Alternative Building Materials
Foundations
Wall and Roof Systems
Framing Materials
Roofing Materials
Siding Materials
Insulation Materials and Radiant Heat
Doors, Windows and Trim
Interior Products
Bathrooms and Kitchens
Decking
Outdoor Products
Building to Help the Environment
About the Author
 
Abbreviations
Organizations
Who to Contact
 
Order Online
Find a Bookstore

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Other references on Building to Help the Environment:

Contractor's State License Guide - Law & Business Exam

2010 Commercial Square Foot Building Costs

The Art of Roofing Cutting Series DVD Library - Basic

Architects Contractors Engineers Guide to Construction Costs

Concrete Countertops


APA–The Engineered Wood Association

APA–The Engineered Wood Association, is a nonprofit trade association whose member mills produce approximately 75 percent of the structural wood panel products manufactured in North America. Maybe you've noticed the association's trademark "APA" on some of the plywood sheathing you've used, or on composites and OSB. The trademark appears only on products manufactured by member mills and is the manufacturer's assurance that the products conform to the standard shown on the trademark. The APA EWS trademark appears only on engineered wood products manufactured by members of Engineered Wood Systems (EWS), a related corporation of APA.

They sponsor quality testing and inspection, research and promotion programs. They also offer three publications that I found quite interesting. Use them as handy reference manuals:

Construction Guide House Building Basics. An elementary guide to wood-frame construction, it illustrates the basic steps to completing the structural shell of a typical single-story house, from the foundation to the roof. In some cases, it describes alternative methods of construction. I firmly believe it doesn't hurt to go back to the beginning for a refresher course.

Design/Construction Guide Residential & Commercial. This guide contains up-to-date information on panel grades, including APA Performance Rated Panels; specification practices; floor, wall and roof systems; diaphragms and shear walls, fire-rated systems, and methods of finishing.

Product and Application GuideGlulams. Everything you ever wanted to know about glued laminated timber can be found in this handbook. The nice thing about glulams is that we can use them without worrying about whether they're produced from old-growth timber. Glued laminated timbers are composed of individual pieces of dimension lumber end-jointed together to produce long lengths which are then bonded together with adhesives to create the required beam dimensions. Because of this process, large laminated timbers can be manufactured from smaller trees harvested from second- and third-growth forest and plantations, with a variety of species used.

To get your copy of these or other APA publications, contact them at:

APA–The Engineered Wood Association
7011 S. 19th Street
P.O. Box 11700
Tacoma, WA 98411-0700
253-565-6600
http://www.apawood.org

EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA)

EIMA is a nonprofit trade association representing manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, applicator/contractors and related building professionals involved in the Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) industry. The association promotes industry-wide performance standards and develops industry guideline specifications and standards for systems, materials and EIFS application. They sponsor research and testing programs that become the basis for many model building code requirements pertaining to EIFS cladding on exterior wall assemblies.

EIMA publishes specifications and test methods covering such topics as performance, durability, fire testing, application, and use of related materials, including sheathing and sealants. They are committed to enhancing, improving, and promoting the EIFS industry; to advancing the EIFS industry through research and distribution of technical information; and to educating users of EIFS products. To learn more, contact them at:

EIFS Industry Members Association
3000 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 270
Morrow, GA 30260
800-294-3462
http://www.eifsfacts.com

Portland Cement Association (PCA)

The PCA has been perfecting concrete for over 75 years. They offer information on virtually all uses of cement and concrete, from casting a sidewalk or patio or laying concrete block, to building complex highways and skyscrapers. Their resources range from do-it-yourself help to sophisticated design software for engineering firms.

The PCA's Library Services department can provide research and information service on cement and concrete technology, materials technology, engineering, and related topics for member companies and others. Its collection of books, government reports, journals, standards, and patents on cement and concrete is one of the most comprehensive anywhere in the world. In addition, the Library offers:

  • Literature searches on electronic databases

  • Electronic interlibrary loan capabilities

  • Document delivery (photocopies of journal articles, out-of-print PCA publications, etc.)

  • Internet site information

  • Bimonthly newsletter

Concrete Solutions (their annual catalog) is filled with helpful information on publications, software, audiovisuals, and ongoing seminars. Request a copy from:

Portland Cement Association
5420 Old Orchard Road
Skokie, IL 60077-1083
847-966-6200 (for information)
800-868-6733 (to order publications)
http://www.portcement.org

Structural Board Association (SBA)

SBA supports technical and research programs to enhance OSB quality, improve product manufacturers, and provide technical support for market expansion programs. To learn more about the association and the use of OSB in floor, roof, and wall sheathing, contact them and ask for their 28-page booklet, OSB In Wood Frame Construction, at:

Structural Board Association
45 Sheppard Ave. E., Suite 412
Willowdale, Ontario, M2N 5W9
Canada
416-730-9090
http://www.sba-osb.com

Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA)

This organization promotes the structural insulated panel industry, including panel manufacturers as well as their suppliers and customers. They organize forums, workshops, mailings, and other activities for members, all designed to share information and provide business opportunities. SIPA conducts an ongoing publicity and information dissemination program to gain visibility for the industry and to promote the interests of its members. Their newsletter, Spotlight On SIPA, is packed full of information. To learn more about this organization, contact them at:

Structural Insulated Panel Association
1331 H Street, NW, Suite 1000
Washington, D.C. 20005
202-347-7800
http://www.sips.com

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