End Grain Sealer: Wednesday's Word(s) Of The Week

Rapid moisture transfer into and out of wood can have several negative effects, from checking to dimensional stability to decay. The structure of wood is similar to a bundle of straws - it is primarily composed of a series of longitudinal tubes. The fastest way to transfer moisture is through the open ends of those tubes, which are exposed at end cuts. This can be slowed by applying an end grain sealer.

End grain sealer is a thicker, waxier version of clear sealer, specifically designed to seal open end grain. Is should be applied shortly after any end cuts are made to prevent rapid drying and checks at the ends of glulam members. Even with end grain sealer, protecting end grain is an important consideration in building design. 

*Wednesday's Word Of The Week is a feature on Unalam's Wood Times Blog. Each Wednesday our structural engineer, Rik Vandermeulen, will discuss a new term associated with glulam manufacturing. He will do this until we run out of words. If there is a timber or glulam term that you have heard of and want to know more about, let us know in the comments.