The framing for a structure is what keeps it structurally sound. If you have issues, like corroding metal, warped wood, or incorrect measurements, your whole building may not be as durable and sturdy as it should be.
For smaller commercial projects and residential builds, wood framing is usually the clear choice. It’s easy to find, inexpensive to transport, and strong enough for multiple stories. However, does the climate your building is located in affect the structural stability of your framing?
Let’s find out. In this article, we’ll cover:
- The impact of weather on framing wood
- How temperature change affects framing wood
- Other factors that affect framing wood
What’s the Impact of Weather on Framing Wood?
Both moist weather and dry weather have an effect on lumber — which is one of the reasons you should trust a local company for your wood framing needs. A local contractor will know typical weather conditions and be experienced in preventing issues. Moisture can cause wood to swell, and drying out can cause it to contract. Over time, this can lead to:
Warping, when framing wood bends out of shape,
Twisting, when framing wood twists along its vertical axis, and
Cupping, when the edges of the board create a concave “U” shape.
Weather events like precipitation, high humidity, and dry spells can all damage framing wood if it’s not stored and installed correctly.
In Salt Lake City, heavy precipitation is the main concern. Snow, sleet, and ice in the winter can cause wood to absorb water. In the summer, afternoon thunderstorms and rain can soak projects in progress. Getting rained on is OK — as long as the wood has time to properly dry out. Trapped moisture is what causes the issues that affect structural integrity, like when wood is stacked so the middle pieces never have a chance to dry from air circulation.
Does Temperature Change Affect Framing Wood?
While moderate temperature changes won’t affect framing wood, exposure to extreme heat and cold can. If unprotected, wood left outside will readily absorb moisture from rain or snow. The wood then holds moisture, and the temperature changes will cause expansion and contraction within the wood, weakening its structure.
In the Salt Lake City area, freeze-thaw cycles can cause damage if wood is not carefully stored and protected when installed. When wood is exposed to moisture and freezing temperatures, the water inside its cells expands as it turns to ice. This expansion can cause stress on the wood’s fibers, leading to cracks and weakened integrity. As the temperature rises and the ice melts, the wood thaws and contracts. This repeated expansion and contraction from the freeze-thaw cycle can lead to significant damage over time
What Other Factors Affect Framing Wood?
Fungus and mold
In a higher humidity environment, wood used for framing can grow mold or rot, which will weaken the integrity of the lumber. Mold and fungus can then lead to rot, as the organisms decompose the wood. Mold can also lead to adverse health effects for occupants — this is not a risk to take lightly! Proper ventilation and moisture control will prevent fungus issues.
Lumber quality
The type of wood used for framing as well as how it’s been treated can have an effect on the durability and stability of the structure. Some wood types are more prone to warping or shrinking than others. We cover wood types in depth here.
Pests
Many types of pests thrive in framing wood, like carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and termites. All of these insects bore into wood, which means an infestation can become a problem for structural stability.
Installation
When not installed carefully, any type of wood can be an issue. Ensure your contractor adheres to a high level of accuracy and craftsmanship when it comes to your framing project!
Learn More from Utah’s Commercial Wood Framing Experts
As a local, family-owned and operated wood framing contractor in Utah, Hardcore Constructors has been honing our craft for over 10 years.
More than a decade ago, our business began by building homes — meaning we know the level of detail that needs to go into the frame before the rest of the structure can take shape. This has given us unmatched expertise, attention to detail, and an educated perspective about the rest of your project.
View more about our services, and get in touch today.
