How to Protect Glulam From Moisture and Pests
Glulam is an innovative building material that brings strength, versatility and sustainability together in one powerful package. Its use has revolutionized commercial construction projects by providing durability in design.
Glulam is often utilized in exposed applications like vaulted ceilings; however, it also proves itself as the go-to material for use in hidden applications like purlins, ridge beams, garage door headers and floor beams.
Moisture
As with other wood products, glulam may experience moisture fluctuations between its initial dry state and expected in-service moisture content. Checking is an integral step in the manufacturing process and depends upon factors like initial moisture content, handling and storage at distribution facilities, jobsite storage needs and construction schedules, as well as regional climate. By keeping these factors in mind, minimizing glulam’s exposure to high-risk environments for an extended period can help prevent checking and lessen its severity. This can be achieved through scheduling deliveries to minimize jobsite storage space requirements and using end sealers. Furthermore, metalwork on site should be coordinated carefully so as to limit direct exposure of glulam to metal filings or grinding particles which could cause blackening on joints not covered with other timber or metal detailings.
Mold
Glulam is made of wood and susceptible to mold and mildew growth, so protecting it during storage on site before installation is critical for keeping its visual appeal and lasting integrity intact. Protecting glulam ensures it will stand the test of time!
Mildew
As with other wood products, glulam may become susceptible to mildew and decay organisms over time depending on the conditions the timbers are exposed to. Therefore, it is crucial that it is protected from exposure from manufacturing to transportation and storage before it is installed in its final position.
Glulam glue is water resistant, meaning that wood won’t disintegrate after only a few weeks of rain exposure. But left unprotected, glulam may begin to lose its visual quality over time.
Preserving your glulam will help protect it against degradation by mildew and decay organisms. Our Power Preserved glulam is vacuum pressure impregnated with Permethrin/IPBC preservative, which provides colorless solvent-based protection that works against mildew, mold and decay organisms in above ground (UC3) environments while also being effective against Formosan Termite infestation below ground (UC4) environments.
Water Damage
Glulam stands up well against moisture damage, but without proper protection it may suffer structural degradation from excessive rainfall. Signs of damage include degraded coatings and black spots indicating excess moisture issues that should be addressed promptly to ensure longevity for mass timber projects. Construction excellence plays an integral part in identifying and eliminating these moisture problems in order to ensure long-term project success.
Binkley Construction provides superior glulam construction services and materials. Their team are always happy to answer any of your queries about their work or materials. By following best practices throughout construction processes, good practices can reduce waste and contribute to sustainability initiatives. By employing good practices in every stage, risks are mitigated while long-lasting and visually appealing glulam is created. Get in touch with them now if you require long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing glulam solutions! Contact Binkley Construction now. Our staff would be more than happy to answer all of your inquiries about their work or materials!