Storing and handling glulams

ff LULAM beams should be stored lLlproperly and handled with care to ensure optimal performance, durability and appearance.

"Most laminated beams are manufactured to an architectural appearance for exposed conditions," explains Jim Enright, sales manager for laminated beam producer Rosboro Lumber. "If not properly stored and handled, they can be damaged and their appearance quality can be changed."

Enright elaborates: "All laminated beams are engineered to a specific strength/load carrying capability. Damage to laminated beams may cause the intended canying strength to be reduced. Lastly, these products are expensive and waste and damage can adversely affect a distribution yard profit margins. Improper storage of beams in the yard and the field is the leading cause of waste."

According to Duane D. Boice, PE, Gruen-Wald Engineered Laminates, "Special handling includes the need to protect from bruising the exterior in handling the product, the fact that wood can take a permanent set if stored for long periods in a deflected position, and that excessive moisture will cause staining, allow mold growth, and-in extreme climate conditions of freeze-thaw-blistering suncan cause severe checking, cracking, and splitting of the wood fibers."

APA-The Engineered Wood Association recommends a covered, welldrained storage location, whether in the yard or on the job site. Glulams should be kept off the ground with blocking, skids or rack systems.

A small number of rack manufacturers offer systems specifically designed for glulams and other engineered wood products. "A normal cantilever rack system is designed for lumber 8 ft. or longer. Our engineered wood rack is for products longer than 12 ft.," says Rick Hogue, Krauter Storage Systems. "Its arms are spaced farther apart and are heavier in weight to handle the longer, heavier lengths."

Hogue says standard cantilever racking could be used to store EWP, "it's just not the best option. You're buying a lot more steel than you need. You have to put arms closer together.

You use more arms and more uprights, so the cost of the rack increases."

Beams should remain wrapped to protect them from moisture, dirt, sunlight, and scratches. APA advises cutting slits in the bottom of the wrapping to allow ventilation and water drainage.

Beams also may be protected with sealants, primers or paper wrap when they leave the manufacturing plant. Sealants on the ends of beams help guard against moisture penetration and checking, so a coat of sealant should be applied to the ends of any beams trimmed or otherwise cut in the field.

To

beams may cause the intended carrying strength to be reduced. "

Surface sealants, which can be applied to the top, bottom, and sides of beams, resist dirt and moisture and help control checking and grain raising.

Water-resistant wrappings can also protect beams from exposure to moisture, dirt and scratches during storage, shipping and installation. APA suggests opaque wrappings, since sunlight can discolor beams.

Beams can be wrapped individually, by the bundle or by the load. If at any time it becomes necessary to remove part of the wrapping, whether before or during installation, such as may be necessary to make connections, remove all of the wrapping to

(Continued on page 38)