2. LVL STRUCTURES IN FLOORS, WALLS, ROOFS AND IN SPECIAL APPLICATIONS 2.4.3 Lintels Lintels are one of the most common applications of LVL due to its ideal dimensions and good strength and stiffness properties. LVL’s good shear strength also means slim cross sections can be used as lintels for window openings. This improves the energy efficiency of timber frame wall structures as there is more space for thermal insulation and the cold bridging effect can be reduced. For large openings, e.g. of garage doors and carports, rigid LVL-P lintels reduce deflection and enable longer span lengths. Figure 2.61. Lintels for openings. Left: Straight and stiff LVL lintel for long-span garage door opening in timber frame wall; the straight, slim member has minimal deflection. Right: Lintel for window opening inside the timber-frame wall. Key benefit is larger adaptability of opening positioning with fewer load-bearing columns and more space for thermal insulation to improve the energy efficiency of the building envelope. LVL Handbook Europe 87
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