Wood structural use panels used in floor applications should be installed continuous over two or more spans with the strength axis perpendicular to the supports. End joints must be over the supports and should be staggered at least one support. Panels should have ends and edges spaced 1/8 inch, unless specific spacing recommendations are provided by the manufacturer. When required by the building codes, the long edges of the panels should be tongue-and-groove or supported with blocking. Figure 1 shows the recommended installation details.
Power-driven nails can be used to fasten the panels as long as the nails are not over-driven. Wood screws are acceptable and other code-approved fasteners can also be used. Subflooring can be glued to improve performance and to reduce squeaks.
When floor members are dry, fasteners should be installed with the heads set flush with, or slightly below, the surface of the panels. If framing is green, it could present nail popping problems upon drying; in such a case, fasteners should be re-set. Nail holes need not be filled, but edge joints may be filled and thoroughly sanded. This step may not be necessary under certain types of carpet or some other finished flooring products. Check with the flooring manufacturer for further recommendations. Any other damaged or open areas should be filled and all surface roughness sanded.
Figure 1
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