Weyerhaeuser Distribution Offering Woodtone Exterior Trim Products in Denver

Weyerhaeuser will be the exclusive distributor of RealWood in the Colorado market beginning Sept. 18. “This distribution partnership is in alignment with Woodtone’s core strategy of focusing efforts with builders, architects and installers in order to drive additional value-added growth products through the building products channel,” said Mike Pidlisecky, vice president of sales and marketing for Woodtone. “As a full-service distributor, Weyerhaeuser will be a great sales, support and marketing addition to the Colorado market.”

Crafted with tight-grained, hand-selected wood from sustainable forests, RealWood exterior finishing products offer natural beauty and proven long-term performance. Weyerhaeuser Distribution’s offerings comprise:

• RealTrim Plus: Suitable for a range of exterior applications, including window and door trim, fascia boards, bellybands, and columns and post wraps, RealTrim Plus offers unmatched beauty, value and durability. The product, pictured above, comes primed with an enhanced ultra-low-VOC Hybrid Alkyd Emulsion primer and carries a 15-year substrate warranty.

• RealSoffit: A natural wood ceiling to enhance any interior or exterior space, and manufactured with appearance-grade SPF in 1×4 or 1×6 tongue-and-groove V-joint boards. Six pre-finished colors are available. End matching prevents waste and speeds installation.

• RealPost: The callback-eliminator, RealPost is manufactured from premium selected Western SPF that has been finger-jointed, edge-laminated and pressed, and is warranted against warping, twisting and joint separation. Structurally certified, the product eliminates the need for post-wrapping. It installs quickly with standard mounting brackets and carries a 15-year manufacturing warranty.

• RealCorner: A one-piece, finger-jointed and edge-laminated structure, this unique product resists twisting, warping and cracking to eliminate the typical maintenance and unsightly separation associated with site-built corners. RealCorner is coated on all six sides with HAE primer and is available prefinished with a ColorGuard coating system.

• Rustic Series: Weyerhaeuser Distribution will offer Woodtone’s Rustic Series prefinishing program for fiber cement and engineered wood siding and trim products. This two-tone factory-applied coating provides the natural beauty of wood in 18 designer colors along with a 15-year warranty.

“Woodtone has set the bar for exterior building product innovation and programs, and we look forward to supporting the company’s team in the Colorado market as part of our strategic initiatives for 2015,” said Ross Theilen, area general manager for Weyerhaeuser Distribution. “For our dealer customers, the RealWood line brings an extensive array of beautiful, reliable accent options to enhance the exteriors of customers’ homes, boost curb appeal, and reduce waste and installation time. We’re confident they will be as impressed with the products as we are.”

For more information on Woodtone, click here. For more information about Weyerhaeuser Distribution, click here.

Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world's largest private owners of timberlands, began operations in 1900. We own or control nearly 7 million acres of timberlands, primarily in the U.S., and manage additional timberlands under long-term licenses in Canada. We manage these timberlands on a sustainable basis in compliance with internationally recognized forestry standards. We are also one of the largest manufacturers of wood and cellulose fibers products. Our company is a real estate investment trust. In 2014, our continuing operations generated $7.4 billion in sales and employed approximately 12,800 people who serve customers worldwide. We are listed on the Dow Jones World Sustainability Index. Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WY. Learn more at www.weyerhaeuser.com.

Engineered for consistent performance, TimberStrand LSL starts straight and stays straight. As a result, it is one of the most versatile building products available. Here is a look at where LSL is a timesaving substitute for traditional dimension lumber.

For more information on these and other TimberStrand LSL applications, click here.

Tomo Tsuda is an Engineer with Weyerhaeuser based out of Boise, Idaho. He has been with Weyerhaeuser for over 17 years providing support for Trus Joist products in the USA, Canada and Japan.

“Increased demand for inviting, beautiful outdoor spaces has remained a steady trend for the past several years and shows no signs of abating,” said David Helmers, vice president of Weyerhaeuser Distribution. “We’re very excited to join forces with Fortress to bring quality and innovative railing options to our dealers, and our team is extremely enthusiastic to promote the manufacturer’s breadth of options.” The Stockton, Calif.; Phoenix; and Carolinas-area locations will stock a full line of Fortress Railing Products:

• Fortress Fe²⁶: A first-of-its-kind pre-welded iron railing, Fe²⁶ boasts unprecedented quality alongside a clean, classic appearance.

• Fortress Al¹³: Another industry first, this aluminum railing offers superior strength and safety. A bracket system provides for simple installation.

• Cable Railing Panel System: The first vertical railing panel system in the decking market, Fortress’ cable railing is made with 316 marine-grade stainless steel and comes pre-assembled for easy installation. It coordinates well with a range of deck materials, including wood and composite.

• FortressAccents: A complete line of post caps and LED lighting featuring an innovative design that uses the same post cap for lit and non-lit applications. The units are made with die-cast aluminum housings and DuPont powder coat for optimal performance and durability, and they feature a built-in thermal management system.

“Weyerhaeuser has a strong reputation for excellent service, strong relationships and unparalleled response to its building products retailers,” said C. W. St. John, national sales manager for Fortress Railing. “We are confident that they will be a fantastic partner for growth in these markets.” For more information on Fortress Railing products, click here. For more information about Weyerhaeuser Distribution, click here.

About Weyerhaeuser

Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world's largest private owners of timberlands, began operations in 1900. We own or control nearly 7 million acres of timberlands, primarily in the U.S., and manage additional timberlands under long-term licenses in Canada. We manage these timberlands on a sustainable basis in compliance with internationally recognized forestry standards. We are also one of the largest manufacturers of wood and cellulose fibers products. Our company is a real estate investment trust. In 2014, our continuing operations generated $7.4 billion in sales and employed approximately 12,800 people who serve customers worldwide. We are listed on the Dow Jones World Sustainability Index. Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WY. Learn more at www.weyerhaeuser.com.

“It’s getting even bigger,” says Bob Kiefer, owner of Decks by Kiefer (pictured above) in Martinsville, N.J., who is getting requests for decks and outdoor spaces with price tags as high as $200,000 or more.

And while they’re not all that pricey, many backyard projects these days are far beyond a plain, square deck or simple patio. The most popular spaces have multiple levels, distinctive areas and luxury add-ons for cooking, relaxing and entertaining.

“No question about it, it’s still a very, very hot item,” says John Tailor, owner and president of Tailor Decks in Statham, Ga. “It seems people are staying home and entertaining more. And they’d rather be outside than in.”

“[The trend has] evolved and matured a bit,” adds Matt Breyer, president for Breyer Construction and Landscape in Reading, Pa. “It’s a little less of a ‘unique destination’ and more of an extension of the inside living. Our clients are taking design cues from inside and expressing their personality outside with living spaces they can relax and entertain on—but it all flows.”

Here are some of the popular considerations and must-haves for creating an outdoor oasis.

“Lacking a proper overall plan is a huge mistake,” confirms Breyer. “Even if you can’t afford it all now, you should have a pretty good idea of what the end goal should look like, so you can do things in efficient stages—so it all fits, blends and is cost-effective.”

“Usually we try to create areas,” Kiefer explains, “a dining area, a seating area around the fire. As decks get larger … we entertain as close to the kitchen as possible, unless something else, such as the fire pit, is a draw.”

Often, creating those areas involves multiple levels of decking or the deck flowing cohesively into patios or backyard entertaining areas.

“We used to build decks,” says Tailor. “But how often do you use a large deck? It’s not inviting. If we do a large space, we are careful to create clear areas.”

It’s about thinking about what’s important to you, says Breyer. “For instance, it could be privacy and personal relaxation; then some built-in or careful landscaping becomes important, and smaller, more personal spaces. Or, it could be entertaining that’s important; then we’ll be looking for larger, more open areas that flow together, possibly wider steps and more access points, and maybe a roof structure to make sure the ‘party will go on’ no matter what the weather.”

CONSIDER COVERED AREAS
Indeed, “Having a covered area is a big trend now,” confirms Kiefer. Whether a covered porch open at the sides or even pergolas or sunshades, these areas provide respite from the hot sun, helping to ensure the space can be used throughout the day.

Screened porches and glass enclosures are popular, as well, though are best for areas where bugs are a problem as they don’t feel quite as outdoorsy as open porches.

Breyer notes that this trend is also driving increasing demand for outdoor ceiling fans.

INTEGRATE AMBIENT LIGHTING
Lighting is a must have to ensure usability and safety after dark. “A lot of times, homeowners are using their decks in the evening because they work all day,” Tailor says. “The right lighting and ambiance makes a huge difference.”

Look for subtle, not glaring/spotlight, options, such as embedded stairway and railing lights alongside unique lanterns and sconces that carry a style theme.

At bare minimum, pros shouldn’t completely ignore the underside. Cover it over with latticework or at least ensure it’s well manicured. Unfinished treated wood or concrete footings can steal ambiance away from the rest of the backyard oasis.

LBM dealers can help support deck builders in creating an outdoor escape by stocking the right mix of products. Rather than carrying just a few products across a multitude of brands, consider having broader stock of similar brands and materials. For instance, Tailor notes that wood decking is often stocked in 12- and 16-foot lengths, but not 18s and 20s, which can lead to less efficient installation and more waste.

In addition, many manufacturers offer software or online tools that allow homeowners to see what their decks will look like, making it easier to select colors and accessories—and also to determine if they’re going overboard with their wish list. Tamko, for example, offers the Decking Styles app.

To see how leading deck builders are creating the outdoor oasis, check out the North American Deck and Railing Association’s recent Deck Award winners here.

About Weyerhaeuser

Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world's largest private owners of timberlands, began operations in 1900. We own or control nearly 7 million acres of timberlands, primarily in the U.S., and manage additional timberlands under long-term licenses in Canada. We manage these timberlands on a sustainable basis in compliance with internationally recognized forestry standards. We are also one of the largest manufacturers of wood and cellulose fibers products. Our company is a real estate investment trust. In 2014, our continuing operations generated $7.4 billion in sales and employed approximately 12,800 people who serve customers worldwide. We are listed on the Dow Jones World Sustainability Index. Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WY. Learn more at www.weyerhaeuser.com.

Parallam® PSL is manufactured into solid sections with widths of 3.5”, 5.25” and 7” and depths up to 18”.  Using solid sections reduce the labor and cost of fastening a multiple member together.  In addition,  the solid section has greater lateral stability than a typical built up member.  This increased stability may reduce the amount of required compression edge bracing.   Additionally, the solid section (in specific sizes) can be utilized as heavy timber construction as allowed in the International Building Code (IBC).

Parallam® PSL is manufactured in 1.8E, 2.0E and 2.2E grades, depending on the region it is produced in (and ultimately sold in) and the typical end use application.  1.8E Parallam® PSL is designated as columns in our literature and is available in 3.5”, 5.25” and 7” widths and depths up to 7”.  Being one solid piece, Parallam® PSL used as a column will provide a very high vertical load capacity without the question of how to fasten it together like one has with built-up members (see Built-Up Column Conundrum blog for more on this).  Because the columns are the same dimensions as our engineered wood beams, the columns provide full width bearing to the beams above, possibly eliminating the need for expensive column caps.  But don’t let the label ‘column product’ limit its use.  1.8E Parallam® PSL can be used in beam and header applications as well, see ESR-1387 for design properties or download Forte, our free single member sizing software, where it can be sized in horizontal orientation as a header or beam.

2.0E/2.2E Parallam® PSL is typically considered a beam product due to the larger depths available (3.5”, 5.25” and 7” widths and depths up to 18”) which are ideal for long spans and heavy loads.   2.2E product is a regional product stocked in the Pacific Northwest (California, Oregon and Washington State) and Western Canada only.  Just as with the 1.8E product, don’t let the label ‘beam product’ limit its use, it can be used as a column as well.   Technical bulletin TB-604 was produced to give specifiers a quick reference guide for 2.0E/2.2E Parallam® PSL used as a column where a very high load capacity is required.   Our beam products specifier guide, TJ-9000, is also great resource for available sizes, grades, design properties and span charts.

Parallam® Plus PSL:

For applications such as exterior decks, or other areas where resistance to termites and fungal decay is required, we offer Parallam® Plus PSL.   The product is made from southern yellow pine and is treated at Weyerhaeuser-authorized treating facilities in partnership with Arch Wood Protection, Inc.  It is kiln-dried after treatment and is backed by a 30-year limited warranty.   The column products are treated with CCA to a retention level that allows for ground or fresh water contact, as well as salt water splash (use category 4B (UC4B) per the American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) use category system).   Beam products are treated with Copper Azole (CA-C) and are acceptable to be used in applications defined by use category 4A (UC4A) per the AWPA.  Due to the treatment differences, beam products may not be appropriate for column applications.  Our specifier guide TJ-7102 discusses in further detail the available sizes, use category definitions as well as providing framing and cladding details along with an extensive Q&A on the product.  In addition, the blog ‘What’s so special about Parallam® Plus PSL’ provides an in-depth review of the product.

For projects in flood prone areas, including coastal construction zones, Weyerhaeuser has developed two technical bulletins to educate and assist the design community in meeting various construction requirements.  TB-213 discusses in depth the requirements for flood damage-resistant material.  TB-217 discusses the use of Parallam® Plus PSL in coastal construction (and reconstruction), including design and detailing for beam to pier construction.

Unique Applications: 

With its unique grain and appearance, Parallam® PSL has been the choice for many non-traditional applications.   Everything from shelving, stair treads, table tops to exposed members that add an exotic look to a project, Parallam® PSL might be the answer for your unique application.

Whether it be Parallam® PSL or any of our other Trus Joist products, our technical support staff is here to discuss your project needs with you.    Feel free to contact us at 1-888-453-8358, by email, or online.

About Jerad Bankston, P.E.

Jerad Bankston, P.E. is a Weyerhaeuser engineer supporting Trus Joist Engineered Wood Products who is based out of St. Paul, Minnesota. During his 13+ years with Weyerhaeuser, Jerad has provided technical support and training for residential, multifamily and industrial applications.

Media Contact: Distribution – Amy Warren (253) 924-3130 amy.warren@weyerhaeuser.com
Led by Multifamily, Housing Market Continues Cautiously Optimistic Pace

Federal Way, Wash., Aug 13, 2015 – After a rocky start due to harsh winter weather, the housing market got back to it’s slow-but-steady pace in late spring and early summer. It’s a fitting scenario for a recovery that has seemed on a constant loop of two steps forward, one step back.

But, however slow, the movement is still upward and LBM dealers in most markets are feeling the positive effects.

Numbers released in mid July showed a 9.8% increase in housing starts in June, according to the NAHB Eye on Housing, reaching an annual pace of 1.174 million. Multifamily continued to lead the charge with single-family remaining flat, NAHB reported, noting that single-family starts were still 14.7% higher than June 2014. Now in August, the shifts continue, but in different ways: July housing starts reached their highest levels since December 2007, led by single-family this time with an increase of 12.8% over June. Residential building permits, however, fell 16.3%.

“Going forward, NAHB expects single-family construction starts to continue to record positive yet modest gains with growing homebuyer demand,” NAHB said in its July report. “While the growth will be constrained by certain supply-side headwinds, most notably lack of building lots and access to labor in some markets, builders continue to express rising confidence, as reported in the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. We further expect multifamily growth to cool given the rising volume of units in the production pipeline.”

The continued boom of the multifamily market is indicative of larger homeownership trends. In its latest State of the Nation’s Housing report, released June 24, the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) noted that current homeownership rates—63.7% in the first quarter of 2015—are at their lowest levels since 1993. The decline is showing across nearly all age groups, the report says, but most notably among Generation X, which is still reeling from the housing bust and is contributing in some part to Gen Y’s sluggishness; Gen Y, of course, has also been hindered by student loan debt and, until recently, an unforgiving job market.

“Despite the slowdown in 2014, the housing market recovery could regain steam in 2015 if continued employment growth helps to lift household incomes,” reported JCHS. “But the lingering effects of the housing crash and Great Recession continue to impede the recovery. Millions of owners still have little or no equity in their homes and/or damaged credit histories, dampening demand in both the first-time buyer and trade-up markets. Although members of the millennial generation are starting to find their footing in the job market and helping to propel rental demand, many of these young adults are saddled with rent burdens and student loan payments that will slow their transition to homeownership.”

And while some of the multifamily boom is reflective of the natural cycle for young twenty-somethings, uncertainty lies in how quickly they’ll be able to move on to single-family homes as they have in generations past, says Don Haid, corporate economist for Weyerhaeuser, and the lack of affordable housing stock is amplifying this challenge. Right now it’s move-up buyers who have the best access to loans, and so that’s what builders are building, Haid notes. As a result, there isn’t much starter stock to go around.

Cautious Optimism
“It’s a frustrating housing market, but it’s still a growing one,” Haid observes. “We’ve had to lower expectations, not so much this year, but all through this recovery, but it’s still something that’s growing 8-10% year over year.”

Indeed, most of the other key indicators released in July continued to demonstrate growth—as well as variability. In June existing home sales grew 3.2% to levels not seen since February 2007, and the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index hit 60 in July, the highest ranking since November 2005. Consumer confidence continues its upward movement, as does builder confidence. Supply of existing homes is tight.

At the same time, however, new-home sales slipped 6.8%, as reported July 24.

“Most of the dealers that I talk with are having really strong sales years, which is a welcome relief following the long struggle to rebuild sales after the recession,” says Rick Schumacher, editor and publisher of LBM Journal. “The best way to describe their mindset is ‘cautiously optimistic.’ Most believe that the market will continue rising for at least the next couple of years, and I’d say that few of them expect the next downturn to match the severity of the last one.”

Some familiar ongoing challenges linger, most notably a tight lending market. Though banks are loosening up a bit, credit remains tight for both home buyers and builders.

Labor is a significant obstacle, as many experienced contractors left the industry during the recession and never returned. Demand for installed sales is on the rise, and savvy dealers also will want to increase educational opportunities and product knowledge sessions to ensure customers know how to properly install the products they sell.

“Services are becoming a bigger part of dealers’ business; dealers are reporting big jumps,” says Craig Webb, editor of ProSales. But even dealers, Webb notes, are having to get creative and find new avenues for filling the labor ranks.

“Regardless of the circumstances, [dealers] find a way to adapt,” Schumacher says. “They’re working hard to identify fresh opportunities in their markets—whether that’s carrying new brands or expanding into new product categories, offering installed sales services to homeowner and builder customers, or learning what it takes to serve entirely new markets. … Operating a lumberyard is not for the faint-of-heart. And in my opinion, the men and women who supply building materials are extremely sharp—or they wouldn’t be here today.”

For more housing information, check out Weyerhaeuser’s latest Quarterly Financial Review.

Media Contact: ELP – Carolyn Atkinson (253) 924-3696 carolyn.atkinson@weyerhaeuser.com

In designing the 7,500-square-foot house, Ric Stott, AIA set out to create a modern take on the potato barn, which features a similar look to traditional barns but is typically built into the ground and often features structural columns. The front elevation plays on the characteristic barn appearance, with two parallel rectilinear structures, gable-roofed wings connected by a perpendicular entrance hall. An attached three-car garage carries the theme on the other side with industrial-style doors that give an additional nod toward the contemporary.

An in-ground lower level, which emerges into an open and airy subterranean courtyard, draws directly on Stott’s potato barn inspiration, making use of the natural heating and cooling properties of the earth. The design is in keeping with the energy-efficiency goals of the rest of the house, which was cited and designed with passive solar principles to maximize radiant heat gain in the winter and reduce it in summer. The walls and roofs were built using SIPs panels, achieving an R-value of 36 and 47, respectively. The house is expected to achieve LEED, NAHB, and Energy Star green certifications, among others.

On the interior, Stott translated the traditional barn beams into a more modern form with Weyerhaeuser Trus Joist^® Parallam^® PSL, both as a structural component and an exposed aesthetic element. “PSL was the perfect fit because it’s modern and sustainable, and it has the look of something big and beefy,” Stott says.

The strength and span capabilities of the PSL beams were called upon in numerous ways, including as ridge and rafter beams supporting the SIPs panels and the ridgeline skylight arrays that flood each wing with light. The PSL rafter beams tie into PSL columns using heavy-duty exposed connections that further the rustic-modern feel.

In the two-story master bedroom, for example, Parallam columns support 12-foot-long 3-1/2” by 9-1/2” 2.0E Parallam rafter beams, with two 12-foot-long 3-1/2 by 11 7/8” 2.0E Parallam beams framing the sides of the skylights along the ridge. In addition to the skylights, the gable end made with a Kalwell translucent wall system brings in daytime light while contributing to an evening glow on the exterior.

PSL beams frame the second-level floor system, a catwalk-like open-air hallway that connects the upper bedrooms through the entrance hall to a hay-loft-inspired study above the kitchen on the opposite end of the house. The exposed framing includes a Parallam beam that spans the width of the kitchen. The massive beam supports the loft without need for columns that would interrupt the flow from the kitchen into the living room.

Similarly, the walkway above the entrance wing uses Parallam beams with support from columns framing the staircase, helping ensure a clear view from entry door to the opening glass walls at the rear. The exposed three-story stairwell continues the flow, with Parallam stringers and open mahogany treads carrying the wood theme through and tying the look from floor to ceiling and level to level.

The mahogany, the only other wood used throughout the house, carries over to the exterior, where it was used for the wood siding in combination with stucco applied directly to the SIPs panels. Further emulating the potato barn aesthetic are a series of columns transformed into opaque lanterns that glow translucent after dark.

Indeed, light during day and night is a key contributor to the home’s dramatic views. Rooms throughout the rear of the house feature large glass walls that open onto multiple balconies, decks, and the courtyard. Combined with the skylights and translucent panels, the elements ensure ample daylight and a strong, continual connection to the outdoors.

The wooded lot came with strict clearing restrictions, so Stott focused on creating an outdoor space no one would want to—or have to—leave. “We kept both the house and the site tight,” he notes. “We designed the house so a family can be there and go anywhere without having to go into the woods. They don’t have to go off the hardscape. It’s fun … it’s great for kids, and it’s great for parties.”

Stott’s mission to update the traditional barn style is evident from those outdoor areas through to the inside. Each element, from the gabled, translucent forms to the Parallam’s updated take on exposed timbers, simultaneously pays homage to history while adding a thoughtful and practical modern edge.

Builders whose suppliers use Weyerhaeuser’s NextPhase^® Site Solutions can further rely on precise materials. The tool combines design and fabrication software with cutting equipment to deliver cost-efficient, structurally superior floor framing packages that take any guesswork out of installation and virtually eliminate both material and labor waste.

Jeremy Dummer is a Technical Advisor and has been with Weyerhaeuser for 17 years. Jeremy consults with building material dealers about how to identify and remove redundancy and improve their business processes using Weyerhaeuser’s software and technology.

In the floor system, those impacts come in the form of ductwork. As an increasing number of builders move HVAC ducts into conditioned space to reduce heating and cooling losses and meet new energy code requirements, joist spacing is widening to 24” on center to accommodate. The increased span, though allowed by code, can mean decreased stiffness in the floor—leading to uncomfortable bouncing and rattling dishes that homeowners will be less than thrilled about.

Avoiding noticeable movement can be easily accomplished with a simple panel upgrade from the typical 23/32” OSB to 7/8” Edge Gold premium subfloor. The thicker Edge Gold panels feel more solid and stable underfoot over the longer spans. They also can help minimize pops and squeaks in hardwood flooring, and provide a much better nail base for bottom plates of non-load bearing partition walls. Because 7/8″ Edge Gold is more than twice as stiff and produces less than half the expected subfloor curvature between joists, it can also help prevent tile and grout cracking.

If already framing 24” o.c. and using hardwood flooring, a 7/8” or thicker subfloor is required to be within the National Wood Flooring Association guidelines for proper hardwood flooring installation. The 7/8” subfloor provides up to 40% higher fastener withdrawal values, giving the builder increased peace of mind. More good news, 7/8” Edge Gold is produced at three different Weyerhaeuser mills and is readily available throughout the U.S. and Canada.

This more robust approach was recently on display at the Inside View demonstration home in Lockport, Ill. Under construction by Beechen & Dill Homes, the two-story, 2,880-square-foot house features a range of advanced framing techniques designed to increase cavity insulation space and reduce framing waste. To accommodate ductwork in conditioned space, the floor joists are spaced 24 inches o.c., which also eliminated about one-third of the required joists and adhesive and subsequently reduced labor by one-third.

Beechen & Dill then upgraded to 7/8” Edge Gold subflooring (pictured above) and to higher series, deeper 14-inch I-joists, resulting in a stiffer, higher-performing floor system despite the wider spacing.

The panel upgrade provides the same functionality as traditional code-compliant panels, so the change for contractors is minimal. In return, builders are constructing houses more likely to satisfy homeowners and ensure their word-of-mouth reputation.

“With prices going up and labor harder to find, techniques such as these that reduce energy use while making more efficient use of materials and allowing for more efficient construction are the direction the industry needs to be going,” said Ed Kubiak, director of construction for Beechen & Dill.

Jody Dedmon has spent more than 25 years with Weyerhaeuser, 17 of them within the OSB division. In his current role as Market Development Manager, Jody applies in-depth knowledge of OSB manufacturing, installation practices, and market trends; leads a team of OSB Market Development Representatives; conducts training throughout the channel; and lends his extensive expertise to new product development and implementation.

STC ratings are described in Table 1:

IIC ratings aren’t as well described but do follow a similar trend.  An IIC rating of 30 represents typical single-family floor ceiling assemblies with hardwood or vinyl flooring.  Ratings below 30 are poor and ratings of 50 and higher reflect the high performance levels required and expected for multifamily construction.

In the typical house, gypsum is attached directly to the underside of the joists with no insulation in the cavities.  In some cases, basements may be unfinished with no gypsum ceiling.  This construction results in relatively low STC and IIC ratings. Gypsum ceiling attached to wood or stiff metal furring will not provide significant improvement.  However, the addition of resilient channels and insulation to a floor/ceiling assembly can considerably reduce sound transmission. Table 2 illustrates the approximate performance for a range of floor constructions.¹

As shown in Table 2, the use of insulation alone has small benefit for STC (+5 points), but no benefit for IIC.  However, the use of only resilient channels greatly improves both STC and IIC (+10 points).  The logic – sound travels through solids much easier than through air.  A resilient channel decouples or mechanically separates the drywall from the structural member and minimizes direct pathways for sound.  Figure 1a shows a standard system with directly attached drywall thus allowing sound to directly travel through the assembly.  Figure 1b shows how resilient channels can prevent the direct pathway of sound.  The greatest improvement comes with use of insulation in combination with resilient channels, for which the total improvement is more than the sum of their individual improvements.

Impact noises are a larger concern when a habitable space is below a hard floor (i.e. below tiled/vinyl kitchens and bathrooms).  Direct-nailed hardwood will perform similarly to bare OSB.  Tile applied directly over wood subfloor will actually reduce IIC by 10-15 points due to an increase in high frequency noise transmission.  Thick cushioned vinyl flooring over wood subfloor may improve IIC by a few points (less than 5).  The use of ¼” thick recycled rubber mats* (such as ECORE 5mm QTScu®or Proflex™ RCU 250) under tile or floating hardwood will produce results similar to a thick cushioned vinyl.  Luxury vinyl tile typically performs similar to or better than thick cushioned sheet vinyl.*

*contact manufacturers for more information

Resilient Channels
When selecting channels, it is critical that the single-leg resilient channels are used.  Hat channels do not provide substantial benefits for sound attenuation.  Hat channels are solid and do not provide the decoupling mechanism found in resilient channels.

Choosing and installing the right resilient channel makes a big difference in how a floor assembly performs.  The original resilient channel USG RC-1, developed by USG in the 1960s, uses large slotted holes that are centered on pre-punched screw holes at 4” on center (Figure 3).

Since then, many other types of resilient channels have emerged in the market place. With various hole shapes and sizes, all channels do not perform equally.  Resilient channels with holes resembling the long slots that are found on the original USGS RC-1 outperform resilient channels with smaller oval or round holes.³

Another common installation error is attaching the resilient channel on a solid surface such as floor or wall sheathing thus sandwiching the channel between the drywall and sheathing.  This can result in greatly reduced sound attenuation and in some cases even completely negate the effectiveness of the resilient channels.⁴

Finally, poured toppings or an additional ceiling layer can be used to increase mass and improve sound ratings.  These strategies are commonly used in multi-family construction.  For tested assemblies meeting the requirements for multi-family construction see Technical Resource Sheet TJ-4035 (http://www.woodbywy.com/document/tj-4035/).

Changing the mass of the floor system or adding resilient channels may affect the feel of the floor as well.  For best floor performance, work with your Trus Joist® representative to evaluate the TJ-Pro^® Rating for the floor.  (Please refer to our technical bulletin addressing floor performance here http://www.woodbywy.com/document/tb-104/)

A designer should consider sound transmission as this performance factor will be tested daily throughout the life of the structure.  If you have any questions about Trus Joist® products in floor/ceiling assemblies, please contact your Trus Joist® representative or submit an e-mail to techsupport@weyerhaeuser.com.

(1) Warnock, A.C.C and Birta, J.A, Detailed Report for Consortium on Fire Resistance and Sound Insulation of Floors: Sound Transmission and Impact Insulation Data in 1/3 Octave Bands, IRC Internal Report IR-811, National Research Council of Canada, 2000

(2) Form No. W460N: Noise-Rated Systems, APA The Engineered Wood Association, 2000

(3) Lilly, Jerry, Resilient Channel Update, http://www.jglacoustics.com/acoustics-rc_1.html, August 2015

(4) LoVerde and Dong, Quantitative comparisons of resilient channel designs and installation methods, http://www.pac-intl.com/pdf/IN09_737_Submitted.pdf, August 2015

(5) Warnock, A.C.C, Construction Technology Update No.35: Controlling the Transmission of Impact Sound through Floors, National Research Council of Canada, 2009