What opinions do you have about the difference between APA and TECO third party testing for structural wood panels?
I specified only APA ratings, but the contractor submitted a (well known) manufacturer who only tested per TECO. I’m inclined to approve it, but just wondering if I’m missing something interesting here.
What is the underlying standard referenced in the Code?
The relevant questions is do they have the capability to perform the tests and do the tests results show conformance with the reference standard?
Mark,
The testing is typically for DOC PS1 and PS2. Hope I don’t dissapoint you, but I’ve never really thought much about how plywood and OSB are tested.
I was wondering if perhaps TECO was created by manufacturers who didn’t like APA. I’m thinking of the FSC v SFI debate. That’s why I’m asking.
It could very well be that TECO represents breakaway manufacturers. It has happened before. At one time AITC certified all glulam beams. I would be flexible on this issue.
Check out TECO’s testing lab certification.
Unless you had specifically required APA stamps you may not have a lot of flexibility. If it is a small project and all the local suppliers only carry TECO stamped product you may not have much option.
I would assume that your engineer specified the sheathing. If so he should be involved in this process.
Mark,
Thank you for your help. Yes, I did bounce this back to the structural engineer, as she specified the sheathing. Thank you for helping me to learn more about this.
Is there a ‘structural wood panels for dummies’ type document that anyone can recommend? I have APA’s PRP-108 and PS1 and PS2, but when I try to read them I get a serious case of Wandering Mind Syndrome. I obviously can’t get very excited about plywood and OSB either!