Why Engineered, Graded Lumber is a Better Choice for Construction in Colorado
As you know, all lumber does not perform equally for construction in Colorado. Engineers have proven the value of engineered lumber in post-frame design. It offers superior strength and rigidity over solid lumber, especially when needed to build large spans in a controlled environment. Plus, wood treatments have now erased the rampant wood rot present a century ago.
In addition to its overall value, engineers have created a sophisticated lumber grading system allowing for lumber system precision. Grades vary according to the species of wood and strength needed to fulfill purposes. The total lumber system improves durability.
Treated Lumber
Engineers have solved many pesky problems by treating lumber. Invasions of insects, microbes, and fungus are reduced dramatically. Also, the treated wood is now compatible with standard hardware and steel cladding. So, it is no surprise that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also approves the concept of treating wood.
Lester Buildings selects treated wood based on the specific conditions found on a building site. They use three types of treated lumber: borates, Micronized Copper Azole (MCA), and Cremated Copper Arsenate (CCA). The borates protect against fungus, termites, and wood-decomposing organisms. It can be used on interior walls but is not chosen for areas receiving abundant rain or ground water contact. Borate treated wood is used for sill plates, hawk studs, and other above-ground areas.
MCA is a chemical made up of fine copper particles that poison insects and microbes. The copper turns the lumber a green color. This lumber can be used for ground contact applications such as splash plank. CCA is a chemical salt. It protects against termites, microbes, and other wood-boring insects. The wood may be green when it is new but it does turn gray if exposed to the sunlight. Lester Buildings uses it for nail laminated columns that are embedded into the ground.
Laminated Lumber
Laminated lumber adds durability, strength, and flexibility for construction in Colorado. We make excellent use of two types of laminated lumber. First, Laminated Veneer Lumber (LDL), formed by layering wood veneers with waterproof adhesives results in a layered cross-sectional lumber, like plywood. The second type, Glue Laminated (glulam), similarly forms stress-rated lumber laminates. Using waterproof adhesives, this lumber can be joined via finger joints, or it can face-joined or edge-joined to form large cross-sections. This type of engineered lumber can be used for curved or complex shapes.
Lumber Grading System
Our custom designed pole buildings use stamped lumber. This special-quality lumber is graded for specific purposes. These purposes vary to change the material needed for columns, girts, purlins, and other aspects of the building.
What are the different properties? To make it easier for manufacturers and builders to be aware of the lumber’s properties, the stamped lumber is certified for the following six qualities:
- Design values
- Species group
- Lumber mill name or ID number
- Assigned parade (percent of what that is free of knots and other natural imperfections)
- Moisture content at the time of servicing
- Grading Agency – certified by the American Lumber Standards Committee
Construction Companies in Colorado
For information about pole buildings construction in Colorado, contact Sapphire Construction, Inc. at (303) 619-7213. Our team custom designs each building using high-quality, engineer-tested materials from Lester Buildings.
MAR
2019
About the Author:
Allen Randa is a second generation Master Carpenter and Owner of Sapphire Construction Inc. Allen personally manages each project from beginning to end. That includes the first meeting, the estimate, the contract and architectural designs.