Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about working with LP® TopNotch® Sub-Flooring products? Need more information ? If you don’t find the answers you need here, please don't hesitate to contact us.
General
Maintenance
General
- Why do I have to space my LP TopNotch panels?
- All wood structural panels will expand or contract slightly with changes in moisture content. If expansion is prevented by tightly butted panel joints, buckling can occur.
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- I'm putting an addition on my home. Where can I get information pertaining to the structural quality of your OSB products, such as LP TopNotch?
- LP OSB panels are certified by the APA—The Engineered Wood Association—and are manufactured in conformance with U.S. Voluntary Product Standard PS2. Additional information may be found in specific LP product literature and in literature from the APA, whose stamp of quality assurance appears on LP OSB products. You may contact LP at 800-648-6893. The APA publications desk number is 253-565-6600 and their extensive literature is available on line at apawood.org.
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- What is the recommended nailing schedule for OSB and Plywood sheathing?
- When installing any roof, wall, and sub-floor sheathing, the recommended fastener placement is 6" along all panel edges, placed 3/8” in from the panel edge, and 12" along the intermediate supports. In all applications, panels should be spaced 1/8" apart at ends and edges, unless other spacing is recommended by the finished floor manufacturer for a specific application.
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- Can you explain the APA-Engineered Wood Association Exposure 1 Classification?
- Exposure 1 panels have a fully waterproof bond and are designed for applications where construction delays may be expected prior to providing protection. Exposure 1 panels use the same exterior adhesives used in Exterior panels. However, because other compositional factors may affect bond performance, only Exterior panels should be used for permanent exposure to the weather.
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- Why does LP TopNotch measure 47 1/2" instead of 48" on the face?
- Nearly all APA Sturd-I-Floor panels are produced from 48" wide square-edge panels, which are then machined with the tongue and groove profile providing edge support when installed on a floor. This secondary machining process removes approximately 1/2” of the 48" face. If available in your region, product can be purchased with a full (48”) face.
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- Is formaldehyde off-gassing from LP OSB and LP TopNotch a concern?
- No. Oriented Strand Board has been tested extensively and it has been determined OSB is not a source for significant off-gassing of formaldehyde.
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Maintenance
- Will I have a problem if I have OSB that has been exposed to the weather and moisture?
- OSB and Plywood structural panels have a glue bond rating of Exposure 1, which means they are designed to withstand exposure to the weather encountered during a reasonable construction period. The board is made with all water-resistant adhesives. Surface flaking or raised edges may occur if the board is exposed to high levels of moisture, but light sanding can remedy this without compromising structural integrity of the panels.
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