How To Protect Mass Timber Buildings During Construction

Mass timber provides a greener alternative to traditional materials like steel or concrete and is used for both load-bearing structures and eye-catching exposed wood finishes. But, as resilient as it is, mass timber in construction isn’t immune to jobsite wear and tear and environmental damage. We’re here to equip you with the know-how to shield these vital materials from damage, helping you sidestep costly setbacks and ensure your project stays sleek and on schedule.

What Is Mass Timber?

Mass timber is prefabricated panels and beams crafted from layers of bonded timber. Its robustness and sustainability mean it competes head-to-head with steel and concrete. However, it often speeds up construction timelines due to its precision and ease of assembly. Yet, for all its strengths, mass timber faces vulnerabilities to scratches, dents, moisture, and stains during construction. Proactively protecting mass timber is critical to maintaining its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity, avoiding the high costs and headaches of post-damage repairs.

Why Is Protecting Mass Timber Crucial During Construction?

The natural beauty that makes mass timber so appealing also makes it susceptible. Exposed wood finishes can easily suffer from the rough-and-tumble of construction activities, environmental exposure, and unexpected impacts. Here’s what you need to watch out for:

Construction Site Damage:

Daily operations, such as the movement of heavy machinery and the handling of construction materials, can expose mass timber to potential threats. These include accidental impacts, chemical spills, and even the general wear and tear of a busy construction site.

Water Damage:

Unlike more hardwearing materials, mass timber can absorb moisture from rain, snow, or spills, which can warp or bloat the wood if not correctly managed.

Protection Strategies

Choosing the proper defence against water damage and impacts is crucial. The experts at #TeamAxiom recommend:

Armour Protection Board:

Despite being lightweight and easy to install, the Armour Protection Board is an excellent choice for guarding against moisture and heavy impacts.

Armour Protection Fleece:

Waterproof and impact-proof, the Armour Protection Fleece offers a softer shield, perfect for preventing scratches and water damage. 

Armour Defender Guard:

This high-strength construction protection is fully waterproof with ARMOUR SPILL PROTECTION. A powerhouse in temporary floor protection, Defender-Guard Lite is reusable and lays flat for easy application and storage, and can also be used to wrap mass timber beams and columns.

Armour Tape:

Easily join temporary surface products together or fasten them into place with Armour Tape. With 60-day clean removal, Armour Tape is a great alternative to duct tape and other tapes and works excellent as a general site tape. It comes standard with serrated edges on every roll for easy tearing to help you save time on your project.

Best Practices For Applying Protection To Mass Timber

Adequate protection starts with the precise application:

Measure And Fit:

Ensure protective materials are perfectly measured and fit snugly to avoid unprotected gaps.

Regular Maintenance: Inspect and adjust protection routinely to promptly address any wear and tear. Scheduling regular maintenance check-ups also helps to increase the longevity of your reusable temporary surface protection.

Quality Matters:

Invest in high-quality protection like Axiom’s offerings to prevent the exorbitant costs of fixing or replacing damaged timber.

While mass timber offers a sustainable and visually striking alternative to traditional building materials like steel and concrete, it is not without its vulnerabilities. At Axiom, we are committed to providing you with the expertise and solutions needed to protect this valuable material effectively. By safeguarding your mass timber from potential damage, you can avoid expensive delays and ensure that your project not only meets its deadlines but also maintains its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. 

Construction professionals can seamlessly reach out to their dedicated Axiom Temporary Surface Protection Key Account Manager anytime for assistance with their projects. 

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