LP Building Products Launches 225i I-joist at Ecobuild 2011

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- LP Building Products had a successful showing at Ecobuild 2011 with the launch of LP SolidStart 225i, the first and only I-joist product specifically manufactured for use in Great Britain as a direct replacement of timber joists. LP SolidStart 225i was made to match UK specifications and building methods.

"Interest at the show was exceptional for the 225i product and LP SolidStart LSL as rim board and floor joists, resulting not only in product orders but also in the addition of a number of new stocking dealer locations," said Al Huber, International Sales Manager. "The UK market now has 16 LP SolidStart stocking dealers including Elliott Brothers, an eight-location dealer that signed on at the show."

LP SolidStart 225i is ideally suited to both traditional build and timber frame building methods. The web of every LP SolidStart 225i is made of a specialty grade of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and the flanges are made from machine stress-rated lumber, creating an I-joist that is straighter and more uniform in strength, stiffness and size than most traditional timber. Wider flanges offer easier nailing and increased stability for enhanced floor performance. In addition, more consistent moisture content makes the 225i less prone to issues such as twisting, warping and shrinking. The result is a light, strong I-joist that makes true and uniform floors and ceilings possible for residential construction.

By matching traditional UK brick and block coursing and standard EU Glulam depth, LP SolidStart 225i creates a more thermally efficient structure, helping the builder meet the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) Level 3 requirements. The 225i also accommodates holes for mechanical ducting and can accommodate installation requirements of MVHR systems more easily than solid timber joists.

LP SolidStart LSL Rim Board is ideal for teaming with LP SolidStart 225i. LP SolidStart Rim Board has none of the knots and wane found in traditional timber. It is available in long lengths and matches any I-joist depth from 145mm to 406mm. The product features high vertical load capacity and is manufactured to European metric depths with an end and edge seal for protection against harsh UK climates. And it offers significant nail holding capabilities while resisting warping, splitting and twisting. LP SolidStart Rim Board has an approved IFC 60-minute and 90-minute fire rating.

"LP SolidStart 225i was specifically built for the UK," said Huber. "The product not only assists with CSH compliance, but its strategic sizing saves time and reduces waste. It's a simple, more effective alternative to traditional timber joists."

LP SolidStart products are created primarily from smaller, fast-growing trees. The Chain of Custody (CoC) is certified by both the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) schemes and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).

All LP SolidStart products sold in the UK meet the standards of the British Board of Agrement (BBA) and the National House-Building Council (NHBC). LP SolidStart LSL is backed by a lifetime, fully transferable limited warranty.

About LP Building Products

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation is a leading manufacturer of quality engineered wood building materials including OSB, structural framing products, and exterior siding for use in residential, industrial and light commercial construction. From manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Canada, Chile and Brazil, LP products are sold to builders and homeowners through building materials distributors and dealers and retail home centers. Founded in 1973, LP is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, USA and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under LPX. For more information, visit www.LPCorp.com/UK.