Dangers Of Using Damaged Lumber - Construction
It's not as common as it used to be, when large framing
contractor's would save money ordering damaged lumber or inferior
building products. This might be a thing of the past in some areas, but
there are still framing contractors and lumber companies who you need to
be careful with, especially when the lumber they're sending out to your
job can cause an accident.
I've seen this happen too many times, the carpenters are working on a
house and the contractor didn't order enough lumber or ordered enough
lumber, but a few of the pieces are damaged and the carpenters use them
anyway, simply so that they can finish the home.
This isn't going to ever be something that will benefit the other
workers, especially if the structure of the house has been compromised.
I have seen floor joist, roof rafters and structural beams that have
large splits or knots in them and shouldn't be used except for firewood,
yet they are installed carelessly, simply because someone else doesn't
want to take the time to return the inferior lumber to get a new piece
without any damage or flaws in it.
I have seen large knots in floor joist create safety hazards for other
workers and other trades. Some of the damaged lumber that I have seen
used by other carpenters, doesn’t just creates safety problems, I have
seen them cause accidents. It's simply not worth it to use damaged
building materials, because you're in a hurry or don't have the time to
replace the item properly.
If you're dealing with a lumber company that continuously sends you out
inferior lumber, I would advise you to explain your situation to them
and if they will not respond properly, try to find another lumber yard
to deal with.