Are gaps between plywood sheets on exterior walls normal? what about the roofing...how are the gaps between them sealed? or are they even supposed to be there? Secondly, i've read that rainwater does not harm framing unless subfloors are already down. our framing is pretty much complete but we had four days of torrential rains. today, i had about a 1/4 to 3/8 of water on my slab, bathing the bottom wall timbers. i swept this out (3 hrs), but how long should it take them to dry thoroughly and is it harmful?

All structural plywood or OSB paneling, for both walls and roofs, is required to be installed with a minimum 1/8" gap between sheets.

Rainwater does not harm framing at all provided you sweep any excess standing water as soon as possible.

You've done that and should have no problems nor any reason for it to 'dry'.

thanks for the info. the 1/8" requirement, does that come from the homebuilders' association or some other source?

It comes from the APA Engineered Wood Association installation criteria for all plywood and OSB sheathing products.

You can download tons of free installation and other publications at the link below after registering:

http://www.apawood.org/level_c.cfm?content=pub_res_libmain

homebild is 100% correct.Tim; Rock Creek contractor service inc.