Beefier glulams support strong comeback

nEALERS across the country are I-rlnoting renewed interest in glulams, as a new generation of higher strength products attempts to wrest back market share from parallel strand lumber. laminated veneer lumber and other engineered wood alternatives.

It's not that glulams ever went away, though. Glued laminated timbers, introduced in 1940 as the first engineered wood beams, have continued to increase their market share in many areas because of their strength, competitive cost, and attractive appearance, which often means they can be left exposed, if required. But growth had slowed with the advent of new engineered wood products.

John Rovi, Furman Lumber Co., Dallas, Tx., says that the products like Anthony Forest Products' new higher strength Power Beam have helped create new attention for glulam beams in his market. "Their sales growth has been consistent." he notes.

The Power Beam recently achieved the highest strength values in the industry- 3000 Fb,2.18,290 Fv-from major building codes and AITC. These values have existed under BOCA and SBCCI, and are now allowed in the Uniform Building Code.

"Glulams compete well with Ijoists when you show your customers the PLF design values of l-joist headers, compared to the higher strength glulam headers," Rovi explains.

Furman stocks a high percentage of architectural grade glulams because contractors and homeowners appreciate their attractive appearance, particularly when they are left exposed in applications such as ridge beams for cathedral type ceilings.

The company provides technical seminars for their retailer and builder customers, covering the advantages of engineered wood products, with tips on how to specify the correct beam for different applications. Furman also provides estimating and engineering assistance.

RETAILERS are moving more glulams with lhe introduclion of new products like Anthony's Power Beam.

Mike Running, North Pacific Lumber, Portland, Or., says that the higher strength glulam "competes effectively with other engineered wood products because it has equivalent stress ratings to Parallam, and carries heavier loads than Douglas fir glulam beams."

Star Valley Lumber & Truss Co., Star Valley, Az., has seen strong demand for the glulams in its market area north of Phoenix. J.T. Welnick reports the glulams have the stability to resist warping and twisting, a problem that develops with conventional solid sawn beams in this hot climate.

"Most of the Power Beams we sell are used to support I-joists in floor framing," Welnick says. If they are touched up with a sander, they also make an attractive exposed wood ceiling for daylight basements, he adds.

Welnick predicts the beams will continue to increase their market share.

Star Valley provides engineering assistance to many of their custom home builder customers. and furnishes other builders with span charts for engineered beams.

Gerretsen Lumber, Roseburg, Or., sees many architects and engineers specifying the beams because of their competitive price and extra strength for longer spans.

"We like the l-beam compatibility of glulams, and builders can also use the I-beam hangars for them," says Eric Gerretsen. His firm supplies four different types of engineered wood, including TJI, GPI, BCI and glulams. Gerretsen sponsors technical seminars for its retailer and builder customers. These cover the advantages of engineered wood products, with tips on how to specify the correct beam for different applications. The firm also provides estimating and engineering assistance.

Similarly, retailers can also help increase glulam sales. Many dealers offer specialized support services and promotions, including material takeoffs and computerized estimating and engineering assistance.

Story at a Glance

New high-strength glulams shift attention back to the original engineered wood beam.

Other ways to boost sales include in-store displays and seminars for contractor customers, special education sessions for employees, separate order desks for engineered wood customers, breakfasts and golf events for contractors, and incentive programs with prizes for volume purchases of engineered beams. Engineered wood suppliers often make presentations and set up exhibits at retailer seminars and clinics.