Summary
• LVL was introduced to the UK in the 1990s.
• Applications include beams, rimboards and panels.
• It is also specified in projects that require large, clear spans.
• Finnforest’s Low Energy wall and roof solutions feature Kerto LVL.

Stability, strength, availability and simplicity: these are the four watchwords that are driving sales of LVL in the UK. Growth might not be explosive, but it is steady, as architects and specifiers look for robust solutions that enable them to realise their designs – especially with the greater emphasis on the specification of timber as an environmentally-friendly building material.

Since its introduction to the UK market in the early to mid 1990s, LVL has made advances in a wide range of applications. Traditionally used as beams in floor applications for masonry build along with beams and rimboards in timber frame constructions, applications now include uses such as walkway gantries and panels, and exposed beams.

And it doesn’t stop there. “We’ve also seen the introduction of ‘portal frames’ for projects such as swimming pools, gyms and recreation areas, where large clear spans are required, joining the wide range of uses for LVL,” said Steico managing director Andy Moore.

Steel replacement

He believes there are also further opportunities, including replacing many applications where steel frames have traditionally been used and in areas where large clear spans are required, along with a natural finish. “LVL can be applied in commercial and industrial applications such as trailer building [replacing hardwoods] and in the door industry where strength, stability and workability are required,” he said.

Finnforest has seen a growth in specification by architects in both public and private projects for its Kerto – one of a range of products in the company’s engineered wood portfolio that includes Finnjoist, the SoundBar System, Kerto Ripa and Kerto Portal Framing.

Kevin Riley, building solutions director for Finnforest UK, believes the potential for Kerto is widespread. For example, he said, the Finnjoist, of which Kerto is a key part, forms the basis of Finnforest’s new Low Energy wall and roof solution. This is a technical approach to detailing that eliminates air leakage, and the advanced nature of the building fabric contributes significantly towards enhancing U-values that are achievable, again a valuable solution for achieving higher levels of the Code and BREEAM ratings.

Similarly, Simon Jones, business development director at Boise Cascade, believes LVL has huge potential for applications beyond that of simply supporting the company’s sister I-joist products. “Our BC Calc software, which is available by free of charge download, includes a very useful ‘cut LVL’ function enabling the user to determine suitable products to fit to certain architectural requirements,” he said.

“A number of our customers have the ability to rip down Versa-Lam to suit smaller depth needs such as lintels or beams to support trusses. The long lengths in which Versa-Lam is available have proved a very effective solution in many disproportionate collapse requirements.”

Sustainabililty criteria

LVL also meets sustainability criteria. “Timber is a natural product which is environmentally friendly,” said Andy Moore. “It helps reduce CO2 by storing carbon within its structure. In many instances steel frames can be replaced. Machining to section is easily achieved as LVL works as solid timber using traditional tools.”

These environmental credentials, and LVL’s strength and speed of installation, are helping to push the engineered material into larger applications such as schools, warehousing and commercial building design. Finnforest’s Kerto Ripa and Kerto Portal Frame are two good examples. “Kerto Ripa can be used to create long clear roof spans of up to 18m without columns or beams, delivering much greater design flexibility,” said Kevin Riley.

“With high-speed installation of up to 1,000m² a day, a genuine benefit of the system, buildings can be made weatherproof very quickly, reducing the need for protective coverings during construction,” he added. “From a commercial perspective, the rapid installation can contribute significantly to accelerating the build programme and, in doing so, can unlock savings in overall construction costs.”