LP Building Products launches LP SolidGuard LSL, adding protection against termite damage, fungal decay to its LSL product while providing treated sill plate solution to help eliminate shrinkage, an important concern for lumber in multistory structures

Audrey Dixon

NASHVILLE, Tennessee , July 10, 2013 (press release) – Treated Laminated Strand Lumber Helps to Eliminate Shrinkage in Tall Wood-Framed Construction

LP Building Products has announced the launch of its new LP® SolidGuard™ LSL, adding protection against termite damage and fungal decay to its LSL product. As the industry embraces wood framing in taller multifamily structures, this new product provides a treated sill plate solution to help eliminate shrinkage.

“The moisture levels of our product are carefully controlled throughout the manufacturing process, giving all LP SolidGuard and SolidStart LSL products a 7 to 10 percent moisture content, similar to the moisture equilibrium inside the building, meaning that there’s no moisture level to which our product has to dry down.”

“Shrinkage is an important concern for lumber in multistory structures as it can affect shear wall performance and structural capability. Using LSL for wall plates and sill plates as a part of a wood framing system can significantly reduce plate shrinkage,” said Kim Rogers, EWP product manager for LP Building Products. “The new LP SolidGuard LSL provides our customers with a full wall plate solution for taller wood-framed buildings.”

In typical dried lumber, moisture content may be up to 19 percent. Over time, the lumber will dry down to the moisture equilibrium of the finished building—typically 8 to 12 percent—causing the wood to shrink and potentially resulting in misaligned framing, broken window seals, and damaged plumbing.

Using LSL wall plates and sill plates can help eliminate plate shrinkage. “The moisture levels of our product are carefully controlled throughout the manufacturing process, giving all LP SolidGuard and SolidStart LSL products a 7 to 10 percent moisture content, similar to the moisture equilibrium inside the building, meaning that there’s no moisture level to which our product has to dry down.”

LP SolidGuard LSL is treated with zinc borate for fungal decay and termite resistance. LP SolidGuard LSL framing materials are intended for use in aboveground protected applications such as sill plates, columns, rim board and studs. The product is not intended for ground contact or continuous exposure to weather, nor can it be substituted for treated studs in a permanent wood foundation. The zinc borate is blended into the LSL, eliminating the need for field treatment of cut ends. The product requires no special handling or disposal as borate is a naturally occurring mineral that is odorless and colorless in wood.

LP SolidGuard LSL is available in longer lengths than traditional lumber, and its manufacturing process provides a uniform cure and even density gradient across the thickness of the product, adding to its strength and making it more resistant to warping, shrinking and twisting.

Visit WhatIsLSL.com to learn more about LP® SolidStart® products and to download an infographic on the benefits of LSL in tall, wood-framed structures.

About LP Building Products

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation is a leading manufacturer of quality engineered wood building materials including OSB, structural framing products, and exterior siding for use in residential, industrial and light commercial construction. From manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada, Chile and Brazil, LP products are sold to builders and homeowners through building materials distributors and dealers and retail home centers. Founded in 1973, 2013 marks the company’s 40th anniversary. LP is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under LPX. For more information, visit LPCorp.com.

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