Glulam treatment questions

[ziurekim]

I am currently building an unattached 2-car carport (not a garage) and I have questions concerning wood connections, etc.
For right now, I am planning on buying 6"x12" glulam beams (one for each side of carport). They will be used as load bearing beams for rafters & eventually the roof. The question is: Is it wise to treat the beams with waterproof liquid such as Johnsons wood sealer? Won't it harm the glue over time?
Last question: What are treated glulam beams teated with?
Thanks ~

 

[mmhouse]

I'm not an expert on the subject but I seriously doubt that a brush-on type sealer would do any damage to the beam or adhesive. However, if you're interested in treatment to make the beam last longer I would go with beams that are treated by the manufacturer. Those treated at a plant are pressure treated so the chemicals are forced into the wood which provides much better protection.

Here is some information from a major beam producer...

http://www.rosboro.com/products/treated.html

 

[blue dog]

Are these treated glue lams? or are they regular laminated glue lams?
i have no experience with treated glue lams, but you can seal laminated glue lams with no issues. Are they going to be exposed? If so, give em a sanding and seal or stain away. I like the look of glue lams when exposed.

 

[Bear]

I don't know but these were used, sat in a yard abused in the rain and sun for ??? years before I sanded and reused them. I don't think you will have a problem.

 

[ziurekim]

Bear, these are very nice usable glulams! Very nice! My glulam beams will be exposed outside in the desert heat and I would like them to be stained & sealed to last a lifetime. Thanks for the replys.

 

[sneezer41]

As long as water does not get on top of them they will be fine with whatever you put on them

 

[sprat]

Hi there, just wondering what's the overall reliability of glulam? I mean, are there any risks of its getting destroyed over the long haul? The reason I'm asking is I came across this carport. After all, this is gonna cost at least a few bucks, but I'm afraid that it may get destroyed at some point.