Grid-marked Sheathing Construction speed and dimensional accuracy  A new wood sheathing is available that includes pre-printed gridlines to facilitate measuring, marking, cutting, and fastening. Grid-marked wood sheathing can reduce installation time, when used for complex roofs or floors.
Typically, installation of wood sheathing requires separate steps for measuring, marking, and cutting. There is often a trade-off between construction speed and dimensional accuracy. Typical markings on conventional sheathing panels serve only to denote manufacturer and grading information. However The GRIDTM, a product of Martco Limited Partnership, comes pre-marked with a ruler and grid system that simplifies measuring and cutting. With pre-marked gridlines, contractors can quickly cut panels to size, and fasten in place This can translate into a net increase in productivity and reduced labor costs. GRIDTM Panels are available in 4x8-foot sheets of OSB and plywood in various thicknesses. Both sheathing types are also available with a radiant barrier. OSB panels can be purchased with a mold shield, and all panels are available in sanded or unsanded surfaces. GRID Panels are covered by four U.S. patents and are offered to potential manufacturers on a sublicensing basis. Time and motion studies have shown that grid-marked OSB expedites roof sheathing installation by improving fastening time and accuracy. Typical 4x8-foot sheets include the following markings to assist field use: - 1-inch square grid with crosshair markings at ½-inch points
- scaled edges, ruled in inches, with 1/8-inch markings
- bolded lines at 1-foot intervals
- highlighted 16-inch framing grid
- double scales on each 8' edge so that measurements can always be read right-side-up from left to right, on both sidesof the panel face
The GRIDTM performance characteristics are consistent with other sheathing products. For instance, the 7/16-inch thick OSB sheathing is designed for use with structural support at 24-inches on center, maximum. Panels are not currently designed to meet high wind or seismic zone structural requirements for roof or wall applications. For these special applications, conventional structural rated panels are available. 
 | The grid markings add about $26 per 1,000 square feet of panel. However, associated labor and waste savings can readily recover the additional cost. |  | By helping create accurate cuts, and accurate fastener locations, grid-marked sheathing can help improve construction quality. |
The GRIDTM is currently being manufactured and sold directly through Martco Limited Partnership, Alexandria, Louisiana. Installation of grid-marked panels is faster and easier than regular sheathing for most roof, wall, and floor applications.
Grid-marked sheathing costs about $0.85 per panel more than a panel without grid marks. Because the product can reduce waste and installation time, there may be a net initial cost savings.
Not Applicable
Martco's grid-marked OSB panels conform to one or more of the following standards: TECO'S PRP-133, Performance Standards and Policy for Wood Based Structural-Use Panels, or Voluntary Product Standard PS-2, Performance Standard for Wood Based Structural-Use Panels. The former is recognized through the International Code Council's NER-133, and the latter is a directly recognized standard in all U.S. model building codes, including the International Building Code and International Residential Code. Plywood panels conform to one or more of the following standards: APA - The Engineered Wood Association's PRP-108, Performance Standards and Qualification Policy for Structural-Use Panels, or Voluntary Product Standard PS 1-95, Construction and Industrial Plywood. The former is recognized through the International Code Council's NER-108, and the latter is a directly recognized standard in all U.S. model building codes, including the International Building Code and the International Residential Code. The TECO trademark is found on each OSB panel, and the APA trademark is found on each plywood panel. GRID panels also conform to Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) "Use of Materials" Bulletin Number 40. They also meet requirements for Class C or Class 3 for surface burning characteristics (flame spread), when tested according to the ASTM E 84 standard.
Not Applicable
A tape measure, marking pencil, and chalk line are common tools used by builders to measure sheathing. When installing panelized sheathing on a wall for bracing or as a roofing substrate, carpenters usually must cut the sheathing to conform to planned roof design such as hips and valleys, roof openings, skylights, windows, doors, and vents. Carpenters measure to position sheathing on the structure, transfer these measurements to the sheathing, mark the sheathing with a chalk line, cut the sheathing, and fasten the prepared sheathing onto the structure. By using preprinted grid-marked panels, a carpenter can complete a straight or angle cut without measuring and marking with chalk lines. The GRID may offer additional material savings by allowing a contractor or carpenter to easily identify pieces from the scrap pile that can be salvaged. The framing grid can also help the carpenter accurately locate proper fastening locations. The manufacturer recommends installing OSB with the grid side up because of its skid-resistant surface.
Not Applicable
The pre-marked GRID Panels eliminate much of the measuring, marking with chalk lines, and checking for squareness when cutting sheathing. Grid-marked sheathing may improve installation of horizontal or vertical siding when building paper or housewrap does not cover the sheathing. The preprinted gridlines can make it easier to ensure that the panels are plumb. | 
