Scientifically Speaking: Kiln-Dried Logs and Timbers
Scientifically Speaking: Through decades of research and testing, Timberhaven has scientifically proven our Kiln-Dried – Engineered or Traditional Solid – Logs and Timbers are hands down the driest and most stable on the market. But don’t just take our word for it. Independent experts from universities and laboratories across the nation have authenticated our analysis. Here’s what they had to say.
Scientifically Speaking: Kiln-Dried vs. Air-Dried Logs and Timbers
Air-drying large timbers usually takes longer than a year to achieve moisture content levels that are reasonably acceptable for construction. Proper kiln-drying provides much more predictable, controllable results.
~Dr. Paul Smith, Professor of Forest Products Marketing, Penn State University
Proper kiln-drying procedures control the drying environment and reduce the amount of severity of drying induced defects. Drying wood prior to installation provides an opportunity for the wood to maintain relatively stable dimensions during service.
~Paul Blankenhorn, Ph.D., Professor of Wood Technology, Penn State University
The recommended moisture content of wood should be matched as closely as is practical to the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) conditions in service.
~USDA, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory
There are two important differences between Air- Dried and Kiln-Dried. In a kiln, the wood is usually heated above 130F, which kills all insects, eggs, and fungi. Second, with resinous softwoods, the heat drives off the resin that would be liquid and runny at room temperature.
~Dr. Gene Wengert, Dept. of Forestry University of Wisconsin
Scientifically Speaking: Kiln-Dried Engineered Logs and Timbers
Engineered building logs and timbers produced by Timberhaven have demonstrated compliance on a continuous basis with the in-plant quality assurance program described in The Log Homes Council Log Grading Manual. Bending strength and stiffness were verified by tests of 150 full-size specimens in accordance with ASTM D 198.
~ Larry Beineke, Ph.D., PE, Vice President Southeast Region PFS Corporation (retired)
Strength – My laboratory has tested the long-term exposure performance of Timberhaven’s engineered logs and timbers. Our tests for static bending and gross strength found that engineered logs and timbers performed at a higher level than solid logs and timbers.
Engineered Integrity – The engineered test logs and timbers were stacked outside, fully exposed to the weather, with no exterior finish applied. During the last 9 years the overall integrity of the logs and timbers, with particular attention paid to the glue lines in the engineered logs and timbers, are performing well, with no failures noted in over 100 test sections. They are still performing as well as when the logs and joists were originally tested. No failures of any kind have been observed during the 9-year evaluation.
Overall Evaluation – I find Timberhaven’s engineered logs and timbers to be an exceptional product. Structural strength and dimensional stability during severe weather exposure shows these logs and timbers provide a mechanically strong, functionally durable and aesthetically attractive log structure. I look forward to another observation cycle, but I doubt my tenure at UM College of Forestry will be long enough to witness any diminishment in the performance of these examples of excellent manufacturing.
~Edwin J. Burke, Ph.D., Director, University of Montana College of Forestry and Conservation
We invite you to see this innovative process first-hand during a tour of our manufacturing facilities. Connect with your representative today to schedule a visit.
