Secrets behind layered building materials

The nZEB Expo Cluj Cluj 2024in a very interesting presentation (video at the end of the article), Radu Vădan revealed to us the secrets behind an often overlooked aspect of construction: the adhesives used in wood laminates. Although seemingly a technical subject at first glance, his presentation revealed just how crucial this element is to the safety and durability of modern construction.

"When we think of a wood glue, what's the first that comes to mind?" Radu asked the audience. "Aracetul!" Smiling, he explained why this adhesive, though ubiquitous in woodworking shops, never finds its place in construction. Imagine a beam layered with aracite supporting a roof - in just a year or two, under the constant weight, the layers would begin to slide over one another, leading to the roof caving in.

The presentation continued with a foray into the fascinating world of modern layered materials. From the CLT of Canada's impressive 20+ storey timber-only buildings to the OSB in warehouses, each material has its own requirements and challenges when it comes to bonding.

One of the most interesting moments was about the "breathing" of wooden houses. "A wooden house breathes, right?" - this popular belief was elegantly deconstructed by Radu. "A house of wooden beams cut straight from the tree breathes. But a house that has an exterior wall made of OSB or plywood, doesn't breathe." The explanation? It's not the wood that's the problem, it's the adhesive layer that creates a vapor barrier.

Going through the different types of adhesives - from toxic but effective formaldehyde resins to modern zero-emission polyurethane resins - Radu highlighted the current trend in construction: the search for the perfect balance between performance and environmental and health impact.

Perhaps the most important lesson of the presentation was fire safety. In the event of a fire, minutes count. A beam bonded with the right adhesive can mean the difference between having time to evacuate the building and a catastrophic collapse. "In the event of a fire, a beam has to hold, to keep the structure standing until we have time to evacuate everyone," Radu emphasized.

For builders and homeowners, the message was clear: modern layered materials offer tremendous possibilities in construction, but their success depends largely on the right choice of adhesives and quality of workmanship. "You need to look for manufacturers who know how to make these structural elements properly, not make them improvised," Radu concluded, emphasizing the importance of working with verified specialists in the field.

Radu Vădan's presentation proved once again that in construction, as in life, seemingly small details can make the difference between success and failure. No detail is too small to ignore. Below Radu Vădan's presentation on stage at nZEB Expo Cluj 2024.