LP's U.K. distributor MBM Forest Products targets loft conversion market with laminated strand lumber product LP Solidstart 225x35mm LSL
Wendy Lisney
LOS ANGELES
,
December 14, 2011
(Industry Intelligence)
–
Louisiana-Pacific (LP) is expanding the range of applications in the U.K. for its laminated strand lumber (LSL) product, according to a report by U.K. timber industry magazine TTJ.
The Nashville, Tennessee-based company is now targeting the loft conversion market through its U.K. distributor MBM Forest Products, based in Tilbury, with its LP Solidstart 225x35mm LSL.
The product is already being used in the U.K. as trimmers around staircases and as long-length stair stringers. Now it is being marketed as a safe and cost-effective solution for joist loft cuts.
According to the latest campaign, using LSL eliminates the need to use ironmongery to strengthen the end of I-joists, or timber reinforcement for traditional timber joists. The companies also say that LSL's low moisture content makes it an “ideal fit” for loft conversions.
LP claims that its LSL offers a higher shear and bearing capacity in lofts compared with any I-joist and many higher strength LVL alternatives.
Stephen Sabine of MBM said his company had always expected that starting with LP's I-joists would lead to involvement in the company's other engineered wood products, and the development of the loft beam was the next step in this process.
Sabine noted that many of MBM's current I-joist stockists already carry the 35x225 LSL as a simple way of completing the stair trim detail. Now the necessary approval has been achieved, the same product can be offered as a loft beam element, he added.
The primary source of this article is TTJ, The Timber Industry Magazine, Sidcup, U.K., on Dec. 14, 2011.
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