Thermally Modified Wood: Plan Delivery, Storage and Jobsite Access

Preparing for Delivery: Site Access and Receiving

Before your thermally modified wood arrives, assess the delivery route and the receiving area at your jobsite. Consider the size of the delivery truck and any potential obstacles such as narrow streets, overhead power lines, or tight turns. Ensure there is clear, level ground for the truck to maneuver and unload safely.

Designate a specific receiving area that is accessible for the delivery vehicle and provides enough space for material staging. This area should be free from debris and any ongoing construction that might impede unloading. Confirm with your supplier the expected delivery vehicle type and any specific access requirements they may have.

Have personnel available to assist with unloading and to verify the quantity and condition of the materials against your order and the packing slip. Document any discrepancies or visible damage immediately upon arrival, ideally before the delivery driver departs. This helps streamline any necessary claims or reorders.

On-Site Storage: Protecting Your Investment

Thermally modified wood, while durable, requires proper storage to prevent damage from moisture, UV exposure, and physical impact. The goal is to keep the material in optimal condition until installation.

Store thermally modified wood flat and off the ground, using dunnage or sleepers to allow for air circulation. This prevents moisture accumulation from the ground and helps maintain the material's stability.

Protect the material from direct sunlight and precipitation. Ideally, store it indoors or under a waterproof tarp that is securely fastened. If using a tarp, ensure there is still some airflow to prevent condensation buildup. Keep the material away from sources of extreme heat or cold, and protect it from dirt, dust, and other construction debris.

Stacking should be done carefully to prevent warping or bowing. Avoid stacking materials too high, especially if they are not fully supported, to prevent bowing or collapse.

Jobsite Access and Staging for Installation

Efficient jobsite access and staging minimize handling, reduce the risk of damage, and improve installation efficiency. Plan how materials will move from the storage area to the point of installation.

Consider the sequence of installation. If you are working on a multi-story building, plan for vertical transport of materials. For ground-level projects, ensure clear pathways for workers carrying bundles of wood. Avoid creating bottlenecks or requiring workers to navigate around unnecessary obstacles.

Stage materials close to the working area, but not in a way that obstructs other trades or creates safety hazards. For example, if installing siding, stage bundles along the perimeter of the building in manageable quantities. This reduces the time and effort required for each board to be placed.

Worked Example: Staging for a Residential Siding Project

Consider a hypothetical residential project requiring thermally modified wood siding for a 2,000 square foot exterior. The site has a paved driveway leading to a garage and a cleared area at the back of the property.

Upon delivery, the material will arrive on a flatbed truck. The paved driveway provides good access for unloading. The designated receiving area is adjacent to the driveway, a 20-foot by 10-foot cleared space. Two crew members will be on site to assist with unloading and inspection. They will verify the 100 bundles of 1x6 thermally modified wood siding against the packing list.

For storage, the bundles will be moved to the back of the property, under a temporary tent structure, approximately 50 feet from the receiving area. The tent provides protection from sun and rain. Pallets will be used to elevate the bundles at least 8 inches off the ground, and additional dunnage will be placed every 3 feet within the stacks to ensure even support and airflow. The stacks will be limited to 5 feet in height. During installation, smaller quantities of bundles will be moved by hand cart from the storage tent to the immediate work area around the house, ensuring clear access for scaffolding and other equipment.

Environmental Considerations for Storage

While thermally modified wood exhibits enhanced stability, it is still a natural material that can be affected by extreme environmental conditions. Avoid storing the material in areas prone to standing water or excessive humidity, which can lead to mold or mildew growth.

In colder climates, protect the wood from snow and ice, and avoid storing it directly on frozen ground. Allow the material to acclimatize to the jobsite's ambient temperature for a few days before installation, especially if it has been stored in a significantly different climate or temperature range. This helps minimize potential movement after installation.

For coastal or high-wind environments, ensure all tarps and covers are securely weighted or tied down to prevent them from blowing away and exposing the materials. Consider the potential for salt spray if the storage area is very close to the coast and ensure adequate protection.

Before you order

• Confirm delivery vehicle size and site access requirements with your supplier.
• Designate a clear, level, and accessible receiving area.
• Ensure adequate personnel are available for unloading and material inspection.
• Plan for a secure, sheltered, and elevated storage location (indoors or under a waterproof cover).
• Acquire dunnage or sleepers to keep materials off the ground and allow airflow.
• Determine a stacking plan that ensures even support and prevents warping.
• Establish clear pathways for moving materials from storage to the installation point.
• Consider acclimatization time for materials to site conditions.
• Plan for protection against specific local environmental factors (e.g., wind, extreme temperatures, humidity).

Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.

Questions to help you decide

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