Which Kind Of Glulam Is Appropriate For Outside?

Glulam is a structural timber product that can be used for both interior and exterior applications. It comes in various appearance grades and stock dimensions, and is suitable for commercial construction applications such as large flat roof systems, complex arches, bridges, utility poles, cross arms, and marinas. High-strength rated specialty types of glulams include X-Beams and Big Beams.

Rosboro’s X-Beam™ is an architectural appearance beam that matches standard framing lumber dimensions, allowing it to be left exposed in outdoor applications. Glulam has high structural capacity and is also suitable for both interior and exterior applications. Canadian glulam is manufactured using waterproof adhesives for end jointing and face bonding, making it suitable for both exterior and interior applications.

When choosing glulam for project design, consider factors like timber selection, visual shapes, load-bearing requirements, stains, and finishes. Larch or Douglas Fir glulam is recommended for external use if suitably treated and maintained. Pressure treated glulams can be used for most exterior applications, as long as load and span requirements are in line.

Some common types of glulam include Spruce-Pine-Fir, Douglas Fir, Larch, and Alaskan Cedar. Less commonly, hardwoods such as Oak and Sweet Chestnut are also used. Glulam beams can be made from various species of softwood, including Douglas Fir, Larch, and Alaskan Yellow Cedar. The choice of species depends on factors such as load and span requirements.

Can Glulams get wet?

Glulam beams can expand when they get too wet, leading to cracking when they dry out. To prevent this, it is recommended to wrap the structure as a second phase job using a loosely tied, breathable wrapping. However, this should be carefully maintained and checked to provide protection for at least four weeks. Once the initial structure is erected, glulam can be protected from the elements by using heavier or more coats of varnish. This will prevent the glulam from being exposed to the elements and ensure its longevity and durability.

Is glulam weather resistant?

Glulam, a durable and long-lasting material, is commonly used in both interior and exterior applications. It is resistant to rot and mold when installed and maintained correctly. To ensure long-term durability, it is crucial to keep it dry during transport, construction, and assembly. Building design and maintenance can protect glulam from moisture and decay. Preservatives and pressurized treatments can be used to further protect it, varying based on the project’s climate and design requirements. Glulam’s resilience is demonstrated by its long-service life in historic structures.

Can glulam beams get wet?

To protect glulam beams and columns from direct sun and rain exposure, especially in hot, dry climates, it is essential to keep them covered and protected until installation. Avoid direct ground contact or contact with moist or wet surfaces, use dry lumber blocking for ventilation, and store them off the ground with secondary cover. Protective wrappings should be left intact but slit on the bottom side for drainage. Apply end sealer when cutting glulam beams at a distribution yard or jobsite.

Limit glulam exposure to weather conditions before building enclosure by keeping them covered and protected as long as possible after installation. Remove wrapping after installation to allow moisture content to stabilize naturally during construction. Avoid rapidly drying glulam members with temporary heating units and gradually reduce relative humidity after building. Design permanent heating outlets to deflect heat away from glulam members and avoid rapid temperature changes that can affect drying rates. Coordinate delivery schedules to minimize jobsite storage and guard against direct exposure to severe conditions like high temperatures, rain, and other damaging weather.

Can Glulams be used outside?

Treated Glulams can be used for most exterior applications, such as decks, large pergolas, awnings, and covered porches, as long as load and span requirements are in line. However, they cannot be used for marine projects like docks. Cut or drilled edges should be sealed with copper naphthenate (copper coat) to protect against rot and decay. Glulams can also be painted or stained with an oil-based product, although this is not necessary.

How to waterproof glulam?

Glulam members may be individually wrapped in heavy kraft paper, though the use of impervious wrapping, such as plastic film, is inadvisable. The wrapping material should be selected to prevent the accumulation of rainwater and should be secured without causing damage to the exposed surfaces. It is imperative that the seams inhibit the penetration of moisture. In the event that individual wrapping is not required, glulam members may be bundled wrapped.

What is the best finish for exterior glulam beams?

External glulam for structures requires a UV-protective finish. SiOO:X is the preferred specification for larch or Douglas fir glulam, which has a brown color and can be uneven initially. However, it changes color over time and eventually turns a natural silver-grey color. Sioo has a maintenance cycle of up to 10 years, depending on exposure. Sadolin varnish can also be used externally, but requires 4-5 years of maintenance.

How do you treat glulam for exterior use?

Hi-Clear II, a clear industrial wood preservative, is employed for the pressure treatment of glulam beams, particularly those intended for use as raised deck beams in above-ground exterior applications. The treatment results in a light honey-colored finish, thereby ensuring predictable and long-term performance without affecting the beam’s structural integrity. The honey-colored stain enhances the visual appeal of the beam.

Can glulam beams be exposed to weather?

TimberLab Glulam beams exposed to weather should be treated to hazard class 3 (H3. 2) using an exterior adhesive like resorcinol adhesive. The finished beams should be coated and maintained with a sealer or paint coating. Lighter colors are preferred for painting or staining, as dark ones may cause surface shrinkage. TimberLab Glulam is chemically inert, making it suitable for corrosive environments like marine structures, fertilisers, and scouring plants where steel is susceptible to rust and corrosion.

Can a glulam beam get wet?

To protect glulam beams and columns from direct sun and rain exposure, especially in hot, dry climates, it is essential to keep them covered and protected until installation. Avoid direct ground contact or contact with moist or wet surfaces, use dry lumber blocking for ventilation, and store them off the ground with secondary cover. Protective wrappings should be left intact but slit on the bottom side for drainage. Apply end sealer when cutting glulam beams at a distribution yard or jobsite.

Limit glulam exposure to weather conditions before building enclosure by keeping them covered and protected as long as possible after installation. Remove wrapping after installation to allow moisture content to stabilize naturally during construction. Avoid rapidly drying glulam members with temporary heating units and gradually reduce relative humidity after building. Design permanent heating outlets to deflect heat away from glulam members and avoid rapid temperature changes that can affect drying rates. Coordinate delivery schedules to minimize jobsite storage and guard against direct exposure to severe conditions like high temperatures, rain, and other damaging weather.

How to protect exposed glulam?

The utilization of water-resistant wrappings serves to safeguard beams from the detrimental effects of moisture, soiling, and scratches during the processes of transit and storage at the job site. It is recommended that opaque wrappings be used in order to prevent discoloration due to sunlight. Beams may be individually, in bundles, or in loads tarped. In instances where aesthetic considerations are of paramount importance, it is recommended that individual wrappings be left intact until the point of installation, thereby reducing the potential for damage due to job site conditions.

Can you use LVL outdoors?

Laminated veneered lumber (LVL) is now available with pressure treatment, offering uniform widths, enhanced strength, and the elimination of shrinkage and twisting found in traditional forest-grown wood lumber. These attributes render it suitable for outdoor decks.