Wood Grading: How to Get Lumber Marking Ink Stamp
Unlike regular dimensional lumbers, timbers and beams are not required by any agencies to carry grade stamps during the point of sale. A lot of timber professionals have usually used their judgment when determining their suitability. But building codes and architects are starting to require all lumber to make structures to carry grade stamps. To know how to read lumber marking stamps, check out https://www.thisoldhouse.com/woodworking/21015464/how-to-read-a-lumber-stamp for details.
To meet these requirements, wood framers may access grading services. The price is pretty cheap, and the turnaround time is very quick. There are accredited grading firms that use on-demand grade stampers and high-grade marking inks that can check timbers on site.
Why it is an excellent idea to mark wood?
By allowing an accredited agency to grade or mark timbers and lumbers for a project, the architect, saw miller, homeowners, and builders can make sure that every item is top grade with subsequent strength. It will remove the possible liability that may result from structural failure and grading guess-work.
Plan ahead of time
Building code authorities where lumbers will be used need to be contacted before completing the said service request to be sure that the identification and grade lumber marking inks are acceptable. The most common of these services are:
Certificate of inspection and hammer banding – The non-ink impression of the lumber’s grade is hammered into every piece, and certificates are completed that will provide detailed information of inspections conducted. No additional stamping costs are required.
Marking ink stamping – An official marking ink stamp is applied to the end or face of every piece showing its species, the agency logo, grade, moisture condition, as well as inspector number. Additional charges may be applied if unique lumber marking ink stamps are used.
Certificate of inspection – It is used only if the detailed information about the lumber inspection is required by the building code authority in the area. No markings are placed on the pieces.
Not all lumber is eligible for grading
Not every timber or lumber is eligible for grading. Listed below are certain criteria of items that are considered for grading.
Recycled or reclaimed materials from an old structure or if timber and lumber in-place are not eligible. Materials that are reclaimed or recycled will not be graded. They need to be recently produced and may be air-dried, green, or kiln-dried. The rough or surfaced wood may be graded.
Timbers or lumbers that have been drilled, notched, tenoned, or mortised are not eligible for grading
Rounded logs are not eligible for grading. Materials need to be in sawn form. If the final application belongs to the structural side, the wood species need to have a published design value established if used in construction. Most softwood species are approved to be marked along with most hardwood species.
Designed values for all structural use are based on newly sawn timbers and lumbers. According to studies, wood that has been under applications like beans, rafters, studs, or joists in a structure for many years can have reduced strength values. There is no reduction of strength calculations available at the moment. There is also no way to designate design values for recycled or reclaimed wood confidently.
To find out more about different kinds of timber, visit this site for more info.
Important notes
On-site assistance to the inspector is needed for turning, lifting, or stacking, especially for big lumbers, which may require mechanical assistance like forklifts.
Additional lumber should be made readily available if the final use requires a certain grade and quantity since not all materials may make the needed grade.
For structure
The cost of an on-demand inspection is pretty expensive since they need to inspect the wood to be used for the structure immediately. Usually, only one inspector is needed. Travel costs to and from the inspector’s office to the site will also be assessed. Still, the total transport cost may be reduced if the location is within the inspector’s regular route and can be scheduled to correspond with their normal visit to the site.
Materials required for marking, like lumber marking ink, are not included in the inspector’s fee. Lodging and meal expenses can also be added, although an overnight stay to complete the task is usually unnecessary. There are a lot of factors needed when it comes to marking lumber. That is why Everyone related to this project should be very thorough, especially when it comes to marking inks.