The checking of wood is due to differential shrinkage of the
wood flbres in the inner and outer portions of a wood member.
Glulam is manufactured from lamstock having a moisture content
of 7 to 15 percent. Because this range approximates the moisture
conditions for most end uses, checking is minimal in glulam
members. Proper transit, storage and construction methods help
to avoid rapid changes in the moisture content of laminated
members. Severe moisture content changes can result from the
sudden application of heat to buildings under construction in
cold weather, or from exposure of unprotected members to
alternate wet and dry conditions as might occur during transit
and storage. Canadian glulam routinely receives a coat of
protective sealer before shipping and is wrapped for protection
during shipping and erection. The wrapping should be left in
place as long as possible and ideally until permanent protection
from the weather is in place. During on-site storage, glulam
should be stored off the ground with s