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FAQ

  1. Does Windstorm eliminate all hardware for shear walls and uplift?
  2. Were any laboratory tests done?
  3. What is special about Windstorm?
  4. Why do I need an engineer?
  5. Is Windstorm accepted by the building code?
  6. Why is blocking eliminated?
  7. Where can I buy Windstorm?
  8. How does Windstorm work?
  9. If I switch to Windstorm will I encounter supply issues?
  10. How much money can I save using Windstorm?
  11. Who certifies the quality of WS?

1) DOES WINDSTORM ELIMINATE ALL HARDWARE FOR SHEAR WALLS AND UPLIFT?

With the correct nailing schedule, Windstorm panels can eliminate or reduce stud-to-plate connectors and floor-to-floor connectors for raised floor and two-story applications. Ask your engineer what hardware can be eliminated in your houses to meet code for your uplift and shear requirements using Windstorm.

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2) WERE ANY LABORATORY TESTS DONE?

Yes, independent testing was completed by the NAHB Research Center.

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3) WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT WINDSTORM?

Norbord's two large continuous press mills can manufacture panels that are engineered to match wall heights. Windstorm panels are longer to allow the use of the continuous sheathing methods allowed by building codes. The Southern Building Code (Standard For Hurricane Resistant Residential Construction SSTD 10-99) calls for structural panels to cover from the top of the top plate, to the bottom of the bottom plate to meet combined uplift and shear values. To accomplish this an 8' wall requires a panel 97 1/8" long, a 9' wall needs a 109 1/8" panel, and a 10' walls need a 121 1/8" panel to span that length without joints. Windstorm panels are the right size, to meet code, reduce costs, and build faster.

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4) DO I NEED A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL DESIGNER?

Each home is unique. Many variables such as size, shape, wall heights, roof pitch, and wind speeds are involved in determining the uplift and shear values to meet municipal codes and by-laws. Norbord recommends the use of a licensed professional designer such as an engineer or architect, who can perform these calculations and tell you the correct fastener schedule. In some jurisdictions, nailing schedules from prescriptive methods are accepted.

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5) IS WINDSTORM ACCEPTED BY THE BUILDING CODE?

Windstorm is a structural OSB panel and is accepted in North American building codes including the Florida Building Code.

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6) WHY IS BLOCKING ELIMINATED?

Building codes require horizontal joints in walls to have solid blocking. Windstorm panels are the right lengths to span from the top of the top plate to the bottom of the bottom plate with one structural panel – without blocking.

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7) WHERE CAN I BUY WINDSTORM?

Windstorm is available from your local building supply dealer. Ask for it by name. If your dealer requires assistance, they can contact us directly or let us know and we will contact them on your behalf. We are here to help you and your dealer.

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8) HOW DOES WINDSTORM WORK?

With an engineer specified fastener schedule Windstorm panels are the connector/strap.

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9) IF I SWITCH TO WINDSTORM WILL I ENCOUNTER SUPPLY ISSUES?

Norbord has the production capacity to ensure consistent supply. One mill in South Carolina and another in Alabama are ideally located to serve both the east coast, the gulf coast, and other markets.

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10) HOW MUCH MONEY CAN I SAVE USING WINDSTORM?

This will vary by the size, style, location of your homes, but here are a number of areas where Windstorm can significantly reduce your costs and improve your bottom line.

  1. No stud to plate connectors to buy or install – Material and labor savings!
  2. No lumber for blocking to buy and install – Material and labor savings!
  3. No threaded bolts that connect the wall plates – Material and labor savings!
  4. No panels to cut and install as filler strips – Labor savings!
  5. Less waste – Less cutting and less chance of errors means savings!
  6. Flatter, stronger, stiffer, and straighter walls – Fewer call backs mean savings!
  7. With no blocking and metal straps in the way plumbers, electricians, interior trim installers and other trades can work faster and easier.

LESS MATERIAL, LESS LABOR, FASTER, EASIER, CLEANER = A BETTER BOTTOM LINE!

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11) WHO CERTIFIES THE QUALITY OF WS?

Norbord OSB panels are certified by the APA - The Engineered Wood Association.

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