Glulam Rafters for Nature Center Take Shape

Una-Lam is now working on rafters for the Robinson Nature Center in Maryland. This photo shows one rafter being completed in our finishing department. For this project we used Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified material, per the customer’s request. Because some of the material will be exposed to the outdoors, we needed to have some FSC material from our warehouse treated to better withstand the elements.

This photo shows how the end of the rafter has been end capped with treated material for aesthetics and to protect the end grain when it is exposed to weather. The end grain of wood susceptible area to absorbing water, causing the wood to swell and check or potentially leading to decay. For that reason, the cut ends of our beams are typically treated with a special end grain sealer. An end cap or cover board, as shown here, provides even greater protection.