Engineered wood products manufacturer Louisiana-Pacific (LP) is expanding the range of applications for its laminated strand lumber (LSL) product.
The US company along with UK distributor MBM Forest Products is now targeting the loft conversion market with its LP Solidstart 225x35mm LSL.
The product is already used as trimmers around staircases and as long-length stair stringers, but has now been launched as a safe and cost-effective solution for joist loft cuts.
It says LSL’s use eliminates ironmongery to strengthen the end of I-joists and timber reinforcement for traditional timber joists, while low moisture content was an “ideal fit” for loft conversions.
LP is promoting its LSL as offering a higher shear and bearing capacity in lofts compared with any I-joist and many higher strength LVL alternatives.
“We always expected that starting with LPs I joists would be the stepping stone to getting involved in their other engineered wood products,” said Stephen Sabine of MBM.
“The development of the loft beam is the next step in this process. Many of our current I joist stockists already carry the 35×225 LSL as a ‘simple’ way of completing the stair trim detail.
“Now we have the necessary approval, this same product can be offered as a loft beam element without the necessary reinforcements required when using I joists. So in effect we have a ‘3 in 1’ beam.”
