The short answer is no. Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it tends to absorb and shed moisture from the air depending on the humidity. Below zero temperatures won’t have much effect when the bundles are properly stored both in the yard and on the job site. However, you can properly store your trim using a lumber storage system regardless of weather conditions to optimize its performance!
In the Yard Storage Practices
- Belco XTⓇ Trim must be stored flat, off the ground in a clean and dry environment (preferably in the warehouse or in covered racks) until the time of delivery.
- Maintain vertical alignment of stickers when stacking multiple bundles.
- Avoid direct contact with the ground, concrete, or standing water. Avoid storage in the extreme sun or hot weather for prolonged periods of time.
- Leave units wrapped to prevent punctures or tears. When breaking units, leave remaining product neatly stacked and covered.
- All Belco XT Products have finish tolerances on ends, edges and faces. Use extreme care with forklifts and manhandling to avoid damaging product.
At the Job Site
- Store in the garage or on a flat surface, away from standing water.
- To help minimize movement after installation, cut the banding after delivery and allow Belco XTⓇ Trim to acclimatize to ambient conditions prior to installation.
- Before installation, check the moisture content of the wood. Installing wet product (above 18% MC) may result in excessive shrinkage, moisture encasement from finish painting, and product degradation. Belco Forest Products (“Belco”) IS NOT responsible for damage caused by improper storage, maintenance, or installation of XT Products.
- The structure to which Belco XT® is applied should be well vented and dry. DO NOT install Belco XT® over soaked sheathing, structures that have excessive moisture conditions or out of plane walls/buckled sheathing.
- Stack neatly and re-cover any unused product to prevent exposure to elements.
- Minor surface mildew on wood is not a threat to product integrity. If present, clean the surface with a 1-part bleach to 3 parts water solution.
Download Our Free Storage Best Practices Poster
Download our free lumber storage and handling best practices poster for your job site or lumber yard.
