How We Take Care of Our Timber
13/05/2022
With timber prices increasing, taking care of the wood we use for roofing is incredibly important. Caring for the timber reduces waste (better for the environment) and reduces the cost of your project too! Whether it’s repairing rotten battens, installing a new roof complete with rafters or a new ridge board, wood is an incredibly important material to roofers.
How to store timber
If there will be a long period of time between ordering the wood and using the wood, we very carefully consider how we will store the timber for roofing. We keep all lumber flat, dry, and level when we’re storing it. We use bearers to lift the timber off the ground. Bearers must be of equal size and must be set on a firm, level, and dry surface, with centres ranging from 600mm to 800mm, depending on the product. Even roofing battens (tiling battens or slatings) require ample laths to encourage air movement and prevent drooping.
When it comes to sheet materials, keeping them inside in a dry atmosphere is critical, as many will be harmed by moisture while in transit. They should also stay away from wet trades and circumstances where wet plaster is drying on the job site. We use more bearers for thin sheet materials. If other sheets are stacked on top, then bearers should be directly aligned with those at ground level. This is to make sure that the sheeting does not warp.
The importance of keeping timber goods dry will not be missed by experienced roofers, who understand that timber is a natural resource that can be distorted. Timber becomes worthless in incorrect conditions. We store joinery timbers, carcassing, and CLS/studding for interior usage undercover in a dry, well-ventilated place. Wrapped MDF profiles we also store in the dry, with special attention paid to safeguarding the surface of this material.
Trussed rafters, as well as I-joists, require special management. I-joists must be stored on level ground and protected from the elements. If we stack trussed rafters vertically, we position bearers where support would have been given in the roof design, stacking against a safe, strong support. To prevent deformation or distortion, we place level bearers under each truss node for horizontal storage.
Our checklist for storing wood well!
- Plan for factory-finished product deliveries to arrive when we need them, and not too soon before
- Protect all wood items against rain, surface water, and sunshine
- Consider the type and size of indoor or undercover storage needed before starting work on the site
- Check the moisture level of our wood goods when they arrive and notify our supplier if they don’t meet the requirements
- Verify that products have been adequately covered during transit from the factory or supplier and that no damage has occurred
- For unloading and storage, use the proper mechanical handling equipment to avoid edge damage, which is typical with sheet materials
- Maintain any existing protective covers
- Before installing wood, make sure the wet trades are finished
Why store timber carefully?
Planning our orders is a key part of storing our timber well. Not only is careful planning important for knowing which tasks will need to be completed first, but planning and structuring our projects also reduces waste material and brings costs now; better for you and better for us! Planning our timber orders is all a part of how we project manage. We also make notes about the site where we’re working, and if there is suitable storage for wood. If you’re concerned about roof repairs or reroofs running to schedule and budget, do contact us. Find out more information about how to hire a reliable team of roofers in this article.
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