Wet lumber during construction: Concerning!?

As a home is being built, it’s natural for homeowners to worry about rain or snow exposure to the lumber and other building materials. However, modern construction materials and practices are designed to withstand the elements without compromising the structure’s integrity or causing any long-term issues. Here’s why you can rest easy when you see your home’s framing or subflooring exposed to weather during construction.

Lumber and Weather Resistance The wood used in construction is specifically grown, treated, and/or designed to handle temporary (180-200 days) exposure to moisture. First, and foremost remember lumber ‘grows’ outside, sits at mills outside, ships on rail cars outside, and sits at lumberyards outside. In fact, the coverings on lumber used for shipping is not even intended to keep it ‘dry’ but is used to prevent fading, dirt exposure, etc. and keep the lumber ‘looking new’. When it rains or snows, the wood may absorb some moisture, but it will dry out naturally once the weather clears. This is a normal and anticipated part of the building process and has happened to lumber in homes being built for hundreds of years.

Key Reasons Why Wet Lumber is Safe:

1. Short-Term (180-200 days) Moisture Does Not Cause Damage: Periods of rain or snow will not weaken the structural integrity of lumber. Once the framing is enclosed and dried, any minor swelling will revert, and the wood will remain strong.

2. Designed for Durability: Builders use high-quality materials like kiln-dried structurally graded lumber that resists warping or twisting even after exposure to the elements.

   
   

Subflooring Designed for the Elements Products like Huber Blue Plus and Huber Advantech subflooring are engineered specifically for outdoor exposure during the construction phase. This premium subflooring can withstand up to 200 days of rain and snow without significant swelling, delamination, or other damage.

Why Builders Choose Huber Blue Plus:

1. Superior Moisture Resistance: Its enhanced resin technology prevents water absorption, so it stays flat and stable.

2. Easy Drying: Even after heavy rain, the surface dries quickly and retains its durability.

3. Warranty Assurance: Huber backs their product with a guarantee, giving builders and homeowners peace of mind about its performance.

   
   

Best Practices for Long-Term Protection While lumber and materials like Huber Blue Plus are designed for temporary exposure, builders take additional steps to ensure your home’s longevity:

1. Dry-In: Once framing and subflooring are complete, roof is added to protect the structure. Substantial “dry-in” period occurs as the mechanicals and electrical are installed in your home prior to any finish materials being installed.

2. Inspection and Sealing: Any minor imperfections caused by weather are repaired or sealed to ensure a long-lasting structure. For example, any swelling that may occur in the subfloor is sanded prior to final flooring installation.

   
   

Trust the Process It’s important to understand that temporary exposure to weather is part of the normal building process. Every home ever built has been exposed to weather. Given that none of us control the weather some are exposed more than others without causing any ongoing issues. With modern lumber products your home will be built to last, rain or shine.

Outlook Homes | outlookhomes.com