Engineered wood gets the treatment ru

fr's no sECRET that pressure treating can protect engi- |l.neered wood products-glulam beams and columns, parallel strand lumber, and laminated veneer lumber-asainst decay and termite infestation.

In the past, however, builders seeking this protection would sometimes buy preservatives and treat materials onsite. Today, the trend is toward products that are warrantied by both the manufacturer and the company that treated the finished product.

"There was definitely a reluctance from our cusromers doing their own treatment," said Geoff Crandlemire, who works closely with builders via the technical support line run by Rosboro, Springfield, Or. "They were concerned, obviously, that if they treated the beam themselves, the manufacturer wouldn't stand behind the product if it failed."

agreed: "This was a chance for us to get involved and take control of the process so customers wouldn't reat something that wasn't meant to be treated."

According to Walsh, consumer preference for functional outdoor spaces has fueled the demand for professionally treated engineered wood products. Rosboro offers glulam beams and columns that are pressure treated by Permapost, Hillsboro, Or., with Hi-Clear II or Green-Gard pT.

"Treated beams can be used in outdoor above-ground or in-ground applications where a beam or column is needed for support-as in decks, porches, pavilions, etc.," he commented. "Solid timbers tend to warp and twist, split and cup when used outdoors, especially when they're treated improperly."

High performance in difficult outdoor conditions is also important at Anthony Forest Products, El Dorado, Ar.. which participates in the Raised Floor Living Campaign sponsored by the Southern Pine Council.

"These applications include beach houses needins strong beams for high wind, raised wood decks, raised flooi perimeter beams, and light commercial office space," said Kerlin Drake, Anthony's v.p. of marketing.

Cop-Guard by Brewer International, Vero Beach. Fl.. is the treatment of choice at Anthony. "We chose Cop-Guard because it is an oil-borne preservative and because the

I inherit characteristics of checking or I swelling are avoided," said Drake.

I Tim Debelius, engineered wood I product manager at il-evel bY

I Weyerhaeuser, Federal Way, Wa., I said that builders select pressure treatI ed engineered wood products for their I strength and consistency and how they I solve a variety of building challenges.

"Wtrere insects and rot are a conI cern in interior applications. products I like StrandGuard TimberStrand LSL I help provide peace of mind." he said.

"For exterior applications. Parallam I Plus PSL is suitable where the framing I members are exposed, in deck suPports, carports, cantilevered roof beams, and the like."

He added that another key advantage is that builders don't have to retreat either of these products if they cut or drill them onsite, since the treatment penetrates to the core.

A11 engineered wood products are environmentally friendly, because they can be manufactured with wood from smaller diameter trees. Adding pressure treatments only extends their useful life.

"LEED and other green rating sYstems value both durability and efficient use of resources," said Walsh.

"This beam is not going to rot out in 10 years and need to be replaced. That's sustainability."