Help Desk Question: Installing Glulam

Posted At : July 25, 2007 9:06 AM | Posted By : Help Desk
Related Categories: LVL,Glulam,Help Desk

APA Help DeskQuestion: It is my understanding that glulam beams have a definite top and bottom, based on the camber which is marked, but that laminated veneer lumber (LVL) can be installed either way, regardless of the orientation of the lettering, because LVL has no camber.

Answer: As suggested, as a commodity product, LVL does not have a top or bottom.
 
Although a significant portion of stock glulam is produced with some camber, not all is. The more important characteristic in determining the top and bottom of unbalanced glulam is the different grade of laminating stock in the compression and tension zones. The strength and stiffness of an unbalanced glulam is less when installed upside down.

For more information on installing glulam, reference the following APA publications:

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