GLUE LAMINATED TIMBER (GLULAM)
Glulam is versatile, ranging from simple, straight beams to complex, curved members.
A glue-laminated timber is an engineered wood product, meaning it is made from wood but is machined and assembled to precise specifications to create a predictable, dimensionally stable building material.
Glulam has a reputation for being used in exposed applications such as vaulted ceilings and designs with large open spaces. With four appearance grades—framing, industrial, architectural, and premium—glulam is used when you seek a combination of structural and aesthetic attributes. This includes a range of architectural applications, including churches, higher education facilities, offices, and homes.
STRENGTH
SHAPE FLEXIBILITY
DURABILITY
At less than 10 percent the weight of steel and one-fifth the weight of concrete, using glulam offers increased efficiencies in transportation, smaller carbon footprint and a lighter-weight structure with comparable strength. Compared to concrete, glulam structures can be installed in a shorter time, all-year-round taking advantage of prefabrication. Glulam can be used in place of structural steel, offering two times the strength to weight ratio.
Glulam can be manufactured into different shapes and forms to match designer's requirements, particularly curved glulam beams which are becoming more popular today
Glulam has been widely used in both interior and exterior applications for decades, standing the test of time. It will not rot or acquire mold when installed and maintained correctly.
SUSTAINABILITY
FIRE RESISTANCE
COST BENEFITS
From pools and supermarkets to schools and highrises, glulam has been used in a wide variety of buildings for decades, continuing to endure, perform and look great. At less than 10% the weight of steel and 1/5 the weight of concrete, glulam delivers with strength and agility while being the most sustainable and eco-friendly building material
Glulam is permitted and is safe to be exposed, as its large mass provides inherent resistance to fire. Like other mass timber products, glulam naturally resists fire because it chars.
In the event of a fire, this char on the outside forms a protective layer while retaining strength.
This slows combustion significantly, allowing time to evacuate the building safely
The use of prefabricated wood components and assemblies allows project owners to meet tough construction timelines, ensure quality control, and differentiate their projects from others, whether they are commercial, education, healthcare, or multifamily buildings.
Mass timber structures can be built more quickly than comparable steel, concrete, or even light wood-framed structures, which translates into reduced construction costs