Glu-Lam for Exterior Deck Ledger & Band Board?

Question

Has anyone used or heard of using glu-lams, such as Versa-Lam or Micro-Lam Beams for an exterior deck Ledger & Band Board instead of the normal treated lumber?

It will be covered with home wrap & sided.

Also, what about using engineered joists as the floor joists?

Any problem with moisture or decay concerns due to the exterior use?

Answer 1

This will answer ALL your glulam questions. It is a glulam guide put out by the APA Engineered wood association.

Look at page 17 where it says it can be used for exactly what you are asking.

http://www.apawood.org/pdfs/managed/X450.pdf

Answer 2

I would only use these products if the deck you are building calls for extra strength. If you are spanning longer distances than normal treated lumber will span, then it would be a good product to use.
Bad:
It would be costly.
Less resistant to rot. They will need to be treated maybe once every year or so.
The inspection agency may require engineered sealed calculations when simple dead or live loads for treated lumber are well known and they wouldn't question it.

Good:
Solid deck.
Able to span greater distances.
Floor trusses are set at 19.3" centers instead of 16" oc.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Versa Lam

Answer 4

I ran a lumber yard for a while, we had part of the yard that was specifically for lvl's and glu-lams. They sat out in the rain, snow even had a flood and they were always good to go. Great product for what you are trying to do....

Answer 5

Nope