Trested IWPs solve " Golle" framing thullenge

By Cleon Pilon iLcrel b1 Weycrltaeuser

A S PR( ) delrlt'r'' knrrrr. l'irlul'ittu oul Athe liglrt nrix ol plotluels l() stock is critical lirr business sttccess. It's oftcn a gut-level dccision about which ones arc worth occupying valuable spacc in your yarcl.

I1' 1'ou alreadl" carry crt-gineercd wood products, whitt are thc bencfits of also carrying tr(utctl EWPs? Dtles the potential lbr nrot'c customers olttweigh the costs of using lirnited space and nranasing additional SKUs'l

By'helpin-e buildcrs solve the impoftant challenge ol' structural fratning clLralitf ancl liabilitl'. treatcd EWPs can bc a valLrable aclclition to your offerings. A lcw kcy pclints on hou thcy'bcncfit bLrilders can hclp you clecide what's bcst for your yarcl.

Trenlment Ben*fits

Damage to hotnes frorn insccts and l'ungus crcates potential liiibilitics for builders. Many horreowncrs suc them or,cr this issue. Do a wcb search of "inscct clarna-ue" or "1'trngal dccay" ancl von'll f'ind numerous attorneys eagcf to tukc them to cotlrt. Evcll fbr conrplaints that don't cnd up in a cost1v larvsuit. buildcls risk losing business duc to an-sry honteovn'ncrs.

Thc problem is far-reachin-e. By sonre cstimutes, Llp Io 45a/a of ncw homes in thc U.S. arc built in tertl.titc and dccay zones. Holl'eve r, treatcd EWPs can hclp protcct agninst thcse threiits. Somc products alstt prolicle other slfe-guarcls, such as withstanding saltwatcr splash.

In sornc cases. builclers can surfacc trcat structural framing rnembcrs aficr tlrcy rrrc instrlled. Horieter. trsinr pl'etlcated EWPs tirr ke1' componcnts provicles molc thorough protection.

For cxamplc. the unique cornposi- tion of parallel stfancl lumbcr (PSL) allolvs thc treatntcnt to pctlctratc to thc curc. Manufacturers trcal the ntatcrial in the sarne \\'av as dintcnsional lr-rmbcr. but thc treatntcnt gocs all thc wav thnlugh thc l'raming mentber ets chcmicals flow into tiny voicls bctween inclividual wood strands. As a rcsult.

16 Trr.: Mr:n<'H'INT NI'\(;,\zlNtt NoveH,rern 2008 builclcrs clon't nccd to rctreat PSL menbcrs thcv cut to length. t"totch or drill saving time and hasslc.

-- ,J.

Different types of treated EWps are offered for a range of applicationsboth interior and exterior. Builders can also use them in post-frame buildings where direct ground contact is common.

Lnlerior Lpplirotions

Builders often select EWps for structural framing due to their strength, consistency, straightness and availability in long lengths. These traits help speed construction, provide a quality home, and reduce the risk of call-backs due to defective framins members.

For interior framing applications, treated LSL protects against wooddestroying insects and fungus. The material is suitable for above ground uses where it is not exposed to the weather. One example is ilevel StrandGuard TimberStrand LSL.

A common application for treated LSL is the sill plare. As the part of the frame in direct contact with the foundation, the sill plate is a critical first line ofdefense against insects.

Another typical use is framing around windows and doors-another key entry point for bugs. It can also be used for columns and studs in cases where more comprehensive protection of the frame is required by code, or desired by the builder or homeowner.

With LSL products using StrandGuard, the treatment is zinc borate, an EPA-registered biocide. Unlike other common wood treatments, zinc borate does not increase corrosion of fasteners and connectors. It also does not require special handling or disposal.

lxterior Applicctions

In unprotected exterior or wet-service applications, builders can select from other treated EWP options. For example, like treated LSL, treated pSL protects against insects and decay. It is available for various uses, including headers. beams, columns and postsl The material can be left as is, or painted or stained with an oil-based finish.

A key structural benefit of pSL is its high strength. Thick section beams eliminate field assembly and allow connections using common hardware-making installation quick and easy. PSL can span large distances, reducing the need for intervening columns or posts.

Typical applications for treated PSL are decking supports, carports, cantilevered roofs, and shelters. Some EWPs also resist saltwater splash. As such, builders can use the material for added longevity in decks built on the coast.

Post-Jrame Buildings

Treated EWPs also work well in post-frame buildings. While some building owners have been skeptical about post-frame-believing it is limited to barns and semi-permanent agricultural structures-it is emerging for more uses.

Post-frame construction can provide an economical way to create wide-open indoor spaces with high structural integrity. More builders and designers are using the technique for retail, offices, warehouses, churches, and other public buildings.

PSL is a natural fit for many postframe buildings given its ability to span long distances and its high loadcarrying strength for columns. With treatment, it is also suitable for the buried posts required in some postframe applications. It also works well for beams that extend outside the finished walls in cantilevered roofs or other design features.

In essence, treated PSL can provide the long-term durability that has typically limited the widespread acceptance of post-frame.

As technology grows, there are an increasing number of wood buildine products available to builders and dealers. Understanding the advantages of each can help you decide which ones to carry, and how best to market them to your customers.

EWPs continue to grow in popularity for structural framing, and where insect and decay resistance are critical, treated products provide builders with peace of mind. Stocking them can help set yourself apart f,rom competitors and grow your business.

- Cleon Pilon is iLevel by Weyerhaeuser's product manager for the parallam PSL product line. Reach her at (888) 4538358 or via www.ilevel.com.