Hello all, I'm building a house and was wondering if weathered ( sat out in the weather for months) LVL's beams would be of much use for joist support or would I be waisting my time. New ones cost so much and I was just looking at a way of cutting cost. Thanks for any comments.
are weathered lvl's beams still of good use
- Thread starter preddster
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czechsonofagun
Elite Member
I would have to see it, but if there is no rot or mold growing on the beam, I would still use them. Few month outside just seasons the wood.
Dmace
Elite Member
I would pay close attention to the layers to make sure they are still holding tight. LVL beams are GLUED together, if enough moisture gets in their the glue could start peeling apart making the beam considerably weaker. I wouldn't take my chances unless I knew it never got wet.
Craig Clayton
Platinum Member
I would contact your local building inspector and ask him. He is the one who will be accepting the construction materials. There would be nothing worse and have him say that you did a great job, just replace those LVL's
Craig Clayton
Craig Clayton
DaveOmak
Platinum Member
All the above replys have merit.
If they are designed to be on 16" centers, you might want to put them on 12" centers if they are still structually sound.
A VERY TOUGH call to make.
If they are designed to be on 16" centers, you might want to put them on 12" centers if they are still structually sound.
A VERY TOUGH call to make.
mike69440
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I have a modified Timber Frame/Sip home and the SIP panel main supports were LVL. I had some leftovers that weathered before I could put them under cover for future use.
If the LVL got wet enough to swell up and then they dried out and show any sign of delamination, they loose a lot of strength. I tested this, they break much easier.
If they just weathered, they should be ok. If you have a new piced of LVL, Cut a test piece, drive a car or tractor over it to see what it takes to break it. Do the same test with a weathered piece.
If the LVL got wet enough to swell up and then they dried out and show any sign of delamination, they loose a lot of strength. I tested this, they break much easier.
If they just weathered, they should be ok. If you have a new piced of LVL, Cut a test piece, drive a car or tractor over it to see what it takes to break it. Do the same test with a weathered piece.
framer
Gold Member
You didn't mention sizes. If 1-3/4 inch haven't separated very much yes but
they are usually used in pairs screw or bolt together. You wouldn't believe
the material we receive. I think they store that stuff outside.We send it back
if to warped to work with wast of time to straighten sometimes .
they are usually used in pairs screw or bolt together. You wouldn't believe
the material we receive. I think they store that stuff outside.We send it back
if to warped to work with wast of time to straighten sometimes .