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Building Industry Research and Materials Testing
News Release from: TRADA Technology | Subject: Moisture in wood
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 03 January 2007
TRADA revisits moisture in wood
TRADA Technology estimates that more than 80% of the in service problems with wood are in some way related to moisture content.
TRADA Technology estimates that more than 80% of the in service problems with wood are in some way related to moisture content In its revised Wood Information Sheet, Moisture in timber, it stresses that moisture content is one of the most important factors affecting the performance and properties of wood
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 5 Sep 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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The amount of water present can affect weight, strength, workability, dimensional stability and timber's susceptibility to biological attack.
Therefore, it is usually necessary to dry wood before it is used or processed, unless of course it is going to be used in water, or in a very wet environment.
The two main reasons for drying wood are:.
* To prevent decay, if kept at high moisture contents for long periods.
However, some susceptible timbers will suffer from mould staining, even if they remain wet for only a short a period of time.
Ensuring that timber is at a moisture content of 20% or below will prevent decay or discolouration.
* Wet wood will usually dry out in service, which causes lateral shrinkage but possibly also distortion.
Pre-drying allows the wood to avoid these inevitable dimensional changes in service.
The revised Wood Information Sheet, aimed at specifiers, users and distributors of timber, includes guidance on specifying moisture content, caring for dried timber and offers a good practice checklist for suppliers/distributors.
TRADA members and registered users may view the Wood Information Sheet on the askTRADA website (visit the Library).
Members will receive a copy with their regular membership mailing or may download a PDF file free of charge.
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