Sealed Documentation FAQ's For Weyerhaeuser ELP

FAQ's From Builders and Dealers:

Why Doesn’t Weyerhaeuser Provide Sealed Layouts?

In general, the model residential building codes used on a statewide basis do not require sealed layouts.

An unsealed layout is typically acceptable as long as the jurisdiction can verify the beams and joists shown are appropriately sized per the product manufacturer's specification information. The jurisdiction may ask/expect additional documentation for members that cannot be verified in that manner. This is generally for point loaded beam or joist members.

Can I Get Lot Specific Sealed Calculation Packages for a Model Plan?

Yes . . . but it’s much more efficient to seal the info for the model, assuming the builder doesn’t add lot specific custom options not covered by the model plans. Most jurisdictions set up a ‘master’ file for a model, recognizing there’s no need to reissue documentation for each build. Jurisdiction administrative procedures may require lot specific files, but a process to link the model documentation to a lot can generally be implemented without resubmittal.

FAQ's From Code Officials:

Does Sealed Documentation Expire?

Occasionally, previously sealed documentation is resubmitted because the issue date is several years old. This is often unnecessary because a sealed document is valid until something changes the design basis.

That change is typically a change of building code that the engineering analysis was based on. Building codes generally update about every 3 years. Code updates typically mean any documents supplied will need to conform to the newly adopted code. This would apply to project plans and associated calculations submitted for new projects.

Some states (Maryland, for example) require that the engineer’s registration expiration date be included within a note accompanying the stamp.  That requirement is meant to be a reminder for the registrant, to help prevent lapses in their registration.  As above, assuming no code change, the sealed document is valid so long as the registrant’s license was not expired at the time it was sealed.

Can Weyerhaeuser ‘Approve’ Sealed Documentation Issued by Others?

No. The adequacy of the documentation is based on the assumed competency of the engineer that issued the item(s). That person is acting as the Engineer-Of-Record (EOR) whether the documentation is for an entire project, a renovation, or simply a repair. As such, they assume full liability for the appropriateness and applicability of the details issued.

Weyerhaeuser is a manufacturer of engineered wood products and provides technical support for those products only. Weyerhaeuser is not to be considered the EOR for any project and doesn’t approve/reject work done by an EOR.