Tight-grained Wood is More Resistant to Premature Decay
When Hansen Pole Buildings changed our business model in early 2024 to provide lumber from our wholesale distribution center, rather than outsourcing, it caused some unanticipated side benefits.
Amongst our decisions was what to do about wind resisting, roof supporting columns. Previously, we had been at a mercy of availability. While, in our ideal dream world, we would always have used glulaminated columns, they are just not readily available in most of our country.
We opted to special order our columns – having them manufactured only from high strength 2400f msr lumber. (For some extended reading on msr lumber, please see https://www.hansenpolebuildings.com/2024/04/msr-lumber-producers-council-today/). Typically, glulaminated columns for post-frame buildings are a product of (at best) #1 grade Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) for pressure preservative treated lower portions and 1650f msr for untreated uppers. In 2×6, #1 SYP has a fiberstress in bending of only 1350f!
This makes Hansen Pole Buildings’ columns over 77% stronger in bending than lower portions of competing columns!
2400f msr lumber’s strength comes, in part, to it being tighter-grained. Tight-grained is generally more resistant to premature decay than wood with a wider grain, Key reason for this is tight-grained wood is denser and less permeable to moisture. This makes it harder for moisture to penetrate, reducing decay risks.
Decay-causing fungi require a consistent moisture content of 20% of higher to thrive. Denser tight-grained woods have a more compact cellular structure with fewer and smaller spaces for water to penetrate and accumulate. This keeps wood below moisture threshold needed for rot to begin.
Compact structure of tight grains offers less surface area for decay-causing organisms to establish themselves. These tightly packed wood fibers and rings act as a more effective physical barrier against fungal hyphae and insects. This makes it harder for organisms to enter wood and begin breaking down its cellulose and lignin. Many tight-grained woods contain natural oils and resins providing additional protection against fungi and insects.
Wood with a straighter, tighter grain is more dimensionally stable and less prone to warping, twisting and cracking. These cracks and separations can create entry points for moisture and fungi, accelerating decay processes.
Aren’t these high strength Glulaminated columns going to be extremely expensive?
In a word – NO!
We order hundreds of thousands of board feet of these columns every year, with this volume allowing us to keep our costs (and price to our clients) low.
Your building deserves to be both strong and durable. For “The Ultimate Post-Frame Building Experience” call Hansen Pole Buildings today 1.866.200.9657.
