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FINE HOMEBUILDING WEBINARS

LVLs & PSLs: What’s the Difference?

Watch Patrick McCombe, Ian Schwandt, Brian Campbell, and Steve Rudowsky in this educational seminar on engineered wood beams.

By Patrick McCombe, Brian Campbell, Ian Schwandt

Sponsored by Trus Joist Weyerhaeuser

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      In this webinar, experts clarify the attributes that differentiate LVL’s (laminated veneer lumber) and PSL’s (parallel strand lumber) and discuss where they are used and how they work together. In addition, they highlight the strength of the two technologies, explain parallam—what it is and how it’s used—and provide a “nerdy” deflection of design. They discuss the many benefits of structural engineered beams such as open floor plans, progressive design, structural integrity, and overall uniformity for a cleaner, more precise finish to the build. The webinar concludes with a live Q&A.

      In this webinar, you will learn:

      • The upside of choosing single member-beam solutions
      • The challenges when using multiple LVL beams
      • Cost comparisons
      • Performance and weatherability

      Application areas include above garage doors, large window openings, sliding doors, areas needing a multi-ply ridge, basement center girders, and around stair framing.

      Presenters

      patrick mccombe Senior editor Patrick McCombe has been testing power tools and writing about residential construction on behalf of national publications for more than 17 years. Before Fine Homebuilding, his articles appeared in the Journal of Light Construction, Professional Deck Builder, and Fine Woodworking. Host of the Fine Homebuilding podcast he’s frequently on the road taking photos and visiting product manufacturers.
      Ian Schwandt In 2003, after laboring for remodelers and builders, Ian Schwandt started a 4-year carpentry apprenticeship at the Southeast Wisconsin Carpentry Training Center in Milwaukee, WI. The skills gained through his apprenticeship opened doors to a vast array of opportunity within the building trades. Being the foreman on a production finish carpentry crew led to working as a superintendent on large commercial projects for the healthcare industry. A desire to return to his roots as a carpenter and craftsperson started a journey from flipping houses in the recession to operating a one-man architectural woodworking shop, and finally coming full circle back to residential remodeling as a lead carpenter. Recently, Ian has shifted his focus to applying his experience in managing the cost structures of commercial construction to residential remodeling as an estimator and project developer.
      brian campbell Brian Campbell is a finish carpenter for Solid (gottabesolid.com) in Saint Paul, Minn. He has a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University, where he studied forestry and began learning about wood science and wood properties. Brian is passionate about methods of finish carpentry that produce good work efficiently, and is excited to begin training and developing new carpenters at Solid.
      steve rudowsky Weyerhaeuser Trus Joist Territory Manager Steve Rudowsky brings decades of experience to his sales role. Based in greater Philadelphia area, Steve focuses his efforts serving builders using Trus Joist products in residential construction. Prior to his 6 years at Weyerhaeuser, Steve was a third-generation builder who worked alongside his father constructing commercial, residential, and agricultural buildings. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and holds a secondary teaching certificate in vocational agriculture. Steve resides in Pennsylvania with his wife and two teenage sons enjoying all things woodworking and outdoor activities.

       

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