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About Elson Wang

Builders and their tiling subcontractors know that the methods and materials used when installing a tile floor are just as important as the floor’s design. It all starts with a solid base.

For more than 25 years, builders have found success using Weyerhaeuser Edge™ and Edge Gold™ oriented strand board (OSB) floor panels in demanding applications such as subfloor beneath ceramic tile. While subfloor material isn’t the only factor that contributes to a successful ceramic tile floor application, most builders will agree that it’s easier to install a quality subfloor upfront than it is to go back later to fix cracking tile.

Some of the most common problems associated with poor subfloor or underlayment installation for ceramic tile applications can be prevented by following these recommendations:

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  Limit subfloor deflection by reducing your joist spacing. Weyerhaeuser recommends using a maximum joist spacing of 16″ on-center when 23/32” Edge and Edge Gold floor panels are used in tile applications.
  
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  Consider using a thicker subfloor panel, which will result in less panel deflection. This is true even when floor joists are designed at the maximum recommended on-center spacing, 24” on-center when using 7/8” Edge and Edge Gold floor panels with no need for an additional wood underlayment. The result is a ‘flatter’ floor system, which results in less flex of the tile above, and therefore less cracking.
  
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  For the highest level of stiffness between the joists, install the subfloor and underlayment perpendicular to the floor joists.
  
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  Never skimp when it comes to fastening. Use a quality subfloor adhesive to bond the subfloor to the joists and the underlayment to the subfloor.
  
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  Take advantage of the self-gapping tongue-and-groove joints in Edge and Edge Gold floor panels. They automatically allow the 1/8-inch gap that helps you avoid ridges from panel expansion that could eventually cause tile cracking above.
  
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  Before installing your tile, make sure both the subfloor and underlayment panels are clean, dry and free of any debris, with no protruding nails or screws. Fill any low areas and level high spots to provide a smooth, flat surface for the tile installer.
  

George Hendry has spent more than 27 years in the forest products and building materials industry, 11 of them with Weyerhaeuser’s Trus Joist, Distribution and OSB Manufacturing divisions. In his current role as Market Development Manager, George 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.

Federal Way, Wash., Sept. 29, 2015 – Weyerhaeuser released Version 5.0 of its Stellar® dealer operations software, with changes that help those responsible for purchasing engineered lumber better understand what to order, when to order, and how much to order. Previously, Stellar software was primarily used by the operations team at a dealer to track inventory on hand, create optimized production instructions, and operate in conjunction with Weyerhaeuser’s NextPhase® Site Solutions program, a comprehensive package of products, services, software and fabrication equipment.

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  Inventory Replenishment gives greater visibility to what is on order and when it is expected to arrive by allowing purchasers to create and track purchase orders.
  
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  Ability to configure inventory settings to provide alerts when materials should be ordered to reduce the likelihood of running out of materials.
  
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  Cut Analysis Reports show material usage over a specified time period as well as the material needs for upcoming jobs.
  

Dealers interested in obtaining Stellar Version 5.0 should contact their local Weyerhaeuser sales representative or Weyerhaeuser Software Support at 800.833.9491 or Software@Weyerhaeuser.com.

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.

The capacity of TJI® joists should be checked prior to mounting heavy equipment to them.  One must also consider that a joist may be able to support the additional load, but the joist will possibly deflect more than the adjacent joists, resulting in a noticeable “low spot” in the floor above.  How noticeable this low spot will be and if it will impact existing floor finishes should be considered by the homeowner.  Additionally, even lighter equipment like a speed bag can result in noticeable vibration being felt throughout the floor area.  In fact, some exercise forums specifically recommend free standing equipment for this reason (search the web with keywords like ‘house shaken by punching bag’ for more information).  Prior to installation, homeowners should always consider the impact the exercise equipment will have on floor performance.

When suspending loads for exercise equipment, attachments to the TJI® Joist flange should be avoided.  Connections should be made so that the web of the TJI® is engaged.  When possible, it is recommended that the load is supported by at least two joists by spanning a support block between the TJI® joists for equipment attachment.

Ultimately it is up to the homeowner to decide what will work best for his/her situation and equipment.  One detail that is commonly referenced is S30 on page 21 of our Fire-Rated Assemblies and Sprinkler Systems Guide.  Although this detail is intended for a steel pipe, it can be easily adapted for fitness equipment attachment.  This detail shows a 4×4 (assuming joists spaced no more than 32” apart) supported by 2×6 members that are on top of the bottom flange and bolted to the web.

Another consideration for attachments is lateral movement.  While a heavy bag is relatively rigid and will exhibit minimal movement when being punched, mid weight bags or other applications (like a kid using the heavy bag as a tackling dummy) can create significant movement in all directions.  In cases where lateral loading could occur, adding blocking panels (see detail PB1) in the joist bays nearest the equipment is recommended.  It is also important that any block the equipment is attached to is also properly restrained against movement or rotation.

Jason Shumaker, PE is a Product Support Engineer at Weyerhaeuser. For 15 years, he has been providing engineering support for Trus Joist and Weyerhaeuser products to homeowners, builders, dealers, architects, engineers, and code officials.

Because it is manufactured under pressure using heat-cured resins and wax, Edge™ and Edge Gold™ panels are durable and dimensionally stable and tough enough to withstand the weather exposure that comes during a normal cycle of construction. But like all wood products, if a panel is left exposed to weather for extended periods of time, it can absorb moisture, which can cause swelling. While still structurally sound, these raised edges can create problems with roofing, siding or flooring finish materials.

All Weyerhaeuser subfloor panels are engineered for strength and stability, but like most building products, their performance can be compromised if they are not stored and handled correctly. Protection is critically important to successful installation and performance.

Tips for Proper Storage and Handling

At the Yard

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  Whenever possible, keep building materials in an enclosed space, or at least under roof cover.
  
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  Store panels flat—never on edge.
  
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  Keep cardboard side covers in place to protect corners.
  

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  When transported on open flatbed trucks, cover panels with a weatherproof tarp.
  
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  Always transport panels in a flat orientation.
  
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  Protect edges (and ends) from damage, and keep the load level.
  
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  When moving Edge or Edge Gold with a forklift, stack the panels on a bunk or pallet and insert the forklift tines in between the supports and under the load (never into the panel stack).
  
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  Unload all at once with a forklift and leave the stack strapped so that panels don’t slide.
  

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  Schedule deliveries to make sure your subfloor panels aren’t exposed to weather for any longer than necessary.
  
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  Never store panels directly on the ground, especially in wet or muddy areas.
  
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  Edge and Edge Gold should be stacked on three 4x4s (one in the center running widthwise, with the other two about 12 inches from each end). This will improve air circulation and keep the panels off the ground.
  
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  Cover units with a tarp (or plastic) during inclement weather, remembering to properly ventilate the sides so as not to trap in moisture.
  
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  Protect tongue-and-groove edges by keeping the cardboard side covers in place until you’re ready to install the panels.
  
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  Maintain a clean jobsite by removing sawdust, mortar, wood chips and other debris as quickly as possible.
  
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  Wrap and roof the home as quickly as possible to minimize moisture exposure.
  

For additional strategies and advice, contact your manufacturer’s representative.

George Hendry has spent more than 27 years in the forest products and building materials industry, 11 of them with Weyerhaeuser’s Trus Joist, Distribution and OSB Manufacturing divisions. In his current role as Market Development Manager, George 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.

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  PURE™ | ECO Exterior PVC Millwork: This extruded cellular PVC millwork will not split, crack or rot; has superior UV protection; and features a uniform matte finish ready for painting or to be left as is. Among Weyerhaeuser’s offerings are base cap, bed mould, brick mould, crown, drip cap, rake mould, back band casing, sill nose, sill and garage weatherstrip. In addition, other profiles are available by special order.
  
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  Trailways Decking: Premium solid-core cellular PVC decking at an affordable price. The low-maintenance deck boards are dual-extruded, so the cap and core create a true bond that won’t delaminate. The decking will not mold, mildew, rot, crack, warp or splinter.
  
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  Trailways | SV Decking: Trailways Special Variegated offers the same solid-core cellular PVC construction as traditional Trailways, along with a classic color selection with contrasting woodgrain accents.
  
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  Trailways Tongue & Groove Porch Board: The traditional 3-1/2” old-world style but made from technologically advanced solid-core cellular PVC. The completely weatherable board can be used for covered porches or in full sun; high levels of UV inhibitors and durable pigments allow for incredible color retention. The board is easy to install with no pre-drilling required.
  

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  Trailways Decking
  
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  Trailways Tongue & Groove Porch Board
  
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  PURE™ Exterior PVC Millwork: Uniform matte finish on all PURE™ mouldings offers an easy, beautiful finishing solution to be admired for years to come. The superior UV protection provides long-lasting performance; plus the millwork won’t split, crack or rot.
  
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  Passport decking: Solid-core cellular PVC decking with the rich, multi-shaded woodgrain of tropical hardwood.
  

Looking to get your hands on this new product? Jump over to Weyerhaeuser Distribution and contact us for more info. Go here for Atlanta or here for North Carolina.