Effects of weather on new home construction
Effects of weather on new home construction
(OP)
There is a fair amount of new home construction going on in my area (Reno, NV). We got some snow this week and are expecting heavy rain next week. I was curious about the effects of this weather on timber framed homes that are being constructed. Some of the homes are just framed and some have sheeting on the roofs and walls. From my perspective, I wouldn't want my home to get subjected to these conditions during construction, but I have no expertise in this field.
Is there some period of drying out that is required following storms? I suspect that the home builders will just carry on as fast as possible once the weather clears. What do you think?
Is there some period of drying out that is required following storms? I suspect that the home builders will just carry on as fast as possible once the weather clears. What do you think?
RE: Effects of weather on new home construction
This is common and probably a bit more of an issue where I live...Florida.
There are a couple of downsides....the worst is the inevitable shrinkage that will occur as materials dry and reach equilibrium. This can continue even after finishes are done. This results in cracking along drywall joints and corners, at door openings and in ceilings.
Next is the potential for mold growth. Probably not as much of an issue in your area, but we see it here.
RE: Effects of weather on new home construction
RE: Effects of weather on new home construction
RE: Effects of weather on new home construction
RE: Effects of weather on new home construction
Here in the pacific northwest, we get non-stop rain from October through April. We are framing right through the weather, it can take a couple months to get the roof overhead. So your wood structure will be exposed for months.
softwood is surprisingly resilient to water. as long as the moisture isn't trapped in the wood for any length of time it is fine (think, a year or more).
As it was mentioned above, there will be swelling and shrinkage, which is fine as long as the majority of the moisture has gotten out before the building is sealed and finishing begins
RE: Effects of weather on new home construction
You can get OSB that's rated for construction exposure. It uses different adhesives. If a competent builder is doing the work, anything that's installed prior to a basic envelope being in place should be appropriately rated for construction weather exposure.