Glulam Building: Start to Finish - Part 11

Welcome to our "Glulam Building: Start to Finish" series. Our goal is to provide an overview - from idea to completion - of a glulam building, from the perspective of a glulam manufacturer and designer.

Part 11: Installation

Although Unalam's work technically ends once the material is unstrapped from our truck, the glulam building definitely isn't. Here are a few common activities and things to consider at the jobsite.

Part 11A: Moving and Storing Glulam Members

We've mentioned it a few times already, but careful handling of glulam members is critical. Poor handling can leave visible blemishes in the finished building. Almost all members are moved around our plant and around a jobsite using nylon slings. For small projects (and small glulam members) parts can also be carried around by hand. In either case, it is best to keep the wrap intact while moving parts to avoid hand prints and other marks.

Double Curved Arches being set, held by nylon slings

If glulam members need to be stored on site before installation, protection from moisture is the primary concern. Check to see if any water is already inside the wrap - if so, cut drain slits or remove the wrap entirely as it is necessary to release the water. Stack the members elevated off the ground (so they won't sit in puddles or pull moisture form the ground) with blocking between them (to again avoid any trapped moisture). Then cover the entire stack with a tarp if it will potentially be exposed to rain, or if unwrapped members would be exposed to sun.

Arches elevated and stacked on site

Do not leave unwrapped glulam beams near the ground in walkways or around workers inexperienced with glulam. Glulam members can be surprisingly tempting to step on - we've seen more than a few projects with mysterious foot prints on the side of roof framing members...