Reduction of On-Site Costs
Much less time is required for skilled labour onsite fabricating and reworking, therefore saving time and money over the life of the project. Made to size laminated timber beams posts or lintels, provide further savings based on the reduction of waste and easy handling.
Easy to Use
Light weight components can be easily cut, nailed, drilled, etc, on-site, therefore making it easy for any builder to erect. No special skills and only traditional building tools are required, minimising the number of sub-contractors required on site.
Reduction in Rework and Remedial Work
With the laminated timber being manufactured under factory quality conditions and not subject to the faults of solid timber, expensive and time-consuming remedial work due to movement is eliminated. This results in increased building speed for Glulam structures.
It Contains Fewer Defects
Specialised factory machinery automatically removes any operator-detected knots, and docks the wood well away from these. This means Glulam does not have the strength-reducing effects of sloping grain around the knots found in solid timber.
Lack of Movement
Kanuka Glulam has a greater degree of stability as opposed to single large dimension timber lengths. These can be prone to distortion and dimensional change such as cupping and warping, twisting, shrinking and swelling.
Greater Strength
The fact that a number of pieces of timber are structurally bonded together, and therefore not prone to failure at the weakest point of a single piece of timber, ensures a stronger end product. Particular attention is paid in the grading of pieces that will be under the greatest performance requirements of compression and tension forces.
Superior Strength to Weight Ratio
Glulam is one of the strongest structural materials per unit weight, producing a lighter superstructure. It also means that Glulam can span large distances without the need for support. In addition, structural components can be reduced. To this end additional levels to a building are often constructed of Glulam.
Durable
Modern adhesives and treatment processes bond laminations together giving Glulam an extended lifespan.
Flexibility in Design
Glulam can be curved to virtually any radii without loss of strength. Gracious curves can be produced following the line of the designer's thoughts.
Sustainable
The energy used in creating a Glulam beam is a fraction of the energy required to produce its equivalent in either steel or concrete, whilst also being stronger by weight than either material.
Corrosion
Glulam works well in harsh environments because it does not corrode and is highly resistant to chemical attack and aggressive environmental pollution. It can also be treated to resist fungal or insect attack, depending on its application. Swimming pools are good examples of this application being used to advantage.
Fire Resistant
Glulam is inherently fire resistant. When fire encases a Glulam beam a carbonised layer forms around the load carrying centre, restricting the supply of oxygen and heat and thus significantly impeding the subsequent burn-off. Glulam will not twist or buckle in a fire and maintains its structural function long after steel trusses would have collapsed in the same situation. Fire fighting and insurance industries recognise this, and therefore premiums are likely to be much less than for steel-framed buildings.
Acoustics, Thermals and Electrical Insulating Qualities
Glulam buildings are warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and are generally quieter. In many situations Glulam has been used with success to improve or overcome acoustic problems.
Shock Resistance
Seismic and wind shocks that would cause failure in other materials are resisted by Glulam, as it’s resilience permits it to better absorb such shocks.
