USING MERBAU, ONE OF THE TOUGHEST BUILDING MATERIALS AVAILABLE,
Prolam timber products have been designed to give the ultimate in strength and durability with naturally great looks. Merbau (Kwila) is a natural reddish – brown colour which can be enhanced with a clear protective coat or painted depending on the desired finish.
Finger joint and laminating technology allows Prolam to have application spans greater than traditionally offered. This is achieved through utilising service class 3 adhesive systems for external above ground applications and the naturally high timber density of Merbau (850kg/m3).
Merbau was chosen to allow ProLam to have natural resistance to termites plus it seasons well with kiln or air-drying, resulting in durable posts and beams with very little dimensional movement.
LAMINATED QUALITY
ProLam is manufactured to the highest of standards and exceeds the compliance requirements of the GLTAA (Glued Laminated Timber Association of Australia). Each and every post and beam conforms to Australian & New Zealand Standard 1328 (AS/ NZS 1328) giving confidence you are purchasing the genuine article.
MERBAU IS A NATURAL PRODUCT
Merbau like all timbers will react to climatic changes during its service life. We attempt to minimise the effect these changes may have on the appearance of the product but resin bleed, raised grain or uneven swelling may occur from an ever changing environment.
To reduce the risks we recommend the use of protective finishes to enhance the appearance and improve the service life of the product. Protective finishes may prolong the service life of finger jointed and laminated Merbau products by limiting the effects UV light has on the product, reducing moisture ingress and aiding with the dimensional stability of the product.*
*Performance may vary depending on the protective coating applied and application rates.
WHEN STRENGTH MATTERS
ProLam features increased strength due to the laminating process - glulam is stronger than solid timber as it has fewer natural defects and a wider load distribution. It is also comparable to steel in strength but is much lighter.
The adhesive used in the laminating process is Phenol Rescorcinol Formaldehyde and is considered the industry standard for structural engineered wood applications and gives service class 3 compliance. ProLam has a high degree of dimensional stability as the merbau is seasoned prior to manufacturing reducing the risk of movement caused by changes in moisture content. It is recommended that all ProLam have a coating applied.
Accredited span tables are available for applications such as verandah & roof beams, rafters, floor joists & posts.
MAINTENANCE AND CARE
ProLam should be kept dry and protected from moisture prior to installation. This is to prevent resin bleed and prolong the appearance of your Merbau. If resin bleed does occur, lightly sand the affected area(s) before coating.
It is recommended that ProLam is coated with a protective finish to enhance the appearance and improve the service life of the product. Two initial coats followed by regular annual coats (as per coating manufacturers recommendations) will not only protect your ProLam’s longterm performance but will also keep it looking great for years to come.
When using stainless steel balustrading it is recommended that bolt type fixing is used rather than screw and buckle type fixings which can cause de-lamination.
