Can Problems Arise From Using Green Lumber?

Our last blog discussed what green lumber (also known as wet lumber) is. Seeing that it has a higher water content, are there any issues that could potentially arise from using green lumber in construction?

Because green lumber has a higher moisture content when it is used, this means that it will continue to dry out and shrink. If the wood continues to shrink after construction, what kinds of problems arise? Well, one problem that can arise is that as the wood frame shrinks, this in turn can generate a gap between drywall and nails. As the two are pushed together, it can force the nail to push out the drywall. While no structural complications should result from this, its appearance can look rather unattractive.  There are other gaps that can be formed from the shrinking wood as well.

Another problem that can arise is mold. It is very easy for mold spores to develop on wood that is not properly dried out. Even while being transported, the wood can already have developed it, which means a potential mold issue before the house has even been finished.

Fluids such as sap can slowly seep out of the wood and create discoloration. As the green lumber is drying out, water will continue to evaporate from it. This means that if the wood has been painted, it could hamper the evaporation process, causing the painted surface to bubble and look unattractive.

After this very short discussion of the use of green lumber, we can see that while it may not be as expensive as dried out wood, green lumber can produce a number of problems after construction.