Wetting and Drying Performance and On-site Moisture Protection of Nail-Laminated Timber Assemblies

Report

Nail-Laminated Timber Protection

In recent years, nail-laminated timber has been increasingly used in wood construction, including both heavy timber non-residential buildings (for floors or roofs) and light wood-frame residential buildings (such as elevator shafts). However, such built-up assemblies, tend to have high wetting and low drying potential and are susceptible to moisture-related issues during the construction. This study evaluates moisture protection by the sheathing or membrane for nail-laminated timber assemblies during on-site construction in British Columbia. Severe wetting will lead to elevated moisture content. Therefore, the best practice when working with nail-laminated timber is to avoid wetting.