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QCG Remodeling

At Quillen Construction Group, we believe that every one of our customers is a lifelong partner. We are here for the long run and want our customers to know they can continue to rely on our expertise in building or renovating their current and future projects.

504-800-4126

QCG Solar

At Quillen Construction Group, we guarantee accurate proposals that fit your budget and projects that perform to plan with our mobile app. Both of which have made us one of the most outstanding and trusted construction companies in New Orleans.

504-800-4126

Ideal Appliance Parts

Ideal Appliance Parts, Inc. began more than 50 years ago and now is proudly known as one of the oldest and most successful parts and appliance distributors in the southeastern United States.

(504) 888-4232

Brister-Stephens, Inc

Brister Stephens is a qualified HVAC contractor who has been servicing greater New Orleans and it’s surrounding communities for over 45 years. CONTACT: Kenny Stephens

(985) 893-1110

Berner A/C & Heat

Heating and Cooling design and installation for existing and new homes and commercial buildings. CONTACT: Tom Berner

(985) 727-2302

Slidell Refrigeration

Slidell Refrigeration & Metal Fabricators in Slidell, Louisiana, is locally owned and operated for over 45 years. Our team has been providing HVAC repairs and installation to the complete Northshore since 1938. We provide emergency for your convenience, including weekends. Service and Install All Brands Emergency and Saturday Service

(985) 643-1991

DRYING WOOD

Posted: September 15, 2016

Drying wood is just as much an art form as it is a science. Drying takes lots of adjusting, monitoring,  and usually takes a very long time.

Below are a few guidelines and hints that I have used in the past.

  • Wood is only going to dry if you create an indoor environment that is drier than the moisture content of the wood.  
  • Control/Create the drier interior environment with dehumidifiers, electric supplemental heat, and air movers.
  • Remove all moisture sources – water inside toilet bowls and tanks, plumbing traps (air seal), keep all doors and windows closed, and air seal any ceiling and/or attic penetrations.
  • If operating the central AC – prevent all condensation of cool surfaces, repair all duct leaks that create differential pressures and/or add moisture to the indoor environment.
  • Read and record moisture content of the wood and/or OSB (Oriented Strand Board) sheathing with hammer type drive pins – measure at three different depths (inside surface, middle, and outer edge).
  • The moisture content target is 15% or less of the entire thickness of the wood products.
  • OSB takes twice as long to dry as dimensional southern yellow pine wood.
  • Never measure moisture more than once in a set of pin holes, always measure at an adjacent location.
  • Make certain that drain lines for the dehumidifiers are sloped properly and are removing as much condensate as possible.
  • Change the air filters on the dehumidifiers and central ac weekly to allow proper air flow and protect the equipment from particulate build-up

The goal is to create a warmer drier interior environment that will allow moisture transfer from the wood to the indoor air. However, you must find a balance that allows drying, but not too fast to cause cracking and checking of the remaining wood millwork/trim that was uneffected by flood waters. Depending on the type and location of the framing member either the center of the wood or the outer outside edge will take the longest amount of time to dry to 15% moisture content.

If the moisture content of the flood damaged exterior wall sheathing is 15%, at the interior surface, than the center and outer edge will be much greater, likely 20-30%. If mechanical drying is ceased before reaching the overall target of 15% then the MC of the drier segment of wood will increase due to the moisture finding an equilibrium within the wood. Thermodynamics principles work and are constant, just like gravity!

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