Resources
FAQ
Updated February 2010. Download the Windstorm FAQ as a PDF or DOC.
- Does Windstorm eliminate all hardware for shear walls and uplift?
- Is Windstorm a “green” product?
- Can Windstorm help me meet green building programs?
- What is special about Windstorm and why does it work?
- Were any independent tests completed?
- Is Windstorm accepted by the building code?
- Why is blocking eliminated?
- Why do I need a Design Professional to provide a fastener schedule?
- What does Exposure 1 rating on the grade stamp mean?
- How much money can I save using Windstorm?
- Where can I buy Windstorm?
1. Does Windstorm eliminate all hardware for shear walls and uplift?
Windstorm panels can eliminate or reduce stud to plate connectors and floor to floor connector straps. Corner hold downs may still be required. Ask your engineer what hardware can be eliminated in your homes and to provide you with the nailing schedule to meet the uplift and shear code requirements using Windstorm.
2. Is Windstorm a “green” product?
All Windstorm panels are SFI Chain of Custody certified. Windstorm does not contain any added urea-formaldehyde resins. With no horizontal joints it means up to 60% less wall air infiltration (air leakage increases energy consumption) and better indoor air quality. Using Windstorm means less job-site waste, less handling, less labor, and less metal in every house. Wood is a renewable resource that has a very positive impact on the carbon footprint.
SFI: Val d’Or and La Sarre PQ (PDF – 2.7 MB)
FSC: Val d’Or and La Sarre PQ (PDF – 2.5 MB)
3. Can Windstorm help me meet green building programs?
Yes. There are many areas in programs such as the National Green Building Standard and LEED where Windstorm can help you achieve points.
4. What is special about Windstorm and why does it work?
Norbord’s large continuous press mills can manufacture panels engineered to match wall heights whether slab on grade or raised floor. Windstorm panels are engineered to allow the use of the continuous sheathing methods allowed by building codes. High wind building codes such as SSTD 10-99 and the WFCM call for structural panels to cover from the top of the top plate, to the bottom of the bottom plate, or mid band, to meet combined uplift and shear values. Therefore 8′ walls on a slab require 97 1/8″ panels and 9′ walls need 109 1/8″ panel, right up to 145 1/8″ without joints. Windstorm panels are available in the right sizes and combined with a design professional’s fastener schedule provide the continuous load path required by the codes.
5. Were any independent tests completed?
Yes, independent testing was completed by the NAHB Research Center and the APA, The Engineered Wood Association, has also completed combined shear and uplift testing.
6. Is Windstorm accepted by the building code?
Windstorm is a structural OSB panel and is accepted by North American building codes including the Florida Building Code.
7. Why is blocking eliminated?
High wind codes require all horizontal joints 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, or mid band with one structural panel — without blocking.
8. Why do I need a Design Professional to provide a fastener schedule?
In many cases the design, type of structure and the physical location is unique. These differences such as size, shape, wall heights, roof pitch, and wind speeds all need to be taken into consideration when determining the uplift and shear values required to meet specific code requirements. Design professionals can make these necessary calculations and advise you of the correct fastener pattern. Some building codes do provide prescriptive methods and nailing patterns but the shear and uplift values must be calculated to determine the schedule.
9. What does Exposure 1 rating on the grade stamp mean?
Exposure 1 rating means that the panel uses a waterproof resin. It does not mean the panel is waterproof but rather that the panel will withstand normal delays in construction without affecting the structural properties (strength) of the panel. All Windstorm panels carry the APA, The Engineered Wood Association, grade stamp.
10. How much money can I save using Windstorm?
This will vary by the size, style, location of the home. Here are a number of areas where Windstorm can significantly reduce your costs and construction time.
- No stud to plate connectors to buy or install – Material and labor savings!
- No lumber for blocking to buy and install – Material and labor savings!
- No threaded bolts that connect the wall plates – Material and labor savings!
- No panels to cut and install as filler strips – Labor savings!
- Less waste – Less cutting and less chance of errors means savings!
- Flatter, stronger, stiffer, and straighter walls – Fewer call backs mean savings!
- No blocking and metal straps to get in the way of plumbers, electricians, interior trim installers – trades work faster and more efficiently!
11. Where can I buy Windstorm?
Windstorm is available from your local building supply dealer. Ask for it by name. If your dealer or design professional requires assistance, have them can contact us directly or advise us and we will contact them.
