What can excessive exposure to sunlight cause the wood in a glulam beam to do?

Excessive exposure to sunlight can lead to the fading of the color in a glulam beam. This happens because ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun breaks down the pigments in the wood's finish or the wood itself over time. This chemical reaction results in a loss of color vibrancy, which many woodworkers and builders consider an undesirable effect. While wood can also experience other changes due to environmental conditions, such as shrinking or expanding due to moisture content changes, the primary concern with prolonged sunlight exposure specifically relates to color fading. This fading can affect not only the aesthetic appeal but also the perceived value of the beam in a construction context.