Andre Lema, business development manager for Edmonton-based Western Archrib, says he’s seeing a resurgence of people building wood structures.
"People like the look of wood and using wood is a cost-saving feature," he says. "You don’t need dropped ceilings or other finishes. Wood looks good as is."
Western Archrib has a 60-year history in the structural wood systems industry.
The company, which today has production facilities in Alberta and southwestern Manitoba, started out providing glue laminated beams for barns and community centres. In the 1960s, Western Archrib branched out into building storage facilities for the potash industry in western Canada.
Today, Western Archrib sells its products and expertise worldwide. Among recent projects in western Canada, Lema cites five light-rail transit stations in Vancouver, ATCO Canada’s new headquarters in Calgary and the Winnipeg Humane Society’s new Joyce Gauthier Behaviour and Training Centre.
"Although we are not on site," Lema says, "we work closely with architects, engineers, general contractors and building designers providing cost-effective solutions to unique and distinctive designs, while maintaining their integrity."
The company produces beams and arches, cross arms, power poles, roof and floor trusses and other building products for a wide variety of customers.
"We provide a comprehensive service, including detailed cost analysis, 3D modelling, CNC framing, design and fabrication, steel connections, finishes and pre-assembly," Lema says.
One of Western Archrib’s most popular product lines is glulam. Lema notes that no other engineered wood product offers the same variety of shapes and versatility as glulam.
One of the major advantages of glulam, Lema adds, is its freedom from major checking due to the exclusive use of kiln dried lumber in its fabrication. According to CSA 0122 specifications, laminations are glued with a moisture content of seven to 15 per cent. This approximates the moisture content in normal use and thereby reduces checking. However, some seasoning checks may occur when members are installed under conditions that require rapid adjustment to a much lower equilibrium moisture content.
IJC-Westlam, Lema points out, has been designed specifically to match the depth of I-joists used in residential and light commercial construction. Its single piece design and balanced lay-up make IJC-Westlam a cost-competitive solution in flush flooring applications.
And Westlam columns can be left exposed in many applications. They are also strong enough to carry the increased loads of today’s long span beams.
Western Archrib’s WESTDEK is manufactured to the same standards as glulam and is guaranteed to possess the same long-standing history of durability. This product combines structural capacity with a finish and can be used as a roof or floor panel.
"With two production facilities, three sales offices (in Edmonton, Vancouver and Boissevain in southwestern Manitoba), and a network of distributors, we are well positioned to provide project of any size across North America and beyond," Lema says.
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