FAQ

  1. How does using QuakeZone® wall sheathing help reduce air leakage?
  2. Does cutting QuakeZone around windows and doors make the wall stronger?
  3. Is QuakeZone CARB exempt?
  4. What is special about QuakeZone and how does it work?
  5. Is QuakeZone accepted by the building codes?
  6. You say that blocking is eliminated, why?
  7. Why do I need a design professional to provide a fastener schedule?
  8. Can QuakeZone wall sheathing be used with Raised-heel (Energy) trusses?
  9. What are some of the benefits of using QuakeZone over 4×8 wall sheathing?
  10. What does Exposure 1 rating on the grade stamp mean?
  11. Where can I buy QuakeZone?
  12. Are there special requirements for a stucco exterior finish?

How does using QuakeZone® wall sheathing help reduce air leakage?

QuakeZone is installed vertically and is available in the perfect length that allows all edges to be on framing members and a connection between the bottom and top plates. This eliminates the unnecessary horizontal joints and reduces wall air leakage.
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Does cutting QuakeZone around windows and doors make the wall stronger?

Cutting QuakeZone around window and door openings instead of cutting and piecing parts together adds strength to the wall. Drywall cracks occur most often at corners of windows and door openings. Cutting out openings from the sheathing not only adds strength but reduces the number of joints that allow air leakage and reduces labor time.
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Is QuakeZone CARB exempt?

Yes, QuakeZone is CARB (California Air Resource Board) exempt and does not contain any urea-formaldehyde resins.
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What is special about QuakeZone and how does it work?

QuakeZone is available in various pre-cut lengths for the way homes are framed in your market. QuakeZone lengths can accommodate various wall heights, joist depths, slab or raised floor, single or multi-story construction. Installed vertically, it makes a connection for a continuous load path between the top and bottom plates which eliminates blocking and air leakage and may reduce metal hardware.
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Is QuakeZone accepted by the building codes?

QuakeZone is a structural OSB wall sheathing panel and is accepted by North American building codes.
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You say that blocking is eliminated, why?

Some building codes require all horizontal joints in the wall sheathing to have a solid backing. Because QuakeZone is installed vertically and is available in longer pre-cut lengths which connect the bottom and top plates, this eliminates the horizontal mid-wall joints which means no blocking is required.
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Why do I need a design professional to provide a fastener schedule?

In most markets the local building code fastener requirements can be used. In high wind or seismic areas, a design professional’s fastener schedule may be required because the design, type of structure and the physical location of the house is unique. Differences such as size, shape, wall height, roof pitch etc. all need to be taken into consideration when determining the shear and uplift loads caused by wind or seismic events. Design professionals can make these necessary calculations and determine the correct fastener pattern.
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Can QuakeZone wall sheathing be used with Raised-heel (Energy) trusses?

Yes, QuakeZone can be a great partner for raised-heel trusses. Depending on you wall heights, choose a length that will go above the top plates into the heel of the trusses. Some trimming may be required depending on the heel height.
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What are some of the benefits of using QuakeZone over 4×8 wall sheathing?

There are many benefits to using QuakeZone wall sheathing over traditional 4×8’s installed horizontally.

  • Eliminates the need to block which saves time and money
  • Horizontal joints are eliminated which reduces wall air leakage
  • Less waste, less cutting and less chance of errors
  • QuakeZone provides a continuous load path
  • Builders may be able to reduce or eliminate the added cost and labor of installing metal hardware
  • Open bays allow for installation, HVAC, plumbing and electrical to be installed faster with fewer obstructions

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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 can withstand normal delays in construction without affecting the structural properties (strength) of the panel. All QuakeZone wall sheathing carries the APA (The Engineered Wood Association) grand stamp.
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Where can I buy QuakeZone?

Quakezone is available in the Western USA.
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Are there special requirements for a stucco exterior finish?

If Stucco is the exterior finish siding please refer to the APA (The Engineered Wood Assoc) Q370 for structural sheathing thickness and grade recommendations. You should also refer to applicable local building codes for proper stucco installation over OSB or plywood sheathing.
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