FAQs
1. How do I determine the deflection of LVL when deciding what size members to use?
designIT has the facility to measure this. Once you input your design criteria designIT will give you a number of selection options. If your selection options are showing a maximum span right-click once and select ‘display ratios’ then right click again to display the ‘serviceability report’.
HINT: you can set the rigidity ratios to appear as standard in the file -> preferences section of designIT. This is also where you can enable designIT to design in SG8.
2. What sort of buildings can we use LVL for?
Aside from the residential and commercial markets CHH Woodproducts LVL has been used to create indoor sports stadiums, dairy sheds, farm sheds, low rise buildings and many more usually designed in other materials. Choosing timber benefits the client utilising pre-fabrication, cost efficiencies, environmentally responsible, and easy to install!
3. Can LVL products be treated?
Where required in weather-protected applications (such as verandah beams, sub floor joists and beams) LVL Products are treated in accordance with AS/ NZS 1604.4:2002. This treatment is an envelope penetration pattern to a hazard class H3 specification and uses a light organic solvent preservative (LOSP).
Treatment to AS/ NZS 1604.4 Hazard Class 3 provides the efficacy intended by H1.2 and H3.1 in NZBC B2/ AS1 and NZ3640:2003. At this time, CHH Woodproducts will offer the H3 treatment solution to cover options included in NZS3640:2003 and NZS3602:2003. LVL is not recommended for fully weather exposed situations such as open deck joists and pergola beams.
LVL can only be used externally if protected from weather as per the description of H3.1 LOSP external use in NZS3602. Typically cap and end flashings combined with a suitable paint system are used where the LVL is unable to avoid being exposed in these applications. Unfortunately CHH Woodproducts LVL can’t be treated to H3.2 effectively enough to enable its use in fully exposed applications.
4. What Technical Support is available for LVL?
Comprehensive Technical Brochures and Notes featuring span tables and design properties are available on www.chhwoodproducts.co.nz, or by calling our Technical Helpline on 0800 808 131, standard designs for pole and beam and portal frame buildings are available on request.
5. What are the installation details for hySPAN and hyJOIST?
Refer to the current technical literature for standard construction details.
6. Can LVL be used as studs too?
Yes, hyCHORD is perfect for use as high performance studs in extremely high wind-zones and tall wall applications. Refer tech note 69-06-08 hyCHORD studs in timber framed buildings’ or your engineer who can design more specific to your site requirements. hySPAN and hyJOIST have also been used for varying reasons, typically for greater insulation values due to their depth.
7. How can I measure moisture content in LVL?
Moisture meters provide a false reading due to the glue lines in LVL. Dimension of product is the most accurate method of evaluating the moisture content. Refer tech note 92-07-10. Anything over 2mm greater width than specification could be at risk of heightened moisture content.
8. How long can LVL products be left outside during construction?
Exposure to weather during normal construction periods is not a cause for concern. The manufacturing method of 3mm veneers bonded with an exterior grade glueline means that less moisture tends to be absorbed compared to ordinary solid timber. Keep dry where possible. Store on site level, filleted and under cover prior to installation. Ensure the product is dried out before fixing linings.
9. What lengths of LVL can I order?
hySPAN and hyJOIST are available in lengths up to 13.2 metres in 600 mm increments. Substantial orders and those for non-standard product must be placed 6-8 weeks in advance to ensure sufficient stocks are on hand.
