CLT

CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER

CLT

CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER
Addresses

319, rue Franquet

Québec, QC
Canada G1P 4R4
418 659-2647

2665 East Mall

Vancouver, BC
Canada V6T 1W5
604 224-3221

Head Office
570, boul. St-Jean
Pointe-Claire, QC
Canada H9R 3J9
514 630-4100

www.fpinnovations.ca

Special Publication SP-528E

CL
CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER

Edited by
Sylvain Gagnon
and Ciprian Pirvu

FPInnovations
Québec, QC
Special Publication SP-528E

2011
 Contents
Introduction
1
C h a p t e r
to cross-laminated timber

Cross-laminated
2
C h a p t e r
timber manufacturing

Structural design
C h a p t e r
3 of cross-laminated timber elements

Seismic performance
4
C h a p t e r
of cross-laminated timber buildings

Connections in
C h a p
ter
5 cross-laminated timber buildings

Duration of load and creep factors

C h a p t e r
6 for cross-laminated timber panels

Vibration performance
7
C h a p t e r
of cross-laminated timber floors

Fire performance
C h a p
ter
8 of cross-laminated timber assemblies

Acoustic performance
9
C h a p t e r
of cross-laminated timber assemblies

Building enclosure design

10
C h a p t e r
of cross-laminated timber construction

Environmental performance
C h a p t e r
11 of cross-laminated timber

C h a p Lifting and
ter
12 handling of CLT elements
 Preface
FPInnovations’ Building Systems Research Program has been generating technical data to facilitate:
■
Platform Frame Wood Construction
■
Heavy Timber Frame Construction
■
Cross-Laminated Timber Construction
Multi-disciplinary teams working in cooperation with the design and construction community
and research alliances have contributed greatly to the application of Platform Frame and Heavy Timber
Frame systems together with hybrid systems in Canada.
Cross-laminated timber (CLT), an emerging successful system from Europe, has been identified
by the forest products industry, the research and wood design communities as a new opportunity
for increasing the use of wood in non-traditional applications.
Building on the European experience, FPInnovations has prepared this peer-reviewed CLT Handbook to:
■
Provide immediate support for the design and construction of CLT systems as alternative solutions
in building codes;
■
Provide technical information for implementation of CLT systems in building codes and standards.
This FPInnovations CLT Handbook, prepared under the Transformative Technologies Program
of Natural Resources Canada, provides technical information relating to manufacturing,
all aspects of design and construction, and environmental considerations.

Erol Karacabeyli, M.A.Sc., P.Eng., FPInnovations

Richard Desjardins, M.Sc., Eng., FPInnovations

Acknowledgements
The completion of such an exhaustive manual on this new, but very promising technology was a great
venture that would not have been possible without the contribution of many people and numerous
national and international organizations.
First and most of all, we would like to express our special thanks to all researchers and technicians
at FPInnovations who, through their work and knowledge, contributed to the writing of individual
chapters. To the same extent, special thanks go to all reviewers and collaborators from external sources
who shared their precious time and expertise in improving this manual.
We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to Natural Resources Canada for the financing and
support provided through the Transformative Technologies Program. We also wish to acknowledge the full
assistance and support provided by FPInnovations’ management: Pierre Lapointe, Jim Dangerfield,
Alan Potter, Hervé Deschênes, Richard Desjardins and Erol Karacabeyli.
Our very special thanks to Madeline Leroux, who did very well in transforming ideas and concepts into
drawings. Thanks also to Norine Young, Marie-Claude Thibault and Bill Deacon for the editing review;
to Odile Fleury for her help in bibliographic references; and to Richard Gosselin for his appreciated
experienced advices. The graphic design and layout was performed by Propage (www.propage.com).

Sylvain Gagnon
Funding for this publication
was provided by

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

CLT handbook : cross-laminated timber / edited by Sylvain Gagnon
and Ciprian Pirvu. -- Canadian ed.
(Special publication, ISSN 1925-0495 ; SP-528E)
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 978-0-86488-547-0
1. Laminated wood. 2. Laminated wood construction. 3. Engineered
wood construction. I. Gagnon, Sylvain, 1970- II. Pirvu, Ciprian, 1968-
III. Title: Cross-laminated timber. IV. Series: Special publication
(FPInnovations (Institute)) ; SP-528E
TA666.C57 2011 624.1’84 C2010-907793-8

©2011, FPInnovations®

ISSN 1925-0495
ISBN 978-0-86488-547-0

For additional copies and/or

further information, contact
FPInnovations

319, rue Franquet 2665 East Mall

Québec, QC Vancouver, BC
Canada G1P 4R4 Canada V6T 1W5
418 659-2647 604 224-3221
Printed in Canada

www.fpinnovations.ca
 cross-laminated timber construction
Building enclosure design of

CHAPTER
Authors
10
Graham Finch, P.Eng., Dipl.T, M.A.Sc., EIT, RDH Building Engineering Ltd.
Dave Ricketts, P.Eng., Principal, RDH Building Engineering Ltd.
Jieying Wang, Ph.D., FPInnovations
Constance Thivierge, Eng., M.Sc., FPInnovations
Paul Morris, Ph.D., FPInnovations
Peer Reviewers
Mario D. Gonçalves, Eng., Principal, Patenaude-Trempe Inc.
Mark Lawton, Eng., Principal, Morrison Hershfield Ltd.
Annette Neylon, P.Eng., C.Eng., M.Sc., Associated Engineering
Douglas L. Watts, P.Eng., MAIBC, CP, BEP, LEED AP, Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.

FORIN-Chapitre 10.indd 2 10-12-22 15:51

 Acknowledgements

Financial support for this study was provided by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) under the Transformative
Technologies Program, which was created to identify and accelerate the development and introduction of
products such as cross-laminated timber in North America.

FPInnovations expresses its thanks to its industry members, NRCan (Canadian Forest Service), the Provinces
of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick,
Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Yukon Territory for their continuing guidance and financial support.

©2011 FPInnovations. All rights reserved.

No part of this published Work may be reproduced, published, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, whether or not in translated form, without the prior written permission of FPInnovations, except
that members of FPInnovations in good standing shall be permitted to reproduce all or part of this Work for their own use but not for resale, rental or
otherwise for profit, and only if FPInnovations is identified in a prominent location as the source of the publication or portion thereof, and only so long
as such members remain in good standing.
This published Work is designed to provide accurate, authoritative information but it is not intended to provide professional advice. If such advice
is sought, then services of a FPInnovations professional could be retained.

FORIN-Chapitre 10.indd 2 10-12-22 15:51

 Abstract

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) has become popular in Europe for the prefabricated construction of wall, roof
and flooring elements. The use of CLT in North America is gaining interest in both the construction and wood
industries. Several North American manufacturers are in the process of product and manufacturing assessment or
have already started pilot production.

For general principles of durability by design, the Best Practice Guide for Wood-Frame Envelopes (CMHC,
1999) and the Building Enclosure Design Guide – Wood-Frame Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (HPO, 2010)
should be referred to for the design and construction of CLT buildings. The use of prefabricated CLT panels does
not change the basic heat, air and moisture control design criteria for an exterior wall or roof assembly. However,
different from conventional stick-built wood-frame buildings, the design of CLT building enclosures requires
additional attention due to the unique characteristics of the product. CLT panels are massive solid wood elements
and therefore have low vapour permeability and may provide a considerable level of insulation. They have a certain
level of inherent air tightness but usually require an additional air barrier. The panels may absorb a large amount
of moisture when exposed to excessive wetting and the consequent drying may be slow due to the mass of wood
in such panels.

This chapter focuses on best practice heat, air and moisture control strategies for wall assemblies that utilize CLT
panels in North American climate zones. The overlying strategies are to place insulation in such a way that the
panels are kept warm and dry, to prevent moisture from being trapped or accumulating within the panel, and to
control airflow through the panels, and at the joints and interfaces between them.

It is intended that these guidelines should assist practitioners in adapting CLT construction to North American
conditions and ensuring a long life for their buildings. However, these guidelines are not intended to substitute
for the input of a professional building scientist. This may be required in some jurisdictions, such as Vancouver BC,
and is recommended in all areas at least until such time as CLT construction becomes common practice.

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
iii

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 Table of Contents

Acknowledgements ii
Abstract iii
List of Tables v
List of Figures v
1 Introduction 1
2 Heat, Air and Moisture Control Strategies 3
2.1 Heat, Air and Moisture Control Strategies 3
2.1.1 Choosing a Suitable Exterior Insulation Material 4
2.2 Vapour Flow Control 5
2.2.2 CLT Panels as Vapour Control Layer 6
2.3 Rainwater and Exterior Moisture Control 6
2.4 Air Flow Control 7
3 Recommended CLT Panel Conceptual Design 9
3.1 Exterior Wall Assembly 9
3.2 Roof Assemblies 13
3.3 Detailing Considerations: Installation of Windows 17
3.4 Detailing Considerations: At Grade 19
4 Control of Moisture during Construction 21
5 Wood Preservative Treatment for Durability 22
6 Conclusions 23

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
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 List of Tables
Table 1 Examples of insulation thicknesses for CLT building assemblies 4

List of Figures
Figure 1 CLT panel constructed of three layers of cross-laminated board lumber to create a solid
wood panel suitable for prefabrication of whole wall, floor and roof elements 2

Figure 2 Best practice rainwater management strategy for CLT wall assembly. Detail shows a ventilated
and drained cladding rainscreen system where primary cladding and secondary drainage planes
are provided in addition to ventilation behind the cladding. This is typical of other exterior
insulated rainscreen wall assemblies. 7

Figure 3 Exterior insulated rainscreen clad CLT exterior wall assembly showing material sequencing
and schematic window penetration details 10

Figure 4 Cladding support strategy using vertical furring through rigid insulation board 11

Figure 5 Cladding support strategy using two layers of rigid insulation and two strapping members:
this configuration allows for the use of shorter screws and greater insulation thicknesses while
minimizing thermal bridging 12

Figure 6 Cladding support strategy using stud framing attached directly to CLT panel with semi-rigid
or batt insulation between framing 13

Figure 7 Top view of exterior insulated rainscreen clad CLT exterior wall transition to CLT sloped roof
assembly showing material sequencing 14

Figure 8 Bottom view of exterior insulated rainscreen clad CLT exterior wall transition to CLT sloped
roof assembly showing material sequencing 15

Figure 9 CLT flat roof detail showing material sequencing of a conventional roofing assembly with tie-in
to parapet of CLT wall 16

Figure 10 Window installation schematic using sloped wood sill and plywood box liner 18

Figure 11 At-grade CLT wall assembly schematic 20

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
v

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FORIN-Chapitre 10.indd 6 10-12-22 15:51
 1
Introduction

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) has become popular in Europe for the prefabricated construction of wall, roof,
and flooring elements. The use of CLT in North America is gaining interest in both the construction and wood
industries. Several North American manufacturers are in the process of product and manufacturing assessment
or have already started pilot production.

CLT panels are typically constructed by laminating three or more layers of lumber together, with each layer
rotated 90° relative to the neighbouring layers to create a solid wood panel. The lumber is most commonly
adhered using a structural adhesive, with or without edge-gluing between lamina in the same layer. Manufacturing
methods and lamina quality may have an impact on the final product properties but they do not affect the overall
design strategy.

For general principles of durability by design, the Best Practice Guide for Wood-Frame Envelopes (CMHC,
1999) and the Building Enclosure Design Guide – Wood-Frame Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (HPO, 2010)
should be referred to for the design and construction of CLT buildings. The use of prefabricated CLT panels does
not change the basic heat, air and moisture control design criteria for an exterior wall or roof assembly. However,
different from conventional stick-built wood-frame buildings, the design of CLT building enclosures requires
additional attention due to the unique characteristics of the product. CLT panels are massive solid wood elements
and therefore have low vapour permeability and may provide a considerable level of insulation. They have a certain
level of inherent air tightness but usually require an additional air barrier. The panels may absorb a large amount of
moisture when exposed to excessive wetting and the consequent drying may be slow due to the mass
of wood in such panels.

Although occasionally used in this way experimentally, CLT panels are not a cladding material and are not
designed to be exposed to the exterior environment. They are a moisture sensitive structural assembly, and
therefore must be protected from rain and other moisture sources through the use of properly designed
wall assemblies.

This chapter focuses on best practice heat, air and moisture control strategies for wall assemblies that utilize
CLT panels in North American climate zones. The overlying strategies are to place insulation in such a way that
the panels are kept warm and dry, to prevent moisture from being trapped or accumulating within the panel,
and to control airflow through the panels, and at the joints and interfaces between them.

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
1

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 Figure 1
CLT panel constructed of three layers of cross-laminated board lumber to create a solid wood panel suitable
for prefabrication of whole wall, floor and roof elements

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
2

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 2
Heat, Air
and Moisture
Control Strategies
2.1 Heat, Air and Moisture Control Strategies
Heat flow control is achieved using insulation to minimize space heat loss or gain through the building enclosure.
Air leakage control is also a key element of heat flow control.

Unlike stick-built wood-frame wall assemblies, where fibreglass batt insulation is traditionally placed between
the studs, CLT panels are solid and therefore require insulation, placed appropriately, on one side of the panel.

Being laminated solid wood, CLT inherently offers a nominal amount of insulation. Softwood species which
typically make up a CLT panel provide an R-value of approximately R-1.2 h·ft2·°F/Btu per inch, (i.e. R-4.2 for
a 3 ½ in. thick panel). While this inherent R-value is a good start, additional insulation must also be provided for
the wall assembly to meet local energy code requirements. In most Canadian jurisdictions, a nominal insulation
in the range of R-20 (RSI 3.52 K·m²/W) may be required in walls. In the case of this 3 ½ in. panel, it would be
necessary to add other insulating material with a minimum R-value of R-16 to the CLT wall assembly.

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
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 Table 1
Examples of insulation thicknesses for CLT building assemblies

Required Nominal CLT thickness CLT insulation Required thickness

Insulation of additional
insulation with
R-4/inch

R-value (RSI) inch (mm) R-value (RSI) inch (mm)

12 (2.11) 2.0 (50) 2.4 (0.42) 2.5 (64)

3.5 (89) 4.2 (0.74) 2.0 (51)

5.5 (140) 6.6 (1.16) 1.5 (38)

20 (3.52) 2.0 (50) 2.4 (0.42) 4.5 (114)

3.5 (89) 4.2 (0.74) 4.0 (102)

5.5 (140) 6.6 (1.16) 3.5 (89)

28 (4.93) 2.0 (50) 2.4 (0.42) 6.5 (165)

3.5 (89) 4.2 (0.74) 6.0 (152)

5.5 (140) 6.6 (1.16) 5.5 (140)

The placement of the insulation may significantly affect the moisture levels and durability of the wood panel
in service. In all climate zones, most types of insulation should be placed on the exterior side of the CLT panels.
This will keep the wood in a relatively constant warm and dry indoor environment and reduce the risk of moisture
damage. Section 2.1.1 shows that the use of vapour permeable insulation materials such as mineral or wood
fibreboards are recommended in lieu of less vapour permeable foam plastics. Where wood fibre insulation boards
are used outside the weather resistant barrier, the wood should be treated to minimize water uptake and possible
fungal growth, and wall penetrations properly detailed to prevent wetting of the insulation.

CLT panels themselves may offer aesthetic benefits and may be left exposed on the interior side to showcase the
solid wood finish if the fire safety and acoustic requirements allow. This is another reason why thermal insulation
should be placed on the exterior side of the panel. When used in certain building types, some jurisdictions may
require that the interior exposed wood surface be covered with gypsum drywall or other non-combustible finish to
meet fire safety requirements. In this scenario, it might be seen as desirable to place insulation on the interior side
of the panel; however, this wall assembly is not recommended as the CLT panel will be more vulnerable to wetting
caused by vapour diffusion from the interior, or wetting from rainwater or solar driven moisture from the exterior.

2.1.1 Choosing a Suitable Exterior Insulation Material

The common construction practice of building with CLT panels in Europe has been to insulate the panels with
wood fibreboard or rigid mineral fibreboard insulation. These products currently have limited availability in some
areas of North America, but have ideal properties for CLT construction.

Both rigid mineral fibre and wood fibre insulation boards are vapour permeable and have adequate R-values of
R-3.5 to R-4.0 h·ft2·°F/Btu per inch of thickness depending on density and other factors. In a jurisdiction requiring
R-20 to R-30 (RSI 3.52 to 5.28 K·m²/W) of nominal insulation, 4 to 7 in. (102 to 178 mm) of rigid wood or
mineral fibre insulation board would be necessary.
ChapTER 10 Enclosure
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 Rigid mineral fibre or wood fibre boards are preferred products because they may be rigid enough to allow
for furring or cladding supports to be structurally fastened directly through the insulation without the need
for additional framing on the exterior. Long screws (> 6 to 8 in.) are available and can be used to attach furring
directly through to the CLT panels to support the cladding, if this meets the structural requirements of the
cladding attachment. Otherwise, additional support for the insulation should be provided at each floor level.

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) or expanded polystyrene (EPS) may also be sufficiently rigid to screw furring
(strapping) through; however, the vapour permeability of these foam plastic insulations is relatively low, which
reduces the drying capacity of the CLT panel and may trap moisture within the wood panels. Modeling has shown
that drying through 3 to 5 in. of either EPS or XPS on the exterior side of a CLT assembly is slow, and can lead to
damage to CLT panels that are initially wet, wetted during construction, or exposed to humid indoor conditions
or a rainwater leak during service. The use of foam plastic insulation products is not ideal for insulating CLT wall
assemblies, particularly for a heating-dominated climate, because of their low permeability and the consequently
reduced drying capacity.

Less rigid, but vapour-permeable insulation materials including semi-rigid fibreglass or mineral wool boards
commonly available in North America, are also suitable for exterior insulating CLT panels, but require additional
framing on the exterior of the panels for cladding attachment. Because furring to support the cladding cannot
be nailed through these less-dense insulation boards, 2x4 or 2x6 studs or intermittent wood blocks need to be
attached or framed to the exterior of the CLT panels for cladding support. Semi-rigid insulation boards would
then be placed tightly between the wood framing.

2.2 Vapour Flow Control

The purpose of vapour control within a wall assembly is to limit the flow of moisture by vapour diffusion, thereby
preventing interstitial condensation. Vapour control is typically provided on the warm or high vapour pressure side
of the insulating layer because the moisture drive will then be towards the more vapour open side of the assembly.
Care must be taken to avoid a design where water vapour may become trapped within an assembly by incorrect
vapour retarder or barrier placement.

In a traditional wood-frame wall assembly, vapour flow control is achieved on the inside surface of the batt
insulation using a sheet of either asphalt impregnated kraft paper (a vapour retarder), polyethylene (a vapour
barrier), or in some cases application of a vapour retarding paint on the gypsum board.

The vapour permeance of a 3½ in. thick softwood CLT panel is less than 30 ng/Pa·s·m2 (~0.5 US perms) at normal
indoor RH levels, based on the typical vapour permeance of solid softwood. Therefore, the CLT panel itself will
control the flow of vapour through the assembly in most situations. This property must be considered in the design
of a wall assembly and should be used as a design advantage instead of disadvantage. This further highlights the
importance of placing insulation on the exterior side of the CLT panel to ensure the vapour retarding layer is on
the warm side of the insulation.

In order to comply with the prescriptive requirements of some local building codes, the use of a vapour barrier
material may be contemplated in design. However, the use of an additional interior vapour control layer (i.e.
vapour retarder paint, impermeable finish or polyethylene sheet) can limit drying to the interior. Therefore,
when gypsum sheathing is used on the interior surface of the CLT panel, the vapour permeance of the paint
or wall finish should be carefully considered. This is particularly important in warmer humid climates where
the predominant vapour drive is inwards. The installation of other materials within CLT panel assemblies which
restrict panel drying, including foam plastic insulation and self-adhered bituminous membranes on the outside
surface of the panels is not recommended as they will limit drying to the exterior. These recommendations apply to
all climate zones on the principle that assemblies utilizing CLT panels should be designed to allow vapour to flow
readily out of the assembly.

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
5

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 2.2.2 CLT Panels as Vapour Control Layer
The vapour permeance of wood varies with relative humidity and it has a lower permeance when exposed to a
lower RH. The vapour permeance of various wood species and directions of grain can be found in the ASHRAE
Handbook of Fundamentals, among other resources.

The vapour permeance of softwood lumber at normal indoor RH levels of 30 to 50% generally ranges from
less than 10 ng/Pa·s·m2 to as much as 110 ng/ Pa·s·m2 (0.17 to 1.9 US perms) for a 25 mm (1 in.) thick piece
of lumber. For a CLT panel thickness of 89 mm (3½ in.), the total vapour permeance would range from less than
3 ng/Pa·s·m2 to 30 ng/Pa·s·m2 (0.05 to 0.5 US perms). Following the performance levels intended in building
code requirements, the CLT panels themselves may meet the requirements for both a vapour retarder and
a vapour barrier.

2.3 Rainwater and Exterior Moisture Control

Rainwater management is critical to the long-term performance of all wood-frame wall assemblies. Beyond basic
design details such as using roof overhangs to shelter and reduce rainwater wetting of wall assemblies, CLT panel
wall designs require further protection. The best practice strategy for rainwater penetration control is a drained
and ventilated rainscreen cladding, which is common construction practice in the coastal climates of British
Columbia and Washington State, and other wet climates across North America. While this rainwater
control strategy may seem excessive in some climates, it may reduce problems associated with other exterior
wetting mechanisms.

This strategy as it applies to CLT panel walls dictates that a weather resistant barrier (WRB) will be either
mechanically fastened or adhered to the panels by the manufacturer in the factory or by the contractor
immediately after the CLT panels are erected on site. This will keep the panels relatively dry through the early
stages of delivery and construction. In line with the vapour open design philosophy and vapour control discussion,
the WRB material should have a high vapour permeance, (i.e. a house wrap or comparable product).

As shown in Figure 2, the WRB should then be covered with vapour permeable rigid insulation boards. Typically,
a cladding, such as fibre-cement board and stucco, would then need to be structurally attached to the CLT
panels. Cladding would not be attached directly to the CLT panels through insulation, because long screws
(> 6 to 8 in.) would be necessary for every attachment point. For cladding attachment, continuous vertical furring
(strapping) strips should be screwed through the rigid insulation to the CLT panel and the cladding should then
be attached to the furring with short fasteners. Depending on loading conditions, a structural analysis of this
cladding attachment scheme may be required. The gap between the furring strips creates an air space behind the
cladding, which is beneficial for both drainage and ventilation. This air space should, at minimum, be vented and
drained (opened at the bottom) or ideally ventilated and drained (i.e. by providing openings in the cladding
at both the top and bottom).

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
6

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 Figure 2
Best practice rainwater management strategy for CLT wall assembly. Detail shows a ventilated and drained
cladding rainscreen system where primary cladding and secondary drainage planes are provided in addition
to ventilation behind the cladding. This is typical of other exterior insulated rainscreen wall assemblies.

The practice of back-ventilating sidings such as wood, hardboard, and cement board is recommended by most
manufacturers to better ensure the long-term performance of their products. It is also beneficial to provide
an outlet for inward driven moisture from more absorptive claddings such as brick, stucco, stone and other
porous materials.

The cladding surface will shed the majority of the rainwater load on the wall; however, it is not the only line of
water penetration resistance. Moisture that does penetrate past the cladding will either run down the backside
of the cladding, the strapping, the surface of the insulation, or the final line of protection, the sealed WRB. Any
moisture which penetrates the cladding must then be drained back out of the assembly using flashings attached
to the CLT panel behind the WRB at floor levels and around penetrations such as windows.

2.4 Air Flow Control

Air infiltration and exfiltration is controlled through enclosure assemblies that prevent interstitial condensation
and minimize space heat energy loss or unwanted heat gain. Air flow through wall assemblies can be controlled
using either a single material or, more commonly, a series of materials which together make up a continuous
air barrier system.

In a traditional wood-frame wall assembly, air flow has to be controlled with an air barrier approach using either:
sealed polyethylene, air-tight drywall, sealed sheathing or sealed sheathing membrane.

CLT is a massive wood component but the air-tightness of CLT panels is dependent on the joints between the
individual boards and the individual layers. Gaps between individual boards or layers and checking in boards may
occur due to shrinkage during storage, transportation and construction as a result of drying or cyclical wetting
and drying. Manufacturing processes such as edge-gluing between boards can help improve the air-tightness of the
panels. If the CLT panels are used as part of the air barrier assembly within a building, appropriate measures such

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
7

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 as flexible sealant joints between CLT panels and other elements of the air barrier assembly would be required
for air barrier continuity. However, in most cases, the CLT panel itself cannot be relied upon for air tightness,
and it may be better practice to provide the primary air barrier system using other materials within the assembly.

The primary air barrier system could be the weather resistant barrier (WRB) adhered or mechanically fastened
to the exterior of the panel (sealed WRB approach) or a carefully detailed drywall layer on the interior side of the
panel (air-tight drywall approach). The effective implementation of the air barrier strategy would then rely on the
details to achieve continuity at penetrations such as windows or doors, as well as at interfaces with floors, ceilings,
balconies, decks, roofs and interior partitions. The details for such transitions would be similar to those used
in traditional wood-frame construction. The use of the water resistive barrier is the preferred approach in most
situations because there are fewer penetration and interface details to address.

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
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 3
Recommended
CLT Panel
Conceptual Design
3.1 Exterior Wall Assembly
Figures 3 and 4 demonstrate a CLT assembly where the exterior insulation is sufficiently rigid to allow for furring
strips to be screwed directly through it to the CLT panel with minimal compression. In this assembly, a continuous
WRB is applied before the rigid mineral fibreboard is placed on the exterior of the panel. Vertical furring such as
strips of plywood or 1x4 lumber are fastened directly through one layer of insulation to the CLT panels with long
screws (> 6 in.) to provide attachment points for the cladding, assuming this meets the structural requirements of
cladding attachment. This assembly is thermally most efficient. The space between the furring strips is left open to
provide drainage behind the cladding and openings are provided at the top and bottom of the wall for ventilation
of the cavity. The assembly shown does not contain gypsum drywall on the interior. Where required for fire safety
and acoustic control purposes, gypsum drywall would be fastened to the CLT panels or could be supported on
vertical furring strips to allow for wiring and other services to be concealed.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate two alternate cladding support framing strategies. Figure 5 shows two strapping members
attached through the insulation to the CLT panels. The first strapping member would typically be a 2x2, and the
second member a 2x2 or a size that suits the thickness of insulation. The first strapping member is attached to the
CLT panels with shorter 5 in. screws and the second is then attached to the first strapping member. This method
may be necessary where greater thicknesses of insulation are required (i.e. 6 in. insulation which would require
8 to 9 in. screws). It also offers benefits for detailing around penetrations, and allows the insulation to be installed
with staggered joints. Where less rigid mineral fibre insulation boards or batts are used, or where structural
analysis indicates a more rigid cladding support is needed, solid framing members (i.e. studs) would be required
to support the cladding. Figure 6 shows 2x6 framing lumber directly attached to the CLT panels—thermally
the least efficient of the systems discussed above.

Both the furring and framing members placed on the exterior of the WRB/air barrier should be protected
with some level of wood preservative such as borate, CA, ACQ, or CCA (for plywood only), depending on
the exposure and local building code requirements. Attention should be given to the selection of appropriate
corrosion-resistant fasteners suitable for use with the preservative chosen for wood treatment.

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
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 Vapour permeable WRB Vapour permeable rigid
forms the air barrier. mineral fibre or wood
The WRB is taped fibre insulation boards
and sealed at joints
and transitions

Plywood box liner around

window rough opening
to support window frame

Vertical wood strapping

to support cladding screwed
through insulation boards
to CLT panel

Drained and ventilated air

space behind cladding
material

Air-seal panel joints

and interfaces

Figure 3
Exterior insulated rainscreen clad CLT exterior wall assembly showing material sequencing
and schematic window penetration details
ChapTER 10 Enclosure
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 Vertical furring screwed
through rigid insulation
boards using long
screws

Figure 4
Cladding support strategy using vertical furring through rigid insulation board

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
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 2x2 or lumber of a suitable 2x2 strapping attached Insulation retained
size attached to first through first layer between framing using
strapping layer with of insulation using either metal clips or wire
appropriate length screws 5 in. screws

Figure 5
Cladding support strategy using two layers of rigid insulation and two strapping members: this configuration
allows for the use of shorter screws and greater insulation thicknesses while minimizing thermal bridging

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
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 Insulation retained 2x4 or 2x6 vertical
between framing using framing attached to CLT
either metal clips or wire panels using metal clips

Figure 6
Cladding support strategy using stud framing attached directly to CLT panel with semi-rigid
or batt insulation between framing

3.2 Roof Assemblies

The use of CLT panels within sloped roof assemblies will have similar design considerations as for walls.
CLT roof panels are typically thinner than wall panels (30 to 50 mm thick) and are detailed to span between roof
beams or trusses, and provide an interior finish similar to tongue-and-groove paneling. In this configuration, the
insulation, moisture control layer and air barrier will be placed on the exterior side of the panel similar to a CLT
wall assembly. Insulation requirements within building codes are typically higher for roofs than for walls dictating
greater insulation thicknesses. Unlike with walls, an impermeable waterproofing membrane is used with roofs
because drying is facilitated through the thinner CLT panel and exposed interior finish.

The type of roofing material will dictate the framing support structure on the exterior side of the CLT panels.
Typically, this will involve the installation of purlins or intermittent structures and sheathing to support the
roofing material. In this application, the CLT panel functions as the structural base and interior finish for the
assembly. This type of exterior insulated assembly lends itself well to the use of metal or tile roofing materials.
Figures 7 and 8 show material sequencing of a sloped CLT roof and tie-in details to a CLT wall assembly at
the underside.

CLT panels may also be used in flat or low-slope roof assemblies—in which case using a conventional roofing
assembly would be best practice to protect the CLT panel. Similar to a conventional above-deck insulated wood-
frame roof with plywood, an air/vapour barrier, insulation and exposed roofing membrane is placed on top of the
CLT panel. Figure 9 shows material sequencing of a low-slope CLT roof and tie-in details to a CLT wall assembly.

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
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 Vapour permeable CLT roof panel
roofing underlay

2x4 purlins to support

metal roofing

Roof underlay laps into

gutter under flashing
with edge taped

¾ in. plywood backer

to allow fastening
of gutter

2x4 timber facer

supported between
strapping to allow
fastening of flashing

2x2 strapping fastened

Two layers of rigid
through bottom layer
mineral fibre insulation
of insulation with long
boards (two 4 in. layers
screws and second layer
shown here)
of 2x2 strapping fastened
on top with screws or clips
Roof membrane CLT wall assembly

Figure 7
Top view of exterior insulated rainscreen clad CLT exterior wall transition to CLT sloped roof
assembly showing material sequencing

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 Vapour permeable wall
WRB wrapped onto roof
beams and underside
of roof CLT panel to
create air barrier
continuity

Protected underside of
CLT panel should be
treated with suitable
finish and left exposed
or covered with a
perforated soffit panel

Figure 8
Bottom view of exterior insulated rainscreen clad CLT exterior wall transition to CLT sloped roof
assembly showing material sequencing

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
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 Self-adhered Sloped cap-flashing
membrane over top
of parapet and lapped
over top edge of roof
and wall membranes
2-ply SBS roofing
membrane over
gypsum roof sheathing

CLT roof panel Two layers

of polyisocyanurate
insulation (staggered joints)

Self-adhered air
and vapour barrier
membrane on top side
of CLT panel and onto
back side of CLT wall
CLT wall assembly parapet

Figure 9
CLT flat roof detail showing material sequencing of a conventional roofing assembly with tie-in
to parapet of CLT wall

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
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 3.3 Detailing Considerations: Installation of Windows
The installation of windows into an exterior insulated CLT panel wall assembly varies from traditional practice.
When installing a window into an exterior insulated assembly, several window installation techniques are possible
depending on the placement of the window frame. One such method which allows for the greatest flexibility is
to support the window frame using a plywood box liner constructed within the window rough opening.

A general schematic of a window installation is provided in Figure 10. Continuity of the air barrier and water
shedding surface are critical and can be detailed in a number of different ways. Key points to consider when
detailing include:

→ Air barrier continuity must be retained from the WRB at the CLT surface, through the rough opening
and to the window frame.
→ The membranes used at the window sill should preferably be vapour permeable to prevent water from being
trapped within the CLT panel or plywood.
→ Water should not be drained behind the insulation/WRB interface below a window or other penetration.
Water should be drained to the exterior of the insulation or directly to the exterior where possible.

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
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 Plywood box liner built
around window rough
opening to support window
frame and covered with
a vapour permeable
waterproofing membrane

Window is air-sealed
around the interior
perimeter of the frame
as part of the air barrier
assembly

Vapour permeable
waterproofing membrane
wraps sill of plywood liner
(water is not directed
to the WRB interface
behind the insulation)

Figure 10
Window installation schematic using sloped wood sill and plywood box liner

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
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 3.4 Detailing Considerations: At Grade
CLT panels must be protected from moisture at grade. Typical wood-frame construction best practice regarding
clearance between grade and wood should be followed and a minimum of 8 in. (200 mm) between the bottom of
the CLT panel and grade should be maintained. The CLT panel should also be separated from the concrete using
the foundation waterproofing and likely plastic shims to level the panels off at the top surface of the concrete wall.
A sill gasket would be used if the CLT panels were in contact with the concrete.

The exterior insulated above grade CLT details easily into an exterior insulated below grade basement wall.
Flashing is provided at the base of the above grade CLT wall which can be profiled to cover the below grade
insulation. This insulation (typically extruded polystyrene, XPS) is placed on the exterior of the concrete and
should be placed tight to the underside of the flashing. Since this can provide hidden access for termites,
the XPS insulation should be borate treated or the flashing should be installed in such a manner to act as a termite
shield where this hazard exists. Other termite management measures may be required by local building codes
as discussed below.

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
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 Strip of waterproofing Mesh at top and bottom
membrane and shims of rainscreen cavity
between CLT panel to prevent insect
and concrete foundation. and other pest intrusion
Air-seal joint between CLT
panel and waterproofing

Minimum of 8 in.
between grade
and bottom of CLT panel

Insulation below grade will Grade sloped away Drainage medium

typically consist of extruded from building and free-draining
polystyrene (XPS)

Figure 11
At-grade CLT wall assembly schematic

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
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 4
Control of
Moisture during
Construction
In Europe, a lot of attention has been paid to protecting CLT from getting wet during construction by delivering
the product just in time, minimizing construction time, and providing temporary shelters during construction.
CLT panels, similar to other wood products, should always be protected from exposure to rain, snow and the wet
ground during the construction process. CLT panels are especially vulnerable to damage from wetting due to the
nature of their laminated construction and because they are capable of absorbing large quantities of water through
the faces, exposed ends and gaps between the panel laminations.

CLT panels are much more massive than plywood or standard dimension lumber, and will take a very long
time to dry out if allowed to become wet. Therefore, prevention of wetting should be a priority in construction.
Product standards may require a certain moisture content for finished CLT panels and building codes may require
a moisture content of less than 19% at any location within a panel (surface, core or edge) before it is closed in.
In addition, it is important to keep the panels at a stable operating moisture content, because moisture related
expansion and contraction may damage the laminations and lead to distortion of the panels.

CLT panels should be temporarily protected by use of water-resistant sheet membranes or other effective methods
to reduce environmental moisture uptake until they are protected by the building roof. Temporary protection can
be attached in the manufacturing facility and should be maintained while stored on site. This protection should
also be maintained as the panels are erected in place in order to protect the panels until the roof or other elements
such as the sheathing membrane (WRB) provide adequate protection. If the protection is an impermeable
material, it will need to be removed during construction.

Even with these precautions, it is likely that CLT panels will experience some wetting during transportation or
construction, and be installed with built-in moisture in localized areas. Therefore, the most durable wall design
strategies will keep the CLT panel warm (i.e. exterior insulated) and allow for excess moisture to escape fast
enough (i.e. vapour open concept) from the assembly to prevent damage and deterioration.

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
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 5
Wood Preservative
Treatment
for Durability
CLT panels (especially any exposed portions of the panels and parts in contact with foundations) would benefit
from wood preservative treatment such as borate or copper-based preservatives, particularly in wetter or more
humid climates or where termites are prevalent. While best practice construction and design strategies attempt to
minimize exposure of the wood panels to wetting, inevitably some CLT panels will be exposed to moisture during
their lifetime and the additional factor of safety provided by wood preservatives can be beneficial to the durability
of the buildings.

In terms of treatment, preservatives used for treatment of lamina prior to manufacture of glulam posts and
beams can generally be applied to CLT wall panels. Oil-based treatments used for industrial glulam may not be
a preferred approach due to VOC emissions. Using pressure treated lumber for boards of the exterior lamination,
applying post-lamination surface treatments to the exterior and end grains, or using boron rods for local
protection may all help.

In areas with a high termite hazard, such as the Southeastern United States, multiple lines of defense should be
used to prevent termite damage to CLT panels. Appropriate site termite prevention and the use of termite soil
barriers such as termiticide soil treatment, and slab and foundation detailing to prevent termite intrusion should
be taken into consideration during design. Preservative treated wood is also recommended for CLT panels and
other wood furring and framing to prevent termite damage. In addition, termite control measures should also
be provided to below grade insulation materials such as XPS.

The use of fire retardants may help meet fire safety requirements and warrant the use of exposed CLT panels
for aesthetic purposes. Some fire retardants contain boron and will also provide decay and termite resistance.

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
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 6
Conclusions

It is intended that guidelines included in this chapter should assist practitioners in adapting CLT construction
to North American conditions and ensuring a long life for their buildings. However, these guidelines are not
intended to substitute for the input of a professional building scientist. This may be required in some jurisdictions,
such as Vancouver, BC and is recommended in all areas at least until such time as CLT construction becomes
common practice.

ChapTER 10 Enclosure
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FORIN-Chapitre 10.indd 24 10-12-22 15:51
FORIN-Chapitre 10.indd 25 10-12-22 15:51
 Addresses

319, rue Franquet

Québec, QC
Canada G1P 4R4
418 659-2647

2665 East Mall

Vancouver, BC
Canada V6T 1W5
604 224-3221

Head Office
570, boul. St-Jean
Pointe-Claire, QC
Canada H9R 3J9
514 630-4100

www.fpinnovations.ca

®FPInnovations, its marks and logos are registred trademarks of FPInnovations. Special Publication SP-528E

FORIN-Chapitre 10.indd 26 10-12-22 15:51

 CLT
CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER

CLT

CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER
Addresses

319, rue Franquet

Québec, QC
Canada G1P 4R4
418 659-2647

2665 East Mall

Vancouver, BC
Canada V6T 1W5
604 224-3221

Head Office
570, boul. St-Jean
Pointe-Claire, QC
Canada H9R 3J9
514 630-4100

www.fpinnovations.ca

Special Publication SP-528E