Division 06 Wood, Plastics, and Composites

Performance Specification Gap in Division 06 Wood, Plastics, and Composites submittals

By Deviation Check Editorial Team. Last reviewed June 1, 2026.

Short answer

A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires. Default grade in Division 06 Wood, Plastics, and Composites: Blocker.

A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires. This guide covers how it shows up specifically in Division 06 Wood, Plastics, and Composites submittals.

What to look for in Division 06 Wood, Plastics, and Composites

Key performance parameters in Division 06 submittals:

  • Wood species and grade - Douglas Fir #1, SPF #2, Southern Pine #2, etc. per AWC NDS grade tables
  • Moisture content - 19% max for S-DRY lumber, 15% max for KD (kiln-dried), MC requirements for enclosed conditions
  • Glulam combination symbol - 24F-V4, 26F-V2, etc. per AITC/APA standards; species and appearance grade
  • Structural composite lumber grade - LVL, PSL, or LSL design values (Fb, Fv, E, Fc) per manufacturer ESR
  • Fire-retardant treatment (FRT) - type, flame spread index, smoke developed index per ASTM E84
  • Preservative treatment retention - pcf (pounds per cubic foot) per AWPA standards for intended use category
  • Connector/hardware load ratings - allowable loads per ICC-ES ESR at specified conditions (wood species, load duration)
  • Truss design loads - per TPI 1 including dead, live, snow, wind, and duration-of-load factors
  • Deflection limits - L/360 live load, L/240 total load, or tighter limits per spec
  • CLT panel layup and grade - per ANSI/APA PRG 320, stress grade and number of laminations
  • Plywood/sheathing span rating - APA span rating and exposure classification (Exposure 1, Exterior)

How severe is it?

Default grade: Blocker. Always a Blocker when the gap touches life-safety or structural performance.

Deviation Check assigns a default per category and escalates or de-escalates based on the spec, always showing its reasoning. See the Division 06 severity rules.

What the PM should do

Treat this as a hold. Do not approve the submittal until the sub resolves it, either by providing the specified product and documentation or by routing an approved substitution or or-equal request. Return the relevant spec passage to the sub as a redline.

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Frequently asked questions

Which performance values should an engineer check first when reviewing a Division 06 Wood, Plastics, and Composites submittal for structural composite lumber?

Check the published design values - Fb, Fv, E, and Fc - against the manufacturer's ICC-ES Evaluation Service Report for the specific LVL, PSL, or LSL grade submitted. Also confirm the glulam combination symbol (for example, 24F-V4 or 26F-V2 per AITC/APA standards) matches the spec, including species and appearance grade. A gap in any of these is a Blocker because it touches structural performance.

Does moisture content count as a performance gap in Division 06 Wood, Plastics, and Composites submittals, and what are the thresholds?

Yes. S-DRY lumber must not exceed 19% MC; kiln-dried lumber must not exceed 15% MC. Submittals for enclosed conditions may carry tighter limits still. Fire-retardant-treated products add another layer: the submittal must show a flame spread index and smoke developed index per ASTM E84 that meets the spec. Failing either threshold is a Blocker when life-safety or structural performance is involved.

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