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About Melinda Stiefel

Fortunately, ensuring that the hardwood flooring performs well for years to come isn’t difficult. Follow these best practices to ensure proper preparation and installation.

• If installing during warm months, ensure the building is well ventilated; during winter months, heating should be maintained near occupancy levels.

• To increase floor stiffness and help prevent squeaks, vibrations and bounce, glue the panels to the joists in addition to nailing or screwing. Use only solvent-based subfloor adhesives that meet ASTM D 3498 (AFG-01) performance standards. When latex subfloor adhesive is required, choose carefully as there is a wide range of performance between brands.

• Because the OSB will naturally expand and contract following installation, it’s important to leave a 1/8″ gap at all panel ends and edges to prevent buckling. The tongue-and-groove profile on Edge and Edge Gold panels automatically gaps the long edge of the panel. For improved performance, glue tongue-and-groove edges together.

• For panels 1″ thick or less, use 8d nails to completely fasten the panel to the joists. For panels thicker than 1″, use 10d nails. Screws of an equivalent root diameter and length may be used instead; use screws from a manufacturer that can provide an ICC-ES Evaluation Report. Do not use drywall screws.

• Keep all fasteners at least 3/8″ from panel edges, with maximum fastener spacing of 6″ o.c. along supported panel edges and 12″ o.c. along intermediate supports (joists) in the panel field, unless specified otherwise.
Prep for Flooring
• As the subfloor is installed, make sure it stays level, and sand any raised joints flat. Lightly countersink protruding nail heads and re-nail areas as needed. With screws, tighten heads slightly into panels to ensure panels are securely fastened against framing.

• Clear subfloor panels of debris and dust.

• Subfloor panels should be dry, with a moisture content of not more than 4% over the expected in-use average moisture content of the flooring (8-12% in coastal regions, 6-10% in inland regions, 5-9% in drier climates).
Installing Hardwood Strips
• Hardwood is generally manufactured to a moisture content (MC) of 6%–9%, but it can absorb moisture from humid air when in storage and during shipping; therefore, schedule delivery of the hardwood only after the house has dried. Unwrap flooring and allow it to acclimate in the home with the HVAC system operating prior to installation, if local codes allow.

• Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the subfloor and hardwood. During installation, follow the hardwood flooring manufacturer’s recommendation for acceptable differences in moisture content between the two surfaces. Typically, the difference should be no more than 4% for solid strips less than 3″ wide and no more than 2% for planks 3″ and wider.

• Once the subfloor is properly prepared, the work area is enclosed and the hardwood strip flooring is acclimated, install the flooring following the NWFA’s Installation Guidelines and/or those of the flooring manufacturer.

Along with these steps to control moisture related to hardwood flooring installation, there are a number of additional best practices for the rest of the floor framing to help reduce the chance for squeaks and deflection underfoot. For those strategies, download “Prevention and Repair of Floor Squeaks” here.

“There are a lot of decks out there that are a disaster waiting to happen,” says Frank Woeste, Ph.D., P.E., professor emeritus at Virginia Tech who has been researching decks and deck failures since 2002. “Ninety-five percent of injuries and fatalities come from ledger board attachment and the guardrail attachment.”

NADRA offers information on certified inspectors on its website that can help homeowners identify such potential failure points. Taking it a step further, Woeste recommends homeowners download the American Wood Council’s “Design for Code Acceptance 6” document, available here, and familiarize themselves with the proper attachments of ledgers and guardrails. This will help them identify if their deck has current recommended attachments or if more robust connections are needed.

• Ensure flashing is sound and firmly in place; add or replace flashing in areas where water is collecting.

• Check the ledger board for loose fasteners and tighten; replace rusted or corroded fasteners.

• Ensure deck boards and stairs do not sag and do not sway when tested.

• Ensure railings and banisters are secure; push on them to check for give.

• Verify railings and banisters are high enough—most codes require 36 inches and recommend 42 inches, with rails no more than 4 inches apart.

• Ensure stair rails and banisters are firmly in place; verify risers and stringers are secure and not decayed.

• Check the opening behind the stair treads—it should be no more than 4 inches high.

• If the decking has lighting, verify that all lights are working; ensure all outlets, appliances, and features are up to code, in good condition and childproof.

• If the deck doesn’t have adequate lighting, consider adding it.

• If mildew is present or the deck coating has worn away on wood decks, NADRA says, clean and apply a new waterproofing coating.

• Even composite products require some maintenance and should be cleaned according to manufacturer instructions to ensure long-term performance and day-to-day safety.

• Clean light covers and trim plants/trees that are blocking light.

• Trim back tree limbs in danger of falling onto or near the deck.
For the full list of NADRA deck safety tips, 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.

Still, there are a few common careless errors that can make a good railing job go bad, impacting the appearance of the finished product or forcing a lot of rework. Here are some of the most common and easily avoidable errors when it comes to installing deck railings.

Most railing systems, especially those in kits, come with specific instructions for how to measure and fasten, what types of fasteners to use, what brackets to use, etc. Each railing system is different, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the specifics before getting started.

“Read those instructions,” advises Jeremy Jordan, product manager for Fortress Railing. “Make sure you’re familiar with the system and how the parts and pieces go together. Use the measurements in the instructions before you go to predrill holes for brackets.”
Misunderstanding Measurements

Indeed, directions are key to proper measurements with railing systems. For instance, some panel systems may be described in nominal sizes, similar to stud lumber, while others are in actual sizes.

Some systems require measuring from center post to center post; otherwise, the balusters being off center. However, some systems, such as kits from Fairway Building Products, which are manufactured to exact nominal lengths, measure inside post to inside post.

No matter what, always abide by the adage “Measure twice, cut once.”

“Installers forget they need to measure the sweep, the bottom rail, the baluster, the top rail, and the rail cap,” notes Tim Deiter, Western sales manager for Dekorators, Inc. “If they don’t measure all of that, they can end up cutting them too short and not meeting code.” In most cases code requirements dictate 36-inch heights for residential, 42 inches for commercial; California requires 42 inches for both.

Not all posts and post sleeves are structural. Many will need to be shimmed and mounted over 2x or 4x wood posts.

Don’t assume all post caps are 4×4. Measure the outside diameter of the post and then choose the cap, not the other way around, Dieter advises. That way you can ensure the post cap fits before the homeowner falls in love with it.

It sounds simple, but be sure to clear away any leftover debris, such as metal shavings. In addition to being unsightly, metal shavings can become imbedded in the deck and affect its appearance.

When in doubt, ask the manufacturer or your Weyerhaeuser Distribution rep for assistance with understanding railing installation. Railing systems can be easy to install—just as long as care is taken and directions are closely followed.
Click here to check out railing options from a Weyerhaeuser Distribution center in your area.
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.

Media Contact: OSB – Jeremy Mauck (253) 924-2907 jeremy.mauck@weyerhaeuser.com
Proper Storage and Handling of Edge™ and Edge Gold™

Federal Way, Wash., Oct 20, 2015 – Weyerhaeuser Edge™ and Edge Gold™ subfloor panels are engineered for strength and stability. But like any wood product, engineered panels are susceptible to moisture. Buckling between floorboards, warping or bowing of panels, drywall cracks and even pops and squeaks as you walk are often caused by moisture. Specifically, by the contraction and expansion that occurs as wood moisture reaches equilibrium with its environment.

Subfloor panels should be dry, both when you install them, and in their installed position. Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the subfloor, before any finished flooring is installed overtop the subfloor it shouldn’t be more than 4% over the expected in-use average of the finished flooring (check with your local officials for exact measurements, but that’s roughly 8-12% in coastal regions, 6-10% in inland regions, and 5-9% in drier climates).

So, how do you know if there is a moisture imbalance? Well, one of the most common complaints I hear is the presence of mold. Found nearly everywhere, mold spreads as airborne spores that begin to thrive when they find appropriate growing conditions. What’s important to remember though is that in order for mold to grow, it must have oxygen, nutrients which include many building materials, moderate temperatures, and most importantly greater than 20% moisture content.

Fortunately, if you find yourself in this situation, most building moisture problems can be prevented or corrected. Follow these best practices to reduce moisture:

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  Properly store and handle wood products throughout the building process.
  
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  Schedule deliveries to make sure panels aren’t exposed to weather
  
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  Cover with a tarp during inclement weather, remembering to properly ventilate the sides so as not to trap in moisture.
  
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  Use exterior moisture management systems, such as flashing.
  
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  Ensure moisture control devices such as vapor barriers, ground cover and ventilation openings are installed for the crawl space.
  
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  Keep up on maintenance and operation of the building, including control of interior humidity levels.
  
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  If installing during warm months, ensure the building is well ventilated; during winter months, heating should be maintained near occupancy levels.
  

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.

As Parallam® Plus is typically used in a wet environment, nominal connection design values should be adjusted for the wet use factor. For hangers this means a reduction in the hanger capacity when hung from treated-wet service products. For Parallam®  Plus these reductions are shown on page 5 of the Trus Joist® Parallam® Plus PSL Specifiers guide,TJ-7102. Simply put, the capacity of the hanger shown in hanger manufactures’ literature is reduced by either 0.7 or 0.4 depending on use.  Typically, the reduction is  0.7 for most exterior residential applications such as a deck beam.

Due to the high moisture content typically present where Parallam® Plus PSL is used, it is very important to use corrosion-resistant fasteners and connectors for all applications. Fasteners include nails, screws, and bolts. Connectors include joist hangers, post bases, and hurricane or mudsill anchors.

Parallam® Plus column products are permitted to be used in more severe UC4B including saltwater splash zone applications. When used in saltwater splash applications, Type 316 stainless steel is recommended for maximum corrosion resistance.

Lastly, the designer and installer needs to consider dissimilar metals. Fasteners and connectors used together must be of the same metallic composition to avoid galvanic corrosion. For example, hot-dipped nails should be used with hot-dipped hangers. Use of dissimilar metals such as stainless steel nails with hot-dipped galvanized hangers can create a condition which can cause the zinc to corrode resulting in the galvanized fastener losing their protective coating faster than expected.
References

Parallam® Plus Specifiers Guide, http://www.woodbywy.com/document/tj-7102/

Simpson Strong-Tie Wood Construction Connectors 2015-2016, http://www.strongtie.com/ftp/catalogs/c-c-2015/c-c-2015.pdf

Simpson Strong-Tie Tech Bulletin, Preservative Treated Wood, TJ-7102