FAQs

This portion provides helpful answers to frequently asked questions about our company and products.

PWT I-Joist Questions

What are wood I-joists?

I-joists are strong, lightweight, “I” shaped engineered wood structural members that meet demanding performance standards. I-joists are comprised of top and bottom flanges, which resist bending, united with webs, which provide outstanding shear resistance. The flange material is typically laminated veneer lumber (LVL) or solid-sawn lumber, and the web is made with plywood or OSB. The robust combination of structural characteristics results in a versatile, economical framing member that is easy to install in residential and light commercial projects. (https://www.apawood.org/i-joist)

What are common I-joist applications?

I-joists are used extensively in residential floor and roof framing. They are ideal for long spans, including continuous spans over intermediate supports. Because I-joists are straight and true, it’s easier for builders to avoid crowning and maintain a level framing surface. In addition, wood I-joists are typically stocked and readily available in depths that meet the needs of residential framing. (https://www.apawood.org/i-joist)

What are the code requirements for prefabricated wood I-joists?

What are the code requirements for fire protection of I-joist floors?

Where can holes be drilled through PWT I-Joists?

How should PWT I-Joists be installed?

Do PWT I-Joists have a top and bottom?

PWT I-joists are a balanced product and do not have a top or bottom like an unbalanced glulam. However, the web does have pre-punched knock-outs that are closer to one flange. The knock-outs are easier for electricians to use when located near the bottom of the installed joist.

Holes were drilled outside of the areas specified by the PWT I-Joist hole specifications. Now what?

Don’t panic! There is technical staff available to help you. Contact the supplier you purchased the product from. They will help you through the process. Expect to fill out a damage report form, take measurements, and send pictures. They will run a calculation and let you know how to proceed.

PWT LVL Questions

How should PWT LVL be installed?

What are the code requirements for LVL (a.k.a. structural composite lumber)?

Where can holes be drilled through PWT LVL?

Where can an LVL beam be notched/tapered?

Can a PWT LVL beam be ripped to a shallower depth?

PWT LVL billets, originally 48” wide when manufactured, are ripped into narrower widths, typically from 3-1/2” up to 24”, across the 48” wide width. Each piece is the same grade as the original billet. A 1-3/4” x 24” can be ripped to a narrower width, including 18”. The capacity of the new beam would be based on the new size. An 1-3/4” x 18” 2.0E LVL ripped from a 24” beam would have the same design values as one that came straight from the factory in that size. PWT LVL cannot, however, be planed or sawn to reduce thickness.

Can paint or spray foam insulation be applied to PWT LVL?

PWT LVL, produced for the North American market, has a wax coating applied to mitigate the rate of moisture absorption during storage and construction.  This coating will likely make it difficult to apply paint or spray foam insulation directly on the LVL.  PWT’s coatings supplier suggests that it would be best to discuss options with the paint supplier for a primer (likely solvent-based) to improve applicability.  Inform the paint supplier that the coating contains paraffin wax (hydrocarbon/synthetic wax).

LVL Dimensional Tolerances

PWT Laminated Veneer Lumber (PWT LVL) is produced to specific tolerances based on manufacturing equipment capabilities. Due to the manufacturing processes there may be slight variations between the product and nominal dimensions. This slight deviation in dimensions is called tolerance. When PWT LVL leaves the manufacturing facility, its dimension tolerances are within the manufacturer’s limits and the product moisture content is between 6-10%.

PWT LVL may swell, shrink, and change shape in response to moisture and adverse weather, even with the additional protection of factory applied sealants. Moisture content for in service conditions will vary widely.

PWT LVL products should be protected by keeping the products wrapped, off the ground, stacked, and supported appropriately. Using these guidelines will help keep product clean, shed rain, and promote air circulation to dry off any incidental moisture.

For additional storage and handling information, see: E705 Proper Storage and Handling of IJoists and LVL

Is PWT LVL coated to protect it from moisture?

PWT™ LVL features a water-resistant coating applied to the wood during the manufacturing process. The coating is PWT’s new-age wax seal that resists water penetration. It gives builders confidence in a coating they know they can trust. Depend on PWT coatings to help deliver short term protection during those unexpected construction delays. Build with less worry. This answer does not apply to PWT Treated LVL.

What is LVL?

LVL (laminated veneer lumber) is a widely used structural composite lumber product. It is produced by bonding thin wood veneers together in a large billet so that the grain of all veneers is parallel to the long direction. The LVL billet is then sawn to desired dimensions depending on the end-use application. Because LVL is made with scarfed or lapped jointed veneers, LVL is available in lengths far beyond conventional lumber lengths.

Popular LVL applications include headers and beams, hip and valley rafters, scaffold planking and the flange material for prefabricated wood I-joists. (https://www.apawood.org/structural-composite-lumber)

What are common LVL applications?

Typical uses for LVL include rafters, headers, beams, joists, studs, columns, and I-joist flange material. Two or three sections of SCL can be joined together to form 3-1/2-inch or 5-1/4-inch members. These thicker sections readily nest into 2×4 or 2×6 framed walls as headers or columns. (https://www.apawood.org/structural-composite-lumber)

Holes were drilled outside of the areas specified by the PWT LVL hole specifications. Now what?

Don’t panic! There is technical staff available to help you. Contact the supplier you purchased the product from. They will help you through the process. Expect to fill out a damage report form, take measurements, and send pictures. They will run a calculation and let you know how to proceed.

PWT Treated Questions

What is PWT Treated LVL and how does the treatment get into the wood product?

Pacific Woodtech has teamed up with Kop-Coat to create the only commercially available fully treated LVL. Called “TRU-CORE® technology,” this process was developed to move treatment chemicals through wood; the migration process is accelerated when energy, such as heat from an LVL press, is added.

What is the difference between PWT Treated LVL and traditional treatment processes?

The difference is that traditional processes use VOCs and/or incising to drive treatment into only the outer 0.4” perimeter of a wood member, while the patented TRU-CORE® technology can drive treatment into the entire member (no gradient) without adding regulated mineral solvents or water-based drivers, which can affect strength and/or void warranties in engineered wood products.

So, you are saying that your process treats the entire wood member uniformly throughout its cross section without adding VOCs or mineral solvents AND retains the full strength of the wood fiber?

Yes.

What Use Category would this be per the AWPA?

PWT Treated LVL can be used in exterior construction above ground applications (UC3B) and for components that are difficult to maintain, repair, or replace and are critical to the performance and safety of the entire system.

What type of applications do you see for PWT Treated LVL?

Any above-ground interior or exterior use such as deck beams or deck joists. It is also a great product for treated sill plates, when used with a foam gasket for separation from the concrete, which is required by code. PWT Treated™ LVL should not be used in “ground contact.”

I thought that Douglas-fir LVL does not accept treatment well; is that true?

Douglas-fir is a “refractory species,” which means it has different anatomical properties, such as pore size and structure, making traditional treating processes difficult. However, when you look at the physiology of dry Douglas-fir, you will see that with some modern technology, it can be treated quite easily.

Kop-Coat’s TRU-CORE® technology offers full penetration of Douglas-fir using modern preservatives. See ESR-3834 for additional details.

Many western species are considered refractory species.

Is the treatment still “moving” through the wood member after the LVL is shipped?

No, the treatment continues to normalize for about 24 hours after the LVL is pressed. After that time, the process has stabilized within the product.

Why hasn’t anybody done this before?

Kop-Coat developed the technology, who had applied for their first patent on this in 2004. To date, there are over 90 commercial wood treatment penetration programs across the globe.

Other companies have tried to develop similar penetration technologies but have failed.

Do the active treatment chemicals degrade over time?

All organic molecules degrade over time – regardless of treatment process. The ones selected for TRU-CORE® technology retain their strength for 30 to 60 years in use – this is a significant improvement over traditional treatment processes where only the outer layer of wood fiber is treated.

How can I tell PWT Treated LVL from untreated LVL?

The LVL will also be stamped/marked “PWT TREATED” and will have a muted olive-colored sealer that is different than the standard PWT honey brown sealer on untreated LVL.

Does PWT Treated LVL have an odor?

There are no solvents or VOCs in the treatment, so the genuine smell of wood is retained.

Can PWT Treated LVL be used indoors?

Yes, the active chemicals used in the treatment process are below EPA levels for indoor use.

Do you have an SDS sheet for PWT Treated LVL?

Is there any risk when handling PWT Treated LVL? What precautions should be taken?

The risks associated with touching/handling PWT Treated™ LVL are no worse than those of untreated LVL.

Always wear proper PPE per the safety data sheet.
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Keep away from open flames, hot surfaces, and sources of ignition.
Ensure adequate ventilation or use appropriate respiratory protection to avoid wood dust inhalation.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling this product.
Remove and wash contaminated clothing before re-use.

What would happen if someone were to ingest PWT Treated LVL? What precautions should be taken after such exposure?

The hazards are no worse than those of untreated LVL.

Per the SDS: Ingestion is not an expected route of exposure. Rinse mouth. Immediate medical attention is not required.

Do I have to re-treat cut ends, notches and holes?

No, since PWT Treated LVL is treated throughout the piece (no gradient), re-treatment is not necessary. However, it is recommended to recoat cuts with a sealer or paint to minimize swelling, as moisture will wick into end-grain fibers more quickly than edges and faces.

Can I stain or paint PWT Treated LVL?

Yes, PWT Treated LVL can be stained or painted.

Do I need flashing for PWT Treated LVL?

Proper flashing is required over ledger boards to meet code. Refer to building code requirements for ledger boards.

Flashing (metal or plastic) or approved flashing tape is required on any upward horizontal surfaces of the PWT Treated LVL to satisfy the warranty.

Flashing tape must have passed design standard AAMA 711-13, Level 3, Class A, perform in high and low temperature extremes, and have minimum UV protection of 120 days exposure.

Deck drainage systems that cover upward horizontal surfaces of PWT Treated LVL joists and beams, preventing wetting from occurring, are acceptable substitutions for flashing on the joists and beams.

Failure to use proper flashing, approved flashing tape, and/or proper deck drainage systems will void the warranty.

Failure to apply flashing in accordance to the manufacturers’ written installation instructions and as required by code will void the warranty.

Can I put cladding over PWT Treated LVL beams and joists?

Cladding is allowed if it will not trap moisture, as this will reduce the performance and life expectancy of even treated wood products.

How should I dispose of PWT Treated LVL?

PWT Treated LVL can be disposed of in the same manner as untreated LVL.

I have heard of ACQ (alkaline copper quaternary), copper azole (CA), and MCA (micronized copper azole). I have not heard of PTI. Is it common?

ACQ, CA, and MCA are chemicals used for post-manufacture, pressure treating of wood products. PWT Treated LVL uses a PTI based system. PTI stands for Propiconazole (fungicide), Tebuconazole (fungicide), and Imidacloprid (Insecticide). Our PWT Treated LVL has twice the PTI retentions required for UC3B, with no gradient that you would see in pressure treated lumber.

PTI is very common. It has been around for over 20 years. These PTI protection systems are used for many types of wood products including decking, fencing, siding, windows, sheathing, flooring, framing and other wood and wood-based building materials.

Is PWT Treated LVL a ‘green’ building product?

Yes, PWT Treated LVL qualifies as a ‘green’ building product. Its materials are sustainable, wood is a renewable resource that stores carbon, and its regulated toxins are well below EPA tolerances. PWT Treated LVL also qualifies as a no added urea-formaldehyde (NAUF) and ultra-low-emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) product.

The Green Verification Report documents compliance with recognized green building standards.

PWT Rim Board Questions

What is rim board?

Engineered wood rim board is a structural component that works with floor or roof framing members. EWP rim board is manufactured to match the depth of wood I-Joists and LVL. A rim joist is a structural member that runs perpendicular to and is connected to the ends of floor or roof joists. The terms rim board and rim joist are often used interchangeably.

Engineered wood rim board products should be used with engineered wood joists. Solid sawn rim boards may shrink at a different rate than engineered wood products resulting in dimensional incompatibility. See WIJMA rim board position statement.

General Questions

Can a Fire Protective Coating be applied to PWT products?

What are wet use conditions?

What is EWP?

EWP (Engineered Wood Products) are developed by combining raw wood and adhesives during the fabrication process.

What is a “Code Report” and where can I find one?

Code Reports are used by building officials and design professionals to determine a product’s compliance with building codes and standards. The report also includes a description of product use, design values, and how to identify the product. Code Reports are issued by entities that have reviewed test reports and audit a manufacturer’s quality management system.

Can PWT products be used outside?

With the exception of PWT Treated LVL, PWT products should be used where the in-service moisture content of lumber does not exceed 16%.

South Dakota

Distributor: Building Products, Inc.       

Contact: Chadd Furley  

Phone: (712) 366-2521 

Email: [email protected]  

Website: https://bpi.build/

Distributor: Weekes Forest Products Inc.          

Contact: Justin Matthiesen       

Phone: (701) 237-6864 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.weekesforest.com

South Carolina

Distributor: Woodford Plywood

Contact: Mike Daignault           

Phone: (770) 652-5827 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.woodfordplywood.com

Distributor: Boise Cascade BMD – Greensboro   

Contact: Cory Peters    

Phone: (336) 291-0860 

Email: [email protected]       

Website: www.bc.com

Tennessee

Distributor: Dairyman’s Supply Company, Inc. – KY         

Contact: Andrew Cook 

Phone: (270) 247-5641 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.dairymanssupply.com

Oregon

Distributor: Boise Cascade BMD  – Medford (Treated Only)        

Contact: Jeff Pons        

Phone: (541) 842-0021 

Email: [email protected]          

Website: www.bc.com

Distributor: Boise Cascade BMD – Vancouver (Treated Only)      

Contact: Randy Barto   

Phone: (360) 693-0057 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bc.com

Oklahoma

Distributor: Boise Cascade BMD – Tulsa 

Contact: Dave Burrough

Phone: (918) 307-4311 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bc.com

Ohio

Distributor: Boise Cascade BMD – Marion          

Contact: Jim Egolf        

Phone: (740) 382-6766 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bc.com

North Dakota

Distributor: Building Products, Inc.       

Contact: Chadd Furley  

Phone: (712) 366-2521 

Email: [email protected]  

Website: https://bpi.build/

Distributor: Weekes Forest Products Inc.          

Contact: Justin Matthiesen       

Phone: (701) 237-6864 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.weekesforest.com

New Mexico

Distributor: Huttig Building Products    

Contact: Turner Garr    

Phone: (602) 415-6200 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.huttig.com/

New York

Distributor: Eastern Engineered Wood Products, Inc.    

Contact: Kevin Meadows          

Phone: (516) 314-1810 

Email: [email protected]  

Website: www.eewp.com

Distributor: Universal Forest Products  

Contact: Lucas Ahl       

Phone: (518) 828-2888

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.ufpi.com

New Hampshire

Distributor: Coastal Forest Products     

Contact: Bill Sweeney   

Phone: (603) 520-1115 

Email: [email protected]         

Website: www.coastalforestproducts.com

Distributor: Universal Forest Products  

Contact: John Michalski

Phone: (413) 323-7247 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.ufpi.com

North Carolina

Distributor: South-East Lumber Co.       

Contact: Brad Alicie      

Phone: (336) 399-9879 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://south-eastlumber.com

Distributor: Boise Cascade BMD – Greensboro   

Contact: Cory Peters    

Phone: (336) 291-0860 

Email: [email protected]       

Website: www.bc.com

Distributor: Eastern Engineered Wood Products, Inc. 

Contact: John Ransom   

Email: [email protected]  

Website: www.eewp.com

New Jersey

Distributor: Eastern Engineered Wood Products, Inc.    

Contact: Mike Redding 

Phone: (484) 853-3100 

Email: [email protected]   

Website: www.eewp.com

Distributor: Universal Forest Products  

Contact: Brian Rasich   

Phone: (484) 353-2684 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.ufpi.com

Mississippi

Distributor: Dairyman’s Supply Company, Inc. – AL         

Contact: Jeremiah Champion    

Phone: (256) 613-0425 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.dairymanssupply.com

Missouri

Distributor: BlueLinx    

Contact: Jerry Holmes  

Phone: (816) 389-6924 

Email: [email protected]    

Website: www.bluelinxco.com

Distributor: Building Products, Inc.       

Contact: Chadd Furley  

Phone: (712) 366-2521

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://bpi.build/

Distributor: Boise Cascade BMD – Kansas City    

Contact: Don Happel    

Phone: (816) 347-7448 

Email: [email protected]       

Website: www.bc.com

Montana

Distributor: Boise Cascade BMD – Billings (treated only) 

Contact: Mark Paine    

Phone: (406) 652-3250 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bc.com

Nebraska

Distributor: Building Products, Inc.       

Contact: Chadd Furley  

Phone: (712) 366-2521 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://bpi.build/

Nevada

Distributor: Geo. M. Huff Lumber Company (Southern California)          

Contact: John Ivey        

Phone: (562) 921-1331 

Email: [email protected]    

Website: http://hufflumber.net/

Distributor: Building Material Distributors, Inc. (Northern California)     

Contact: Jim Schott      

Phone: (925) 295-9460 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.bmdusa.com/northern-california/

Michigan

Distributor: Boise Cascade BMD – Detroit          

Contact: Chris Jarjosa   

Phone: (734) 341-4824 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bc.com

Minnesota

Distributor: Building Products, Inc.       

Contact: Chadd Furley  

Phone: (712) 366-2521 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://bpi.build/

Distributor: Building Products, Inc.       

Contact: Chadd Furley  

Phone: (712) 366-2521 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://bpi.build/

Massachusetts

Distributor: Coastal Forest Products     

Contact: Bill Sweeney   

Phone: (603) 520-1115 

Email: [email protected]         

Website: www.coastalforestproducts.com

Distributor: Universal Forest Products  

Contact: John Michalski

Phone: (413) 323-7247 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.ufpi.com

Louisiana

Distributor: Boise Cascade BMD  – Tulsa

Contact: Dave Burrough

Phone: (918) 307-4311 

Email: [email protected]

Website:  www.bc.com

Maine

Distributor: Coastal Forest Products     

Contact: Bill Sweeney   

Phone: (603) 520-1115 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.coastalforestproducts.com

Kentucky

Distributor: Dairyman’s Supply Company, Inc. – KY         

Contact: Andrew Cook 

Phone: (270) 247-5641 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.dairymanssupply.com

Maryland

Distributor: Eastern Engineered Wood Products, Inc.

Contact: Jeff McLaughlin          

Phone: (443) 934-1005 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.eewp.com

Kansas

Distributor: BlueLinx    

Contact: Jerry Holmes  

Phone: (816) 389-6924

Email: [email protected]    

Website: www.bluelinxco.com

Distributor: Building Products, Inc.       

Contact: Chadd Furley  

Phone: (712) 366-2521 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://bpi.build/

Distributor: Boise Cascade BMD – Kansas City    

Contact: Don Happel    

Phone: (816) 347-7448 

Email: [email protected]       

Website: www.bc.om

Idaho

Distributor: J.M. Thomas Forest Products         

Contact: Shawn Batis   

Phone: (208) 941-4771 

Email: [email protected]         

Website: https://www.thomasforest.com/index.html

Illinois

Distributor: U.S. Glu-Lam         

Contact: Mack Pierce   

Phone: (708) 535-6506 

Email: [email protected]         

Website: www.usglulam.com

Distributor: Boise Cascade BMD – St Louis         

Contact: Larry Grooms 

Phone: (618) 491-7030 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bc.com

Iowa

Distributor: Building Products, Inc.       

Contact: Chadd Furley  

Phone: (712) 366-2521 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://bpi.build/

Hawaii

Distributor: Boise Cascade BMD – Vancouver (Treated Only)      

Contact: Peter Grazien 

Phone: (360) 906-5747 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bc.com

Indiana

Distributor: U.S. Glu-Lam         

Contact: Mack Pierce   

Phone: (708) 535-6506 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.usglulam.com

Distributor: Boise Cascade BMD – Cincinnati      

Contact: Jim Egolf        

Phone: (740) 382-6766 

Email: [email protected]       

Website: www.bc.com

Florida

Distributor: Woodford Plywood

Contact: Mike Daignault           

Phone: (770) 652-5827 

Email: [email protected] 

Website: www.woodfordplywood.com

Delaware

Distributor: Eastern Engineered Wood Products, Inc.    

Contact: Mike Redding 

Phone: (484) 853-3100 

Email: [email protected]   

Website: www.eewp.com

Distributor: Universal Forest Products  

Contact: Yogi Ward      

Phone: (410) 251-1983 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.ufpi.com

Connecticut

Distributor: Coastal Forest Products     

Contact: Bill Sweeney   

Phone: (603) 623-4100 

Email: [email protected]  

Website: www.coastalforestproducts.com

Distributor: Universal Forest Products  

Contact: John Michalski

Phone: (413) 977-6896 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.ufpi.com

Colorado

Distributor: Snavely Forest Products     

Contact: Dave Cox        

Phone: (303) 503-1307 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://snavelyforestproducts.com/

Alaska

Distributor: Builders Choice Lumber LLC

Contact: Eugene Pak    

Phone: (907) 375-1241 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://asrcconstruction.com/services/building-materials/  

Distributor: Boise Cascade BMD – Woodinville (Treated Only)    

Contact: Scott Remlinger          

Phone: (425) 402-1298 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bc.com

Arkansas

Distributor: Boise Cascade BMD  – Tulsa

Contact: Dave Burrough

Phone: (918) 307-4311

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.bc.com

California

Distributor: Building Material Distributors, Inc. (Northern California)     

Contact: Jim Schott      

Phone: (925) 295-9460 

Email: [email protected]   

Website: https://www.bmdusa.com/northern-california/

Distributor: Geo. M. Huff Lumber Company (Southern California)          

Contact: John Ivey        

Phone: (562) 921-1331 

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://hufflumber.net/

Contact Us

PWT Treated FAQS

Pacific Woodtech has teamed up with Kop-Coat to create the only commercially available fully treated LVL. Called “TRU-CORE® technology,” this process was developed to move treatment chemicals through wood; the migration process is accelerated when energy, such as heat from an LVL press, is added.

The difference is that traditional processes use VOCs and/or incising to drive treatment into only the outer 0.4” perimeter of a wood member, while the patented TRU-CORE® technology can drive treatment into the entire member (no gradient) without adding regulated mineral solvents or water-based drivers, which can affect strength and/or void warranties in engineered wood products.

PWT Treated LVL can be used in exterior construction above ground applications (UC3B) and for components that are difficult to maintain, repair, or replace and are critical to the performance and safety of the entire system.

Any above-ground interior or exterior use such as deck beams, deck joists, deck columns (when on piers of 8” or greater in height, with a 1” offset). It is also a great product for treated sill plates, when used with a foam gasket for separation from the concrete, which is required by code. PWT Treated LVL should not be used in “ground contact.”

Douglas-fir is a “refractory species,” which means it has different anatomical properties, such as pore size and structure, making traditional treating processes difficult. However, when you look at the physiology of dry Douglas-fir, you will see that with some modern technology, it can be treated quite easily.

Kop-Coat’s TRU-CORE® technology offers full penetration of Douglas-fir using modern preservatives. See ESR-3834 for additional details.

Many western species are considered refractory species.

No, the treatment continues to normalize for about 24 hours after the LVL is pressed. After that time, the process has stabilized within the product.

Kop-Coat developed the technology, who had applied for their first patent on this in 2004. To date, there are over 90 commercial wood treatment penetration programs across the globe.

Other companies have tried to develop similar penetration technologies but have failed.

All organic molecules degrade over time – regardless of treatment process. The ones selected for TRU-CORE® technology retain their strength for 30 to 60 years in use – this is a significant improvement over traditional treatment processes where only the outer layer of wood fiber is treated.

The LVL will also be stamped/marked “PWT TREATED” and will have a muted olive colored sealer that is different than the standard Pacific Woodtech “honey brown” sealer on untreated LVL.

There are no solvents or VOCs in the treatment, so the genuine smell of wood is retained.

Yes, the active chemicals used in the treatment process are below EPA levels for indoor use.

The risks associated with touching/handling PWT Treated LVL are no worse than those of untreated LVL.

Always wear proper PPE per the safety data sheet

  • Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
  • Keep away from open flames, hot surfaces, and sources of ignition.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation or use appropriate respiratory protection to avoid wood dust inhalation.
  • Do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling this product.
  • Remove and wash contaminated clothing before re-use.

The hazards are no worse than those of untreated LVL.

Per the SDS:  Ingestion is not an expected route of exposure.  Rinse mouth. Immediate medical attention is not required.

No, since PWT Treated LVL is treated throughout the piece (no gradient), re-treatment is not necessary. However, it is recommended to recoat cuts with a sealer or paint to minimize swelling, as moisture will wick into end-grain fibers more quickly than edges and faces.

Yes, PWT Treated LVL can be stained or painted.

Proper flashing is required over ledger boards to meet code. Refer to building code requirements for ledger boards.

Flashing (metal or plastic) or approved flashing tape is required on any upward horizontal surfaces of the PWT Treated™ LVL to satisfy the warranty.

Flashing tape must have passed design standard AAMA 711-13, Level 3, Class A, perform in high and low temperature extremes, and have minimum UV protection of 120 days exposure.

Deck drainage systems that cover upward horizontal surfaces of PWT Treated™ LVL joists and beams, preventing wetting from occurring, are acceptable substitutions for flashing on the joists and beams.

Failure to use proper flashing, approved flashing tape, and/or proper deck drainage systems will void the warranty.

Failure to apply flashing in accordance to the manufacturers’ written installation instructions and as required by code will void the warranty.

Cladding is allowed if it will not trap moisture, as this will reduce the performance and life expectancy of even treated wood products.

PWT Treated LVL can be disposed of in the same manner as untreated LVL.

ACQ, CA, and MCA are chemicals used for post-manufacture, pressure treating of wood products. PWT Treated LVL uses a PTI based system. PTI stands for Propiconazole (fungicide), Tebuconazole (fungicide), and Imidacloprid (Insecticide). Our PWT Treated LVL has twice the PTI retentions required for UC3B, with no gradient that you would see in pressure treated lumber.

PTI is very common. It has been around for over 20 years. These PTI protection systems are used for many types of wood products including decking, fencing, siding, windows, sheathing, flooring, framing and other wood and wood-based building materials.

Yes, PWT Treated LVL qualifies as a ‘green’ building product.  Its materials are sustainable, wood is a renewable resource that stores carbon, and its regulated toxins are well below EPA tolerances.  PWT Treated LVL also qualifies as a no added urea-formaldehyde (NAUF) and ultra-low-emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) product.

The Green Verification Report documents compliance with recognized green building standards. 

PWI Joist Details and Notes

PWI Joist Roofs

PWI Joist Floors

PWI Joist Product Identification