APA Trademarked Plywood Panels - Guide to Markings, APA Europe

Product Info

Guide to APA Trademarked Panels

Guide to APA Trademarked Panels


1 Panel Grade- Back to top: Identifies panel in terms of veneer grade used for panel face and back (e.g., A-C, B-B, etc.), or by a name suggesting the panel's intended use (e.g., single-layer floors, siding [cladding], etc.). Veneer grades define veneer appearance in terms of natural growth characteristics and allowable repairs made during manufacture (See Veneer Grades)

2 Bond Durability Classification - Back to top: EXTERIOR - fully waterproof bond, designed for applications exposed permanently to the weather or moisture. EXPOSURE1 - highly moisture resistant bond, designed for applications where ability to resist moisture and weather during long construction delays is required, or where high moisture conditions may be encountered in service. Not intended for permanent exposure to weather. Exterior and Exposure1 panels have WBP durability equivalence.

3 Span Rating - Back to top: Denotes the maximum recommended centre-to-centre spacing of supports in inches over which the panel should be placed with the long dimension across three or more supports. The Span Rating for Rating Sheathing consists of a left-hand number referring to installation over roof supports, and right-hand number referring to installation over floor joists. (See Load Spans)

4 Species Group Number - Back to top: Relates to the species of wood used for panel face and back veneers. Species are classified on the basis of bending strength and stiffness into five Groups identified by number. Group1 species are the strongest, then Group2 and so on. Douglas-fir and southern pine, the predominant species, are in Group1 and are interchangeable.

5 Thickness - Back to top: Most trademarks show the panel's thickness in terms of inches. (See Panel Thickness for millimeter equivalence.) When ordering panels from U.S. suppliers, specify thickness in terms of inches.

6 Sized For Spacing - Back to top: Indicates the panel is manufactured to dimensions that help accommodate recommended panel end and edge spacings when installed. Panels measure 1220 mm (48 in.) by 2440mm (96 in.) with a plus 0, minus 3 mm (1/8 in.) tolerance. Spacing between ends and edges helps prevent buckling caused by moisture absorption. Recommended spacing between panels is 3mm (1/8 in.) at both end and edge joints; unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer.

7 Tongue-And-Groove (T&G) - Back to top: Indicates panel has tongue-and-groove pattern at the edges, which eliminate need for blocking beneath panel. Material removed to create the tongue may reduce panel face width by approximately 12.5 mm (1/2 in.) Other T&G patterns may be used, but are not identified in the trademark.

8 Product Standard Conformance - Back to top: Indicates panel is manufactured to meet provisions of U.S. Product Standards PS 1-95 for Construction and Industrial Plywood.

9 Performance Standard Conformance - Back to top: Indicates panel is manufactured to meet provisions of APA PRP-108 Performance Standards and Policies for Structural-Use Panels.

10 Government Recognition - Back to top: Indicates special recognition by the U.S Federal Housing Administration for structural uses.

11 Face Grade Designation - Back to top: Refers to number and type of repairs allowed on siding face ply. "S" means synthetic material, "W" means wood material.

12 Mill Number - Back to top: Code number of producing mill of the representative quality assurance agency.