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Component Manufacturing dverti$er
Adverti$er
Don’t Forget! You Saw it in the
September 2018 #10230 Page #32
Does Your Lumber Have a Shelf Life?
J
ust like some foods, lumber kept in the right environment will store for an indefinite length of time. But just like food, lumber kept in subpar conditions will have a shortened storage period. If you’re not storing your lumber properly, you may have to question whether it can/should still be used for its intended purpose. Many issues can impact lumber, but some conditions are more of a concern than others. It also depends on the species of lumber and ambient conditions. The following should be considered and employed to help protect your investment in this essential raw material. 1. Incoming materials should be inspected upon receiving to insure proper grade-marking. 2. Lumber should be inspected for moisture content. 3. Lumber should be inspected for mold. 4. Lumber should be stored inside or at least under shelter if at all possible. 5. Paper wrapped or coated wrap has a limited weather protective coating and is effective for only about three to six months. 6. Treated lumber should be handled and stored the same as non-treated lumber. 7. Non-combustible lumber must be stored, covered, and ventilated. See manufacturer’s recommendations.
10. If lumber is stored outside, a cover should be utilized to shed direct water. This cover should allow for air circulation. 11. Sunlight is Southern Yellow Pine’s worst enemy. 12. Lumber should be stacked horizontally and supported at 4’ to 6’ intervals. 13. The lumber storage area should be well ventilated and allow for good air circulation around units. 14. If removed for receiving inspection, banding should be reinstalled to hold lumber to shape.
8. Lumber should not be in contact with the ground or able to absorb moisture from the ground.
15. The hotter the ambient temperatures, the higher the moisture diffusion and rate of moisture absorption.
9. Units should be separated by stringers to allow air circulation.
16. Mold growth is most common in the Spring and Fall. Continued next page
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