Does anyone out there know of a LVL manufacturer making dimension lumber treated for use in contact with concrete. I’m getting ready to build window and door bucks for use in a styrofoam form walkout basement. Pressure treated lumber has a tendency to turn into pretzels at this altitude and our building inspector will not allow using a moisture barrier on standard LVL. Would really appreciate any help with this.
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Arxx and some of the other ICF manufacturers offer PVC window and door buck material which, after the pour, give the isolation from the concrete for whatever R/O material you prefer.
They're a channel profile and plenty sturdy....with today's PT with all its pitfalls, the PVC buck material is probably a good alternative.
Might not hurt to talk with your inspector about this. There is no code provision for his decision -- the prohibition is against direct contact.
If you were to flash the LVL with a 60 mil bituthane membrane there would be no rational reason to prohibit this. If your inspector needs belt-and-suspenders, you could go with 60-mil adhesive membrane (like Mira-Dri Grace) and sheet metal.
Power always thinks it has a great soul and vast views beyond the
comprehension of the weak; and that it is doing God's service when it is
violating all his laws. -John Adams, 2nd US president (1735-1826)
Why use an LVL? We used dimensional lumber wrapped in felt paper for window bucks. The VBuck vinyl product was crazy expensive.
BTW - whats your altitude? PT twists pretty well here near sea level too!
Edited 2/22/2006 7:14 pm ET by Brian
Here's one. http://www.trusjoist.com/PDFFiles/2111.pdf I haven't used the treated products but use the standard products all the time. Good products, good design help, good support.
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