LVL exposed to weather 1

[JEmH]

I recently saw a laminated veneer lumber beam being used in an outdoor application (header on a deck). This made my engineer sense tingle, because I'm pretty sure that ALL LVL's are only for moisture content <16% applications. (Literature on LP's web site has a note to this effect.) Can anyone confirm or refute my assertion? If this is the case, does anyone know of any engineered wood products that are for use in exposed to the weather applications?

 

[RockEngineer]

There are exterior grade and pressure treated Glulam beams around. On one deck that used Alaskan Yellow Cedar decking we were able to get an Alaskan Yellow Cedar Glulam which was very beautiful, naturally decay resistant and big $$$.

 

[jjeng2]

Look in the GP or Truss Joist Web Site or catalog. They do have a few different treatment options for LVL's. You MUST call and talk to technical support though because some of these treatments/products are listed in the catalog but not available. One of them has a whole document on their website that specifically deals with all the options for treating engineered lumber. They make a few things standard and have info listed for custom products, which means that you would have to buy the lumber and get it treated per their specs by one of their approved treaters. This is all off the top of my head as I dont have my references in front of me.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Here is Weyerhaeuser's guide to preservative treatment for their products, including LVL

http://www.trusjoist.com/PDFFiles/5020.pdf

NDS requires significant reduction in structural properties (wet service factor) when used at moisture content > 16%

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

 

[jjeng2]

Thanks Slide Rule Era...thats the doc I was thinking of. Call and talk to their tech support though. I needed treated Eng Lumber once and thought I had found the holy grail with this reference until I talked to their engineer. They are very helpful.