My building drawings specify a W250 x 33 steel beam in the basement. What is the equivalent size for an engineered wood beam?

• There are no direct conversions between steel beams and PSL or LVL wood beams. The steel beams in your floor system could be replaced with engineered wood beams. When you bring your plans in for a floor joist takeoff let our estimator know you would like the support beams sized. Where the spans are within the capacity of PSL or LVL beams, we will include them in your floor quotation.

 

What is an I-Joist and what are the benefits of using an I-Joist  in framing?

 

• I-Joists feature an efficient shape that enables them to carry large loads over long spans without sagging or loosening their connection to decking and floor finish. The joists that we carry here at W&W Truss are a combination of a proprietary web material and similar in appearance which looks like OSB (Oriented Strand Board) but is actually made of larger strands and contains more resins which makes it several times stronger than conventional OSB. The flanges are made from Microllam LVL or other high strength materials depending on the series and size of joists. Boise Cascade manufactures a "Squeakless" Floor Joist System which is backed by a lifetime warranty against defects and squeaks.

 

What is LVL and where is it used?

• Microllam also know as LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) is manufactured to minimize the effects of wood's natural defects, so it resists bowing, shrinking and twisting which are all leading causes of wall / sheet rock cracks. Microllam can be used as a header or beam providing superior strength with less weight. All of the Microllam that we stock is 1 3/4" in width and heights ranging between 11 7/8" to 24". Size and the amount of ply's is determined by our design department using "state of the art" engineering software that accurately determines deflection of the beam, shear, moment and end reactions to ensure that you will get a beam that performs above building code specifications. To have a beam sized please come by our office with your plans or call 252/792-1051 to set up an appointment for our designer to visit your job-site.

 

Can I cut my EWPs to the slope of my roof?

 

• Yes, if certain guidelines are followed.

LVLs:

1- Cuts need to be clean and accurate.

2- The length of the cut cannot extend horizontally beyond the inside of the bearing wall, (assuming the LVL is flush with the outside of the exterior load bearing wall)

I-Joist:

1- All cuts must be clean and accurate

2- NO Birds mouth cuts or any notching of the flanges.

3- I-Joist may only be trimmed for length of fit.

 

Can I run my duct work through my I-Joist or cut holes in the OSB?

• Yes, but under strict guidelines which will need to be reviewed prior to ordering. The size and locations of voids needs to be strictly regulated. Electrical and small diameter pipes can be run through knock out holes pre-punched into the OSB