Home Construction: Critical Tips for Protecting Your Timber

If you are planning on using wood in the construction of your home, you should prepare for the storage of the timber on your property. In most cases, the lumber will need to be stored on the work site for some time after the purchase of the materials. Once the wood is delivered, you will need to establish protective measures. Remember, if the timber is exposed to hostile conditions, it might become warped, cracked or otherwise damaged. Here are some practical tips to help you store and protect your construction timber deliveries before use.

Protect from the Elements

You should store the timber indoors if you have an established structure on your property. If the wood is left in the open, the lumber could be damaged by sudden rainfall. If the materials absorb water, the structural integrity could be compromised, and the chances of rotting after installation will increase. You should also note that the prolonged exposure of lumber to sunlight and heat can cause warping. This deformation could make the wood unusable. Therefore, you should protect the construction products by using an existing structure of building a shed. Alternatively, you can cover with a tarpaulin as long as you can ensure proper ventilation.

Place on Flat Surface

You should place your timber on a flat surface after delivery of the construction materials. You should not put the wood on an irregular surface which cannot keep the boards evenly supported. If you do not use a flat surface, there is a high probability that the wood will become warped. For example, if the boards are supported at the ends but the middle is just hanging, the shape of the wood will change. The straight lumber will become bowed, making it unusable in construction. By placing the timber on a flat surface, you will ensure that the appearance and function is not compromised.

Avoid Floor and Ground Contact

If you are planning on storing the timber indoors, you should not place the materials on the floor. This poor practice can cause the unexpected damage of the wood. Simply speaking, floors often wick moisture from the ground or the environment, and the water could be absorbed by your wood. Also, if the room in which the wood is placed has heating beneath, the high temperature could cause warping. Therefore, you should look for a raised flat surface to place your lumber. If the wood will be stored outside, you should avoid placing on the ground because the boards might absorb moisture and attract termites.

For more tips on protecting your timber deliveries, contact companies like Bowens.