Historical: Glulam - 2015

Glulam is an engineered wood product made of two or more layers of lumber that are glued together. Multiple formaldehyde resins (Phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde (PRF), melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF), and resorcinol formaldehyde) and polyurethane resins can be used, however PRF resins are the most common on the market and are applicable to interior and exterior applications due to their moisture resistance. Glulam manufacturing begins with kiln-drying lumber (aka lamstock) to a maximum moisture content of 16%. When glulam beams are specified beyond typical lumber sizes, lumber is end jointed and bound with a resin, typically PFR or MUF. Once at the desired length, resin is applied to the lumber faces via cold set (uses pressure and ambient heat) or radio frequency (uses pressure and heat at 200+ degrees Fahrenheit) curing. Glulam may be used for a variety of structural applications in the residential and commercial markets. In applications where the glulam is exposed to weather or high moisture conditions a preservative treatment, such as a copper napthalene treatment, may be needed. Such treatments were beyond the scope of this Common Product, but some chemicals identified in these treatments have been included in the All Contents tab for reference. Species resistant to decay and insects, Alaskan Yellow Cedar and Port Oxford Cedar, may also be specified to avoid the use of preservative treatments for glulam. Factory applied sealants and/or plastic wrapping may be use to protect Glulam during transit and construction. Sealants are not standard and are only used when specified. Translucent penetrating sealers may be desired if beams are to be exposed with a stain or natural finish and Primer coats may be specified if a complete seal is desired. Field applied products are also available for these purposes. The CP characterizes an unsealed Glulam product without preservative treatment.

A more up to date Common Product is available here: Glulam.