Why is on-site preparation for storing timber cladding important?
When you are designing and creating your house project, you always want the best for your budget. You want to go as far as stretching it to the breaking point to get what you have always wanted. So, when it comes to using natural materials like timber, you can create something customised to make a statement.
It adds the finishing touches that hide all the messy bits, which will bring the project alive and add value that everyone can see for years to come.
When your material has been ordered and then, weeks later, has been finished, each layer of boards is protected with a foam sheet, and it’s wrapped and strapped, ready for delivery.
What do you need to do?
1- Make sure you have a flat piece of ground for the timber pack to sit on- the ground must drain well and not collect big puddles.
2- If you are handballing off the lorry and it has a foam sheet between each row of boards, then use it when re-stacking to avoid compromising the finish. Don’t let anyone stack them as if they are scaffold boards.
3- Make sure they are in an area where they cannot be accidentally damaged.
4- If you’re receiving natural machine-finished timbers like Larch, Cedar or Douglas Fir, then always put a tarpaulin sheet over the top to keep the rain and sun off. But not down the sides and ends, as the timber needs to breathe properly and stabilise to its surrounding moisture levels.
5- If you have sticks between each row, then re-use them so that the air can circulate around the boards. This will prevent any moisture from getting trapped between the boards and prevent any surface mould from appearing, which may stain the surface. It’s always best to let these timbers acclimatise to the surrounding moisture levels to minimise movement after installation. If you leave these timbers exposed to the sun and they are not strapped down or covered, then the top layer of boards may start to warp as the sun tries to dry them out.
6- If you have ordered ThermoWood softwood or hardwood, then due to the thermal process, the material will have very little moisture content and will not require the same attention as above. However, it is still prudent to place a tarpaulin sheet over the pack until you are ready to install the material. It will arrive black-wrapped, and even if it’s offloaded mechanically or hand-balled, it wouldn’t hurt to remove the black wrap to allow the timber to breathe rather than sweat if the temperature is high.
These few simple guidelines followed, will save you from getting frustrated later on.
Still Unsure?
If you are still unsure about storing your timber cladding, get in contact with us via email: Sales@qtdgroup.com.
Prefer to call? 0118 932 8596
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