Article: Long-Span Trusses Remain Active Market

From the July 2009 issue of Building Products Digest

When dealers and contractors are supplying glulam trusses for a light commercial or industrial job, they often need to call on laminating firms for long-span components that are not available at conventional truss outlets.

Like other construction materials, glulam framing has declined in sales volume, yet it continues to be a favored material for non-residential jobs such as schools, churches, stores and office parks.

In particular, glulam timber is still widely used for long-span roof trusses, according to Unadilla Laminated Products, Unadilla, N.Y. While Unadilla does not produce conventional residential trusses, they are a manufacturing resource for contractors and dealers for various long-span trusses, including timber bridges. This means that Unadilla can produce custom truss components that are beyond the capacity of most conventional truss plants.

In building trusses for a timber bridge at Pepperell, M.A., Unadilla created a full-scale mock-up of the components, including a complete template, marking construction holes, and cuts to be made after the material is glued. The templates completed for the timber bridge are 21 ft. deep and 92 ft. long, providing the main structural elements for the bridge span.

Since many of the larger trusses are left exposed because of their attractive aesthetics, Unadilla is equipped to finish and stain the glulam truss chords.

If customers want a more rustic look, Unadilla can rough saw the glulam before it is stained and steel fittings are added. They also offer graceful arched trusses in long lengths.

Boise Cascade is another long-time laminator and fellow American Institute of Timber Construction member. They sell glulam trusses to contractors and dealers because of their rustic appearance, strength and competitive price. Like Unadilla, Boise provides design and engineering services, and jobsite deliveries for glulam floor and roof trusses.