The subfloor product managers. What dopes! Advantech, Norbord Stabledge, all of them.
Since when is 47-1/2″ face coverage a modular unit?
Wait! Maybe they have a product coming in the pipeline. That 3-1/2″ width of subfloor, complete with groove, you need to finish up your 28-foot modular width building. Or a 3″ rip for your 24-footer.
They sell starter strips for shingles, right? How about finish-up strips for your subfloor?
But maybe they aren’t so stupid. Let’s see, what can we do to make the suckers have to buy more of our stuff for every job they do? I got it! Undersize the sheets!
Replies
Yeah that was nice of them. I did a small addition on one of my houses and found out the hard way when I was just a little short on my floor. I had to recheck my frame measure to make sure I wasnt going nuts.
Gene,
Now you know why we buy full face T & G ply instead of Advantech . ;-)
I actually suspect that the manufacturers expect the Advantech and scant face T&G to not be driven tight, allowing the gap makes the increments come in correctly. Of course as you point out in your other post leaving the 1/8" end gap throws you off layout in that direction.
In the same vein I have wondered for years why window manufacturers don't make windows to fit between the stud increments less trimmers.
Full face is the norm here for T&G ply. I was surprised when I first read a thread moaning about 47-1/2" sheets. Now, if they want to make them 48 x 95-7/8" I'd be even happier. I normally stretch my joist layout a hair to make the 96" lengths work.
Can't get Advantech here (yet).
How about exterior sheathing that already has housewrap type layer on it ? Just tape the seams and done.
My take on the issue.Whole issue is about maximizing profits... something the business people here strive to do .. but everybody wants to complain when it is done at their expense.
I am sure that Advantecs manufacturer would be happy to spend the money on new machinery to produce the full face sheets if their customers are willing to pay for the product and associated costs involved at no loss of profit to the manufacturer..
Makes each sheet a litle lighter ! ! !
;>)
Greg
They were thinking, "Hey, If we mill this T&G stuff out of 4' wide stock, we can use the same equipment settings and lines to run wall & roof sheathing, standard ply and T&G deck stock...that will save us time, material, and money!"
They also figure that most framers don't care and will pad one side with scraps and cover the bastard joint with an exterior wall bottom plate.
Edited 1/31/2007 3:28 pm ET by basswood
Same guys designed shear panels and sheathing in 48" widths and then specified a 1/8" gap between panels. By the 3rd panel you are down to 3/8" of stud face (assuming perfect layout) to nail to.