LP LVL Wall Studs Earn AC202 AcceptanceLP SolidStart LVL Wall Studs Pass Test for Building Codes

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Feb. 6, 2007 - Louisiana-Pacific Corporation has met the International Code Council Evaluation Service, Inc. acceptance criteria (AC202) for LP® SolidStart™ LVL wall studs for use in conventional construction applications, saving time and hassle for builders. Building codes mandate that any wall stud over 10 feet must be code compliant and/or be designed by an architect or engineer. With LP's code acceptance clearances, builders can be confident they are using code-compliant materials that meet their local building officials' standards.

    LP is one of the few LVL manufacturers to qualify for AC202 certification.

    "LP is one of the few LVL manufacturers to qualify for AC202 certification," said Melissa Warren, assistant brand manager for LP's engineered wood products business. "Without this code acceptance, a project can be red tagged by a building inspector."

    The AC202 testing includes a shearwall test; fire test; axial load tests; and hole and notching tests. The full-scale fire test demonstrated that stud walls built with LP SolidStart LVL studs met not only a one-hour fire rating, but also met hose stream tests in accordance with the ASTM E 119 standard.

    Engineered wood studs, such as LP SolidStart LVL wall studs, are typically used as replacements for dimensional lumber, especially in tall wall applications. They offer superior strength and uniformity with less deflection and twisting commonly found in traditional sawn lumber.

    LP SolidStart LVL studs can be used in applications such as kitchens and bathrooms where cabinets, countertops and backsplashs require plumb, square walls.

    "With the trends toward two-story entrances and windows, builders need uniform, straight building products," said Warren. "We can meet this need with products that also meet building code acceptance standards."

    LP, headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., is a premier supplier of building products, manufacturing innovative, high-quality commodity and specialty products to its retail, wholesale, homebuilding and industrial customers. The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

    Visit LP's Web site at www.lpcorp.com for additional information on the company.

    Contact: Aleasha Vuncannon (336) 819-6951 (336) 314-2117 Mobile avuncannon@trone.com

    Melissa Warren (615) 986-5624 Melissa.Warren@lpcorp.com