Glulam

Retail-focused glulam

Holmen’s retail-focused glulam range has been put together to make things easy for both builders’ merchants and their customers. The range has been specifically tailored to the customers of builders’ merchants, providing the dimensions and lengths in greatest demand. Naturally, all the products in the range are based on quality raw material from the forests that surround Holmen’s production facilities in Västerbotten, northern Sweden. 

Glulam beams standard lengths:

Pressure treated glulam

Pressure treated glulam is most commonly called on when larger dimensions are needed for outdoor projects. This might, for example, be a chunky glulam post that harmonises with other parts of a really large terrace. Glulam beams can also be used as thicker trimmer joists in a terrace structure. Pressure treated glulam is offered in larger dimensions than other pressure treated products and is a sizeable product with less of a tendency to split. Holmen’s glulam posts and beams are offered in wood preservation class NTR/B.   

 

Precision-cut stock beams

Holmen offers the market’s broadest range of precision-cut beams to order. The precision-cut glulam beams are used primarily where the products in the retail-focused stock range are not considered suitable for some reason. This might be because the length required would involve too much cutting and waste if standard sizes were used. It is also common to choose precision-cut beams for larger dimensions that make it difficult for the beam to be cut to the right length further down the chain. Holmen has a well developed delivery plan for builders’ merchants that are contract customers, guaranteeing 1–2 deliveries each week. 

Cut stock beams

Certification

 

Installing glulam

Post in post shoe

A post shoe is cast into concrete as a fixing for posts when building structures such as fencing, pergolas and carports. 

 

Beam-beam 

A hanger is used to connect beams on the same plane and where posts and beams meet. Anchor nails or anchor screws and long wood screws are used for the assembly. 

  

Post-beam 

A nail plate is usually used in beam and roof structures, for fixing between posts. 

Handling and maintenance

The way glulam is handled can have a major impact on the structure, as well as the cost and planning of the project. To protect against wet weather and dirt during transport, storage and assembly, the glulam elements are supplied wrapped in plastic film or paper, in bundles or individually. 

If the glulam becomes damp, it must be given a chance to dry out slowly in order to minimise splitting. Some splitting must be accepted as the glulam dries out in the building’s first year. 

• Protect glulam outdoors using tarpaulins, for example, and stand the glulam on clean bearers that are at least 250 mm high for good ventilation under the tarpaulin. 
• Make sure that the ground is dry and level, so the glulam elements are not subject to warping stresses. 

• Place clean separating sticks between the glulam elements, stacking them vertically above each other. 
• Avoid prolonged storage outdoors on the construction site. 

Advice on assembling glulam 

• Use wide straps during crane lifts and protect the edges of the glulam elements with angle irons or some other edge protection to avoid lifting marks. 
• Ensure that gloves, straps and other lifting equipment are free from dirt. 

• Avoid walking on surfaces that will be visible after assembly. 
• Take the necessary measures to brace the frame against wind and other stresses during construction. 
• Secure the glulam elements in the right position until the wind trusses or equivalent have been installed. 
• Leave the packaging in place after assembly as protection against soiling during construction. 

 

Glulam surface treatment and maintenance

Glulam that is exposed to wind and weather requires a surface treatment and subsequent maintenance in order for the surface layer to retain its original properties. An appropriate surface treatment will protect the wood from gaining and losing too much moisture, which could otherwise cause deformations and splitting. The choice of a suitable surface treatment depends on the external conditions. 

 

• Is the structure exposed to wet weather? 
• Direct sunlight? 
• Mechanical wear? 

Glulam in an indoor environment with normal humidity levels only requires a surface treatment if its natural colour is to be changed for aesthetic reasons. Over time, untreated wood left exposed outdoors will take on the velvety grey finish that is so typical of old timber buildings. The dominant factors relating to weather effects are the sun’s UV rays and rain. Fluctuations between rain and sun place major stresses on an unprotected wooden structure. There are some measures that can be taken to combat splitting in the wood: 

• Prevent damp through protective structural solutions. 
• Protect the structure from direct sunlight. 
• Apply an appropriate surface treatment to reduce the absorption and emission of moisture. 

Glulam elements that have exposed end wood and top faces should, if possible, be fitted with a ventilated cladding. If this is not possible, the surfaces should be treated to slow down fluctuations in moisture levels. 

 

Glulam use, maintenance and handling 

These publications by Swedish Wood offer more information about the correct maintenance and handling of glulam, as well as advice on surface treatment and maintenance planning, inspections and painting. 

Use and maintenance of glulam: Surface treatment, maintenance planning, maintenance. Download Swedish PDF

 

Handling glulam correctly. Ordering, handling and storage. Download Swedish PDF

 

For more information, download The Glulam Handbook or contact us. 

 

How much do I need?

Work it out for yourself using the dimensioning tool 

The dimensioning tool at Byggbeskrivningar.se makes it easy to work out your dimensions using Holmen’s glulam posts and beams whether you are a professional, an amateur or everything in between.   

Dimensioning help for non-resellers 

Perhaps the dimensioning tool didn’t give you all the answers you needed to get started, or you simply want to double-check that the dimensions are correct. In that case, please contact one of our local resellers for personal advice, and they will help you get your project on track! 

  

Dimensioning help for resellers 

Are you a reseller? If so, you are always welcome to contact us at Holmen if you need personal service and advice.