors have found that, for the reasons noted opposite, CANPLY EXTERIOR plywood satisfies the requirements of economy, safety and quality for the majority of concrete formwork applications. Handling It is generally acknowledged that the greatest damage to forms occurs during the various handling operations. Thorough planning of the whole forming operation will keep handling to a minimum. In the interests of speed and efficiency, mechanical handling devices should be used whenever possible. To slow the drying rate and minimize face checking, panels should be stored on a flat dry surface and stacked face to face. Panels should be protected against sun and rain but free air circulation must be provided. Release Agents for Plywood Concrete Forms The application of a release agent to the form face facilitates stripping the formwork and prevents scaling of the concrete surface when the forms are removed. Many proprietary brands of release agents are available in North America. These brands vary in composition to suite various applications but may for general purposes be divided into three broad categories: lacquers and paints, oils and greases, and emulsions. It is recommended that contractors use only proprietary brands of release agents applied according to the manufacturers instructions. Stripping To minimize damage during form removal, stripping procedures should be studied during form planning with reference to surface contours and special conditions.
certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

While forms must be left in place a sufficient time to permit proper curing and protection of the fresh concrete, it is generally desirable to remove forms as soon as these requirements have been met. CANPLY EXTERIOR plywood is a rugged material, but like other types of panel forms, plywood can be damaged by prying with crowbars or by dropping panels on their edges from a height. If a good release agent has been properly applied to the plywood, stripping should present no difficulty. If it is necessary to use force, wooden wedges should be used rather than metal pries. Cleaning Proper supervision of forming operations on the job site should extend to the cleaning and repair of forms. Plywood forms, in common with all other types, should be cleaned immediately after stripping. Concrete particles may be removed by using a wide blunt blade, straw broom or burlap. Many contractors use a powerdriven nylon brush. There are also several proprietary solutions available for softening concrete adhering to the plywood. Projecting nails should be withdrawn to prevent scarring of panels when stacking. Panels should be stacked flat, preferably out of the sun to reduce face checking. Repairing It is recommended that plywood forms be inspected after each use and repairs such as patching or renailing carried out as required. Plywood forms should be clean and dry before repairs are carried out. Where the grade of plywood and the type of form are suitable, the plywood may be reversed. Small splits and depressions can be filled with a suitable patching compound sanded flush. Unwanted holes through the plywood may be patched by: 1. Driving a wooden plug in tightly and sanding flush. 2. Backing up the hole with scrap wood, filling with patching compound and sanding flush. 3. Driving a metal patching disc into the plywood face. Experience has shown that even if a plywood form is damaged beyond economical repairs, the plywood itself can be salvaged and usefully re-employed in numerous fields, for example as stiffening gussets on new formwork, as rough foundation formwork, and in those areas where formwork is difficult to remove and must be left in place.
certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

Hardware for Plywood Concrete Forms Contractors should obtain their hardware only from recognized suppliers who can furnish proof of the strength of their accessories by laboratory or field tests. Although many different types of form hardware have been developed, all standard types are suitable for use with plywood. Of particular interest are various kinds of high tensile steel ties or bolts which have been specifically designed for plywood. Snap-ties made from high tensile wire are popular as an inexpensive method of form support. These ties are designed to prevent the forms from separating under pressure. Stripping the forms should be done only after concrete has set. After the forms have been removed, a tie breaker is applied to the

exposed end of the snap-tie and bent at right angles as close to the wall surface as possible. The unit is then turned with a clockwise circular motion until the snap-tie breaks at break-off point. For most commercial concrete finishes a rod or bar tie with integral spreaders is customary. Such ties generally have a notch or similar reduction in section which allows the tie to be broken back a set distance from the wall surface. Detailing for Plywood Formwork costs can be substantially reduced if certain basic details of dimensioning are borne in mind by building planners. Beams and columns preferably should have the same outside dimensions from foundation to roof, allowing beam and

Why Plywood for Formwork?


Strength Cross-lamination of veneers tends to equalize strength of panel with and across face grain, permitting the panel to act as a plate when suitably supported. Cross-lamination results in high resistance to impact. Nails can be driven close to panel edge without causing splitting. Construction of plywood creates a panel which is shrink resistant. Large panel size reduces number of pieces required. Reduces on-site labour. The number of re-uses is related to care in handling and stripping, and reduction of panel cutting my modular detailing. Five to 20 uses are common for quality finish industrial work. Between 50 and 100 uses can be expected for residential foundations. With fewer joints than boards and other materials, plywood forms are tighter. There is less leakage. Plywood helps protect concrete from rapid temperature changes and assists in retention of concrete heat in freezing weather. Even after many re-uses, plywood may be put to work in countless other applications such as subflooring, ramps, protective barriers and temporary structures. Plywood can be bent dry to radii determined by thickness of plywood, direction of bend and the bending procedure itself. Soaking or steaming permits bending to shorter radii. (Table 5) Large, flat plywood panels provide a concrete surface of uniform smoothness. Rubbing down and filling are kept to a minimum. Complex tools are not needed to patch and repair plywood. Uniform size of large, flat plywood panels makes them easy to store - on or off the job. Tongue and groove plywood panels may be used to construct forms on the site, eliminating the need for blocking at panel edges and providing a smooth, joint free surface. Plywood is easily sawn, bored, routed, etc., with ordinary woodworking tool and therefore lends itself to special requirements of custom form jobs.

Impact Resistance Split Proof Stability Less Handling Reusability

Fewer Joints Insulation Salvage Value

Easy to Bend

Smooth Face Simplicity of Repair Less Storage Space T&G Edges Available

Ease of Fabrication

20

column forms to be re-used without alteration. A column should preferably be the same width as a beam framing into it. The column form then becomes a rectangular or square box with no cutouts, and the slab forms do not require cutting at the column corners. It is highly desirable that column, beams stairwells and other items be so dimensioned that 1200 mm by 2400 mm or 1220 mm by 2440 mm panels of plywood can be cut with a minimum of waste. If column centres are set so that the distance between faces of beams is a multiple of the panel width plus an allowance to facilitate panel removal, whole panels of plywood may be used without cutting for slab forms. Wall Forms: Site Built It is economical to fabricate as much of the formwork as possible on the ground, making sections as large as can be conveniently handled by the lifting equipment or manpower available. Where small pieces are required for such things as stepdowns and special shapes, plywood can be cut to the exact size required. Horizontal joints between panels may be backed up by headers or nailing strips to eliminate leakage and produce a smoother joint. For special circumstances where a smooth joint-free or fin-free surface is required, the use of tongue and grove plywood with the joints taped with thin, pressure-sensitive plastic tape should be considered. It should be noted however that special care must be taken to prevent damage to the T&G edges. Nails to fasten plywood to supports should be as small and as few as practical. For plywood up to 14 mm thick, nails should be 44 mm ( 1 3/4) long. For 17 mm plywood nails should be 51 mm (2) long. Wall Forms: Panel Systems In forming of large areas, standard sized prefabricated panels can be used for most structures. As the ties pass through predrilled holes it is essential that the forms be aligned correctly on a level footing. Panel form systems can be divided into two broad classes - unframed and framed. Unframed Forms Unframed forms are usually 19 mm plywood panels. The number of studs or walers is limited. Forms are aligned by means of toe plate and top waler. Ties are inserted through holes cut in the panels. A slipthrough bar or rod passed through the ends of ties holds panels together. Forms of this type are most commonly used for residential and other foundations below grade, and for concrete walls above grade where the highest architectural finish is not required. They are easy and light to handle, requiring

little framing lumber. Fabrication by the contractor is simple. Another advantage is that both faces of plywood can be used. Framed Forms These forms consist of a plywood face from 11 mm to 19 mm with wood or metal frames. Framed forms assist in the production of the highest quality wall obtainable and by the nature of their construction withstand rougher use than unframed forms. This form system lends itself to gang forming. Column Forms There are several methods of forming square and rectangular columns. Whenever possible, the size of the column should be selected to permit the use of standard 1220 mm by 2440 mm plywood panels. Slab Forms Plywood is easily adapted to accommodate a variety of support spacings and section changes in slab forming. Concrete may be poured on panels placed directly over supporting framework. In all cases, the formwork must safely support the vertical and horizontal loads placed upon it. Miscellaneous Forms A wide variety of decorative effects can be achieved by pouring concrete into prepared moulds constructed of plywood. To achieve these special effects, plywood can be bent when dry into mild, simple curves. Table 5 gives dry, cold-bend radii for most common thicknesses of plywood.Note that plywood can be bent more sharply when the bend is perpendicular to the direction of the face grain rather than across its width. To obtain sharper curves, the plywood must be soaked or steamed. Saw-kerfing the back of the panel to make it bend more easily is not recommended for structural applications such as concrete formwork. Precautions When Forming in Hot and Cold Weather Hot Weather In hot weather, concrete must be kept moist during the curing period. Plywood forms will prevent almost all moisture leakage, but exposed surfaces should be covered with wetted tarpaulins or curing membrane. It is also advisable to spray the exterior surfaces of the forms with water. Cold Weather Lower temperatures cause concrete to harden and gain strength more slowly, hence a longer curing time is required to reach specified strength.

Below -1 C, common practice is to use heated enclosures or insulating coverings, in addition to heating the concrete itself. For winter concreting, formwork should prevent both heat and moisture loss. Plywood forms are particularly suitable in this respect because of their good insulating properties. In some cases plywood forms have been found sufficient protection at temperatures between -4 C and -1 C to avoid use of extra insulation, except at corners and exposed concrete surfaces where heat losses are higher. At lower temperatures, insulated reusable plywood panels have been employed with good results, especially with heated concrete. Framed Forms
600 mm 300 mm 450 mm 750 mm

750 mm

A standard 600 mm by 2400 mm light modular framed panel of 17 mm plywood and 38 mm by 89 mm lumber

Panel clamp

A bolt and wedge device ensures a tight fit between frame panels.

21

certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

300 mm 600 mm

450 mm

2400 mm

600 mm

Centre section reinforced

Detail of clamp in place

Steel strapping Lumber bracing is always necessary because strapping alone will not support plywood forms.

Detail of panel clamp

Slab Forms
Pre-framed form panel Plywood panel

A typical 600 mm by 2400 mm metal framed panel. One of the advantages of these patented panel systems is that the framing protects the plywood edges. The metal frames themselves have a long life and the plywood can be easily replaced or reversed. Column Forms

Joists

Example of framing members supporting plywood forms for concrete slabs. Concrete may be poured on panels placed directly over joists. Preframed plywood panels may also be used. Miscellaneous Forms Waler and tie rod As tie rod does not adequately support the plywood, this method is limited to columns up to 300 mm square.

Plywood 19x89 mm stake 38x89 mm lumber

Double walers can be 38 mm by 89 mm, 38 mm by 140 mm, 38 mm by 184 mm or 89 mm by 89 mm. Special steel column clamps are readily available for column widths up to 1800 mm.

Concrete

Gravel

Smooth, curved concrete surfaces can be readily obtained as plywood can be bent to a very small radius, particularly when wet. 22

certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

PLYWOOD IN FARM STRUCTURES

Arched Rafter Buildings An arched rafter building should be considered whenever an economic postfree, high ceiling building with a span in excess of 18 m is required. Arches are available for several custom fabricators in a variety of engineered designs. This type of structure derives its strength from the combination of glue-laminated lumber arches and plywood sheathing. Generally, for spans under 12 m, the cost of an arch rafter building is slightly higher than that of a rigid frame building of comparable size. Gambrel Roof Arch Building The gambrel roof is a shape long associated with the traditional North American barn. This popular roof form constructed of four lumber rafters connected by nailed plywood gussets provides an aesthetically pleasing clear span building using a minimum number of lumber members. These buildings are used for conventional twostorey barn roofs as well as for single-storey structures for storage of produce, grain or machinery and in the wider spans are popular for such uses as riding areas. Plywood sheathing nailed to the frames provides the necessary strength and bracing to complete the building shell. Rigid Frame Buildings

representatives, Provincial Departments of Agriculture, agricultural research stations or from Agriculture Canada, Ottawa. PLYWOOD STRUCTURAL ASSEMBLIES Stressed Skin Panels An alternative to roof construction using trusses and sheathing, stressed skin panels create an open, unobstructed loft that can be used for living and storage space. Stressed skin panels are longitudinal framing members (webs) covered on one or both sides with CANPLY plywood flanges (skins). The plywood is glued and nailed to the webs so that the assembly functions as an efficient structural unit. The panels are fastened to the floor structure at the eaves and normally fastened together at the ridge. Adjacent panels are lapped so as to be self-supporting and provide a smooth roof surface. No internal bracing is required. Openings in the panels can be framed during fabrication to accommodate skylights or windows. Design data is available from CertiWood and also in the design code CSA 086 Engineering Design in Wood. Nailed Plywood Beams

Farm Buildings Good farm buildings are the result of foresight, careful planning, and the correct use of modern building materials. Changes in agriculture in recent years have resulted in a shift from conventional frame construction for farm buildings to clear span structures such as arched rafter, rigid frame, pole frame, and trussed rafter buildings that are designed for economy in construction, efficiency in operation, and adaptability to future requirements. Farm buildings sheathed with CANPLY EXTERIOR plywood meet these requirements because they are easy to build and can be closed in fast using readily available materials. Stud Wall and Truss Buildings Stud wall construction combined with plywood gusseted trusses for the roof system is generally considered most suitable for heated, insulated livestock buildings such as swine and poultry barns. The bottom chords of trusses provide a framework on which to attach the plywood ceiling. This results in flat ceilings which contribute to good air circulation and ventilation. Stud walls are easy to insulate. Ventilation equipment can be installed in the walls, and air intakes can be readily designed for walls or ceilings. The great selection of economicallydesigned trusses now available adds flexibility to such buildings. Wood trusses are economical for all widths of farm buildings up to 12 m and have been used for spans to 20 m. Pole Frame Buildings Plywood sheathed pole frame buildings have proven their worth as hay shelters, open-front shelters, loose housing for diary cattle, and machinery sheds. They are low in cost, flexible in design, and easy to erect. Since the poles provide stability to the building, no expensive foundations are necessary and the plywood roof and wall sheathing nailed to the frame acts as a large diaphragm, adding strength and rigidity to the entire structure.

A rigid frame building is one of the most Nailed plywood beams can be built easily economical clear-span farm buildings and quickly from CANPLY plywood and available. Essentially, rigid frames are threeseasoned lumber. No special skills, tools, hinged arches formed by four straight materials or manufacturing facilities are pieces of lumber joined at crown and required. Beams can be fabricated in haunches by nailed Douglas Fir plywood workshops or at the job site. gussets. Frames are usually spaced at 600 mm on centre and When assembled, sheathed with CANPLY nailed plywood beams EXTERIOR plywood which are light, strong, rigid becomes an integral part of and ready for the structure and provides immediate use without stability and resistance to the delays associated racking. The substitution of with lengthy glue-curing periods typical of glued other sheathing materials beams. Nailed may endanger structural plywood beams are soundness. Rigid frame Stressed Skin panels suitable for a variety of buildings are economical interior applications for spans up to 12 m. such as ridge beams in cabins and Farm Buildings Plans cottages, lintels in garages and carports, and floor and roof beams in residential and Plans for farm buildings are available from a light commercial construction. number of sources including retail lumber dealers, building material manufacturers, Design data is available from CertiWood and also in the design code CSA 086 Provincial Departments of Agriculture, and Engineering Design in Wood. contractors and consulting firms specializing in farm building and design. FINISHING Some of the best and most comprehensive Selection and Application of Finishes plans were developed by the Canada Plan Service, a co-ordinated program of the Long life and enduring beauty of almost any Federal and Provincial Departments of wood depends upon protecting the surface Agriculture across Canada. These plans with a properly applied coating. Plywood may be requested from agricultural 23
certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

requires the same basic protection against the elements. The waterproof glue used in the manufacture of CANPLY EXTERIOR plywood will withstand exposure indefinitely, but to assure maximum life and beauty of the wood itself it is necessary to give close attention to surface finishing techniques. Procedures for finishing plywood differ little from those used to finish other woods and a variety of attractive finishes is possible for both interior and exterior applications. There is seldom one best finish that can be recommended for plywood. Factors such as the condition of the surface, the method of the application, the conditions to be encountered in service - probably the most important factor - the service expected, and the economics of initial cost versus appearance and durability must be considered. This section describes some of the finishes available for plywood and their methods of application. It is extremely important that care be taken in selecting the most suitable finish for the purpose intended and applying it according to the manufacturers instructions. There is no better assurance of satisfaction than the correct finish properly applied. Care and Storage The importance of proper care and storage of plywood prior to finishing cannot be overemphasized. Plywood which will become part of the decorative scheme should be handled as carefully as trim material, sidings or other quality finish products. Many early paint failures can be traced directly to improper handling and storage. Moisture can enter the panel prior to finishing during storage in damp or humid areas, or because of delay in priming the plywood after installation, or because of omission of the edge seal. (The latter two are important only if the panels are to be exposed outdoors.) Thus all panels should be stored in a cool, dry place out of the sunlight. They should be well covered if left outdoors during construction. The prime coat and edge seal for panels intended for exterior exposure should be applied as soon as possible. Water repellent coatings do not serve as a substitute for the prime paint coat. They will, however, retard moisture pickup until the prime coat can be applied and, providing they do not have a wax base, should provide an improved surface for painting. Checking Unprotected plywood exposed to the weather may look unsightly in a few months. This is not because the plywood itself deteriorates but because of the tendency of
certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

the surface veneer to check; a phenomenon common to all wood in which hundreds of tiny hairline cracks open up parallel to the face grain. These tiny cracks or checks are caused by the wood fibres separating at the growth boundaries as the fibres swell or shrink as the result of rapid changes in moisture content. Checking has no appreciable degrading effect on the strength of plywood because plywoods strength lies predominately in the direction of the grain. However, checking seriously mars the appearance of the plywood, and once it has occurred is difficult to hide with paint alone. There are various products available under proprietary brand names that are claimed to be compounded especially to help plywood resist checking and reduce grain raise. These products can be applied by brush or spray. Two coats are usually recommended. They penetrate and seal the wood and reportedly help stabilize the face veneer against dimensional changes due to moisture. Where checking has occurred because of improper storage, the panel surface must be reconditioned before finishing to obtain the best appearance and performance. This is also true of old paint surfaces that have deteriorated to the point of needing renewal. Medium Density Overlaid plywood (described on page 7) is not susceptible to checking because of its resin-fibre overlay. Exterior and Interior Edge Treatments Exposed and concealed edges of plywood in exterior applications should be sealed with paint as described following. Exposed panel edges should also be covered with wood battens or moulding fastened with corrosion-resistant nails. Concealed edges of plywood in interior applications need not be sealed. For appearance, the end grain of exposed panel edges can be hidden either with wood filler applied to the edges and then sanded and painted or with an edge trim of wood moulding, wood veneer, or proprietary clamp-on edging. Joint Treatments The tendency in recent years has been to accentuate the joints between plywood panels rather than trying to hide them. This simplifies construction and can be quite attractive. Most often these joints are made by easing the edge of each panel with a 45 degree bevel, about 3 mm deep. Joists are commonly accentuated in naturally finished panels and frequently in painted panels. Butted joints covered with battens or moulding are also used to further emphasize the panelizations. 24

Fastenings On exterior walls and in excessively damp locations, the type of fastener used to secure the plywood to the framing has an important bearing on the appearance and durability of the finish. For long service and freedom from rust staining, corrosionresistant fasteners should be used. EXTERIOR FINISHES Edge Sealing All plywood edges, exposed or concealed, should be sealed with one or more heavy coats of exterior primer or aluminum-based paint. This prevents moisture migration into the edges. Edge sealing can readily be done when the panels are in a stack. In very damp locations, panel backs should be primed with a coat of exterior primer. Stain A stain finish is ideal for unsanded plywood panels exposed to the weather. A heavybodied stain is particularly recommended and will provide an attractive finish requiring little maintenance. Stains are available which have considerable hiding power but do not obscure the plywood grain. Creosote base stains penetrate deep into the plywood, producing rich lively colours that enhance grain beauty but leave little or no surface film to crack and blister. Stains containing water repellents are thought to be useful in deferring checking. Stains are among the easiest of finishes to apply. The usual requirements for a clean dry surface apply. Successive coats should be allowed to dry before the next coat is applied. One or two coat systems should be used depending upon the manufacturers recommendation and the pigmentation in the stain (penetrating stains usually require two coats). Since colour uniformity depends upon equal pigment distribution, stains should be thoroughly mixed before application and from time to time during application. Checking in stained plywood usually occurs during the first six months of outdoor exposure. With heavily pigmented dark stains, best results are obtained by applying a first coat and allowing any checking to occur, then six months or so later a second coat can be applied so that the checks are filled with stain. When the stain weathers or fades so that refinishing is indicated, little or no surface preparation is needed. Pre-stained specialty plywood siding products in a variety of colours are available from some manufacturers.

Stain cannot be used successfully on overlaid plywood. Sanded panels may be stained if desired. Paint Paint is not recommended for application to the standard grades of plywood used in exposed locations. Under severe exposure conditions, checking of the surface veneer may cause paint deterioration. When a paint finish is desired, the use of Medium Density Overlaid (MDO) plywood is recommended. This smooth, uniform surface provides an excellent degree of adherence, allowing paint resins to firmly grip the surface resulting in excellent durability, exceeding that of paint finishes on ordinary wood. Paint flow is even and smooth, penetrating the surface uniformly resulting in more attractive appearance and more efficient paint use. Painting recommendations are as follows: Surface Preparation Medium Density Overlaid plywood needs no surface preparation. No pre-sanding or sealer coats are required. However, it is important that the surface has been allowed to dry for at least 48 hours and is completely clean before applying your first coat of paint. Prime Coat Any good primer, properly formulated and designed for exterior exposure, may be used with satisfactory results. The limitations may be listed as follows: 1. Strict adherence to the manufacturers recommendations. paint

primed long or medium oil alkyd finishes and enamels, vinyl alkyd enamels and phenolic enamels applied over medium or long oil alkyd primers. Most latex paints of the styrene-butadiene, acrylic and polyvinyl acetate emulsion type have exhibited satisfactory results whether self primed or applied over alkyd primers. Systems not recommended are self primed blister resistant titanium paints, polyvinyl acetate homopolymer latexes, lacquers, and paints containing zinc oxide. If non-overlaid plywood has been used and a paint rather than a stain finish is desired, top quality exterior paint should be applied as follows: Prime the panels carefully front and back with oil-base undercoat or aluminum-base paint. If aluminum-base paint is used as a primer ensure that it is of the type specified for wood and not for general purposes or metals. Ensure that the undercoat and subsequent coats seal the edge grain. A three coat finish with an intermediate coat of undercoat (but not aluminum-base paint) mixed half and half with finish colour will look best. For the final coat apply the paint unthinned. Low lustre and porous type paint systems which permit the capillary flow of moisture through the paint film should not be used because the frequent wetting and drying of the plywood surface will lead to abnormally early checking and paint failure. Refinishing Painted and Checked Plywood A good repaint system for refinishing checked plywood is an exterior acrylic latex paint formulated for wood and applied in two coats over a compatible oil-base primer. Although some of the open checks may still be visible, this flat finish tends to mask the checks and presents a satisfactory appearance. Checks may reappear because of moisture changes, but the paint system will maintain its bond without showing the typical curling and flaking of an oil paint. The procedure is as follows: 1. Thoroughly wire brush the old paint surface and sand if necessary to provide a smooth surface for repainting. (If paint deterioration is well advanced, it may be advisable to remove all the flaking paint down to the bare wood.) Old paint can also be removed by liquid paint removers, scraping or special paint removing tools. 2. Wipe off dust and excess chalk. 3. Apply a brush coat of oil-base primer. 4. When dry, apply two coats of acrylic latex paint. 25

For better appearance and performance, the open checks may be filled with any suitable synthetic patching compound (a number of which are available under specific brand names) and the surface repainted with latex paint as described above. The plywood should be thoroughly dry to ensure that existing checks are fully open to the filler. If carefully applied, the compound will fill the open checks and, after sanding, provide a smooth, void free surface for repainting. Plywood refinished by this method and exposed to severe weather conditions will eventually show some surface roughness as the filler is forced out of the checks by the repeated working of the fibres of the face veneer, and paint failure may eventually occur as a result of this movement. Clear Finishes Clear finishes for exterior exposure have been found to be generally unsatisfactory and are not recommenced for use on plywood. Clear coatings quickly fail because of the lack of protective pigments and thus require constant and costly maintenance. Textured Coatings Proprietary surface coatings containing fibrous or granular materials in a liquid vehicle are available for use over plywood and have proven more satisfactory for exterior use than conventional paints. It is claimed that certain types of textured coatings are highly resistant to alkali and acid conditions and are not susceptible to the atmospheric conditions found in industrial and coastal areas. Service life of 10 to 20 years is claimed for some types. Coatings of this nature which conceal and protect the plywood appear to be one of the best methods of finishing plywood for exterior exposure and their use is recommended. Overlays There are many overlays and coatings suitable for exterior use with plywood. Most common are fibreglass and various proprietary brands of synthetic membranes. INTERIOR FINISHES Surface Preparation Plywood for interior applications will usually be one of the sanded or textured grades and will require little surface preparation other than to ensure that the surface is thoroughly clean and that all blemishes have been filled with wood filler and sanded smooth. Whenever practical, fill the plywood edge grain before painting. Always use fine sandpaper and sand with the grain, never across it. Do not paint over dust or spots of
certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

2. Compatibility of the prime coat to the top coat must be considered. In this respect the use of flexible film-forming primers, such as some of the latex or oleoresinous base formulations, are not recommended when they are to be top coated with a hard filmforming primer over coated with a softer, more flexible film-forming finish coat. Top or Finish Coat Nearly all good quality paints formulated for exterior finish are acceptable as a top or finish coat. As with the prime coat, the manufacturers recommendations must be followed and the compatibility of the top coat to the primer must be considered. Check before you paint! With the advent of the many new synthetic resins and their possible combinations , it is almost impossible to evaluate all systems and formulations relative to their performance on Medium Density Overlaid plywood. However, experience and testing to date permits the following more specific recommendations: For exterior exposure such as in agricultural, residential, marine and sign applications, the best results have been obtained with self-

oil or glue. When painting plywood, all knots and pitch streaks should be spot-primed with sealer. For best results use good quality paints and follow the paint manufacturers instructions. Paint and Enamel Conventional wall and woodwork paints and enamels may be used. For surfaces which will be cleaned frequently, use washable paints or enamels. First, brush on flat paint or enamel undercoat. Thin if desired. Second, apply a second coat of undercoat tinted to shade of finish coat. For gloss finish mix equal parts flat undercoat and gloss enamel for second coat. Third, apply final coat as it comes from can. A two-step finish without second undercoat may be used as an alternative. Interesting textured surfaces may be obtained by priming as above, followed by a heavy coat of stippling paint. Use brush, roller or sponge to texture. When using water-thinned paint, first seal plywood with clear resin sealer, shellac or flat white oil paint, then paint according to manufacturers instructions for a sealed surface. Natural Finishes For an easy, inexpensive blonde finish, first apply interior white undercoat thinned so grain pattern shows through. Tint if colour is desired. Second, apply clear shellac, flat varnish or lacquer. Attractive and economical one-coat stain waxes are also available in various colours. If a dark stain is preferred, first apply coat of clear resin sealer to subdue grain contrast. A luxurious light stain glaze can be obtained as follows: First apply white undercoat thinned with an equal part of paint thinner. Wipe or dry brush for more grain show through. Second, apply one coat thinned white shellac or clear resin sealer. Third, to provide colour, apply interior undercoat or enamel thinned as in step one. Wipe or dry brush to proper colour tone. Fourth, apply one coat of flat varnish. Rub down with steel wool for added lustre. PRESERVATIVE TREATMENTS For most construction uses plywood requires no preservative protection other than conventional finishes. However, when plywood is to be exposed to adverse conditions such as wood-decaying fungi, marine borers or wood-destroying insects, it should be treated with suitable wood preservative. The chemical treatment creates a barrier which preserves the wood from deterioration and protects it against insect attack. Each veneer of the panel must be penetrated by the chemical if the protection is to maintain its integrity. Preservatives applied by dip, brush or spray, although useful in some circumstances, are effective only over the short-term because the treatment is superficial. The optimum penetration and retention of the preservative can be achieved only by pressure impregnation. Since the service life of plywood exposed to
certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

decay can be increased by preservative treatment, the annual cost of treated plywood under these conditions could be substantially below that of untreated plywood. Preservative Penetration and Retention Plywood can be penetrated by preservatives more readily than solid wood of the same species. Rotary-cut veneer develops many small fissures which flatten out in the press. These minute cracks are hard to detect with the naked eye but are readily penetrated by preservative under pressure. Plywood contains some end grain on all four edges and end grain can be penetrated much more easily than edge grain. This, plus the lower moisture content of the plywood, helps make the treatment uniform throughout the thickness of the panel. Such penetration means that plywood can be cut after treatment without any loss of preservative protection at the cut edge although application of a field cut preservative (available from treating companies) for critical end uses is recommended. Various pressure treatments (differing mildly) are available, but the general principle of forcing a preservative solution into the plywood under controlled vacuum, pressure and temperature is common to all. Preservative retention is generally specified in terms of the weight of preservative per cubic metre of wood treated. As plywood is an absorptive product, it achieves required retention standards more easily than sawn lumber. Like lumber, the ability to accept treatment varies with species. For permanent wood foundations where treatment specifications are extremely strict, wood foundation standards limit species permitted for this end use. Only easily treatable species are recommended. Retention by plywood of creosote and petroleum mixtures varies from 256 to 400 Retention of water-borne kg/m3. preservatives varies from 4 to 10 kg/m3 after drying. Fire retardant treatments require a retention of 48-80 kg/m3. The amount of preservative retained in a water-borne treatment as compared with an oil treatment is less because the solvent is removed by drying in the former, whereas both preservative and solvent remain in the wood in the latter. It should be noted that oil-based preservatives will leach out over time thus affecting the appearance of the plywood. Exemption from Phytosanitary Regulations Due to the extreme temperatures and pressures during the manufacturing process, CANPLY EXTERIOR plywood has been accepted internationally under all known phytosanitary regulations for the past 30 years. Agriculture Canadas Food Production and Inspection Branch recognizes Canadian Softwood plywood as a processed product, and therefore deems phytosanitary certification unnecessary. Wood packaging constructed of coniferous materials originating from Canada, Japan, 26

China and the United States, destined for European Union countries, are subject to phytosanitary entry requirements. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has developed the Canadian Wood Packaging Certification Program (D-01-05), designed to ensure wood packing manufacturers meet these requirements. Under this program, plywood is considered a manufactured wood and is exempt from these import regulations. FIRE-RETARDANTS TREATMENTS AND COATINGS Under certain conditions wood members are required by building and fire codes to meet minimum standards of fire resistance or flame spread. Where flame spread requirements less than 150* are stipulated, plywood must be treated to reduce flame spread over the surface of the panel. There are a number of treatments that have proved successful in this regard, the two most common being pressure impregnation with water-borne salts and surface coating with fire-retardant paints. * Flame spread rating of DFP , CSP , Aspen or Poplar plywood bonded with exterior type glue. Rating derived in comparison with uncoated red oak as 100. Pressure Impregnation Plywood impregnated with a fire-retardant chemical is usually a proprietary brand name product available only from pressure treated companies. This type of treated plywood, which requires a salt retention of 48 to 80 kg/m3 is effective as a fire-retardant finish but it is generally restricted to interior exposure because of the possibility that the protective salts will leach out of the plywood if exposed to the weather. Some treatments may reduce panel strength. Strength modification factors must be determined by testing. Surface Coatings Fire-retardant surface coatings that reduce the combustibility of plywood can be applied by brush or spray wherever conventional painting is possible. The reaction of these coatings under the influence of flame and the actual mechanism of protection varies according to the composition of the coating. Some of the basic mechanisms of protection are as follows: Insulation In which thick coatings insulate the plywood against high temperatures. Crust Formation In which coating melts under heat, covering the plywood with an impermeable insulating crust that prevents the release of combustible gas from the plywood and at the same time deprives the plywood of oxygen. Heat Absorption In which the coating absorbs the heat and maintains the temperature of the protected surface below its ignition point.

Table 16. Recommended applications of preservative Treated Canply EXTERIOR plywood


Exposure Contact with sea water, exposed to marine borer attack. Subject to severe insect and fungus attack Preservative Treatment 1. Creosote, 400 kg/m , full-cell. 2. Chromated copper arsenate, 40 kg/m3 3. Ammoniacal copper arsenate, 40 kg/m3
3

Typical Applications Box pontoons, wharf bulkheads, scows, floats, flood gates. Structures in tropical or semi-tropical areas which use plywood in the form of subflooring, roof and wall sheathing, interior and exterior paneling and in structural components such as beams and stressed skin panel. Fences, permanent trench and tunnel lining, septic tanks, retaining walls and signs. Permanent trench and tunnel lining, retaining walls, cribbing, snow sheds, floats, irrigation structures, tanks, troughs, plant boxes, lining wet process industries, dropping trays (poultry), septic tanks, some chemical storage tanks, industrial sewers, smelter roofs. Lining in buildings with humid conditions dropping trays (poultry), exterior use where poor ventilation is conducive to decay, signs, marine installations and boat structures not immersed in water, and outdoor uses subject to repeated wetting and drying. Permanent wood foundation systems.

1. Creosote, 400 kg/m3, empty or full-cell. 2. Chromated copper arsenate, 6.4 kg/m3 3. Ammoniacal copper arsenate, 6.4 kg/m3

Contact with ground, fresh water, chemicals, high humidities.

1. Creosote, 160 kg/m3, empty-cell. 2. Chromated copper arsenate, 6.4 kg/m3 3. Ammoniacal copper arsenate, 6.4 kg/m3

Contact with chemicals and high humidities or subject to insect or fungus attack but not in contact with wet ground or water.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Creosote, 96 kg/m3, empty-cell. Acid copper chromate, 4 kg/m3 FCAP , 4 kg/m3, oxide basis Chromated zinc chloride, 7.2 kg/m3, oxide basis Chromated copper arsenate, 4 kg/m3, oxide basis Ammoniacal copper arsenate, 4 kg/m3

Contact with ground (wet or dry) and subject to attack by insects and decay organisms. Extra longterm performance required

1. Chromated copper arsenate, 9.6 kg/m3, 2. Ammoniacal copper arsenate, 9.6 kg/m3

*For detailed specifications for the preservatives listed, see Canadian Standards Association Specification O80 Series. For fire-retardant treatments, consult local treating company for specifications and recommended applications

Intumescent Insulation In which the coating swells when heated to form a thick insulation layer that delays the spread of flame and heat transmission to the protected surface. Intumescent coatings are of the greatest commercial importance. EFFECTS OF PRESERVATIVES AND FIRE RETARDANTS ON THE STRENGTH OF PLYWOOD Acid salts have a hydrolytic effect on wood if they are present in large concentrations. However, concentrations used in preservative treatments of wood are sufficiently small that the strength properties are not greatly affected under normal use conditions. Under the provisions of CSA O86 Engineering Design in Wood (Limit States Design), no reduction in capacities applies for preservative treated plywood for plywood treated with other potentially strength reducing chemicals, strength and stiffness capacities shall be based on the documental results of tests that take into account the effects of fire, temperature and moisture content. Tests show that plywood treated with coaltar creosote and preservative oils developed no reduction in bond strength of the plywood. Similar tests and experience have shown no adverse effect on the durability of the bond strength when CANPLY EXTERIOR waterproof glue plywood is pressure treated with waterborne salts preservatives.

SPECIFYING PLYWOOD Product Specification To write a correct specification for plywood, the main points to consider are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Product Designation Nominal Thickness Manufacturing Standard Grade Additional Information (if necessary)

Example Specifications Floor Sheathing Product Designation: Nominal Thickness: Manufacturing Standard: Grade: Roof Sheathing Product Designation: Nominal Thickness: Manufacturing Standard: Grade: Concrete Formwork Product Designation: Nominal Thickness: Manufacturing Standard: Grade: CANPLY EXTERIOR EASY T&G Floor plywood 15.5 mm CSA O151 CSP Select Tight Face Cleaned and Sized CANPLY EXTERIOR EASY T&G Roof plywood 12.5 mm CSA O151 CSP Sheathing CANPLY EXTERIOR COFI FORM PLUS plywood 17.5 mm CSA O121 DFP Medium Density Overlaid - Two sides

Permanent Wood Fountations Product Designation: CANPLY EXTERIOR plywood Nominal Thickness: 15.5 mm Manufacturing Standard: CSA O151 CSP Grade: Sheathing Additional Information: Preservative treatment to CAN/CSA-080.15 27
certiWood Canply plywood Handbook

Why Plywood?
Simply because it outperforms all substitute wood-based panels on the market today.
Plywood is a highly stable panel. When exposed to moisture or high humidity, plywood is up to seven times more resistant to thickness swell than substitute wood-based panels. Plywood also returns to its original dimensions when it dries. Plywood is stronger than substitute wood-based panels in the four important engineering strength properties of bending, tension, compression and planar shear and plywood weighs up to 40% less than substitute wood-based panels of equivalent thickness. Plywood is a highly impact-resistant panel and continues to perform even when wet. Plywood has over 50 years of proven service as a structural panel for homes and construction and remains, according to surveys, the panel of choice by home buyers, contractors, architects and engineers. Plywood is manufactured from logs averaging 10 inches in diameter from managed sustainable forests. 100% of the log is utilized for either veneer, or by-products, such as 2x4 lumber, landscaping ties or chips for pulp and paper. Nothing is wasted. Plywood manufacturing, because it is a value added process, employs four times as many people compared to the manufacture of substitute wood-based panels - using the same volume of logs.

735 West 15th Street North Vancouver, BC V7M 1T2 Tel: (604) 981-4190 Fax: (604) 981-4196 Toll Free: 1-866-981-4177 email: info@certiwood.com

Visit our Websites: CANPLY: www.canply.org CertiWoodTM: www.certiwood.com

The information contained herein is provided for general reference and not as a representation or statement of any standards or specifications referred to. CertiWood does not warrant the accuracy of any information contained herein. Readers are advised to consult official sources for accurate and timely information applicable to specific circumstances. CertiWood, its directors, officers, employees, contractors, servants and agents shall not be responsible or liable for any claim, cause of action, loss, damage, expense, business interruption, injury or death due to any cause whatsoever or howsoever related to the information contained herein, including negligence, misrepresentation, or breach of any statutory or other duty of care on the part of CertiWood, its directors, officers, employees, contractors, servants or agents.

Copyright 2012 Printed in Canada 04/09 1K

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