Durability and Service Life
Under proper conditions, wood provides excellent, lasting performance. However, it also faces several potential threats to service life, including fungal activity and insect damage—which can be avoided in numerous ways. Section 2304.11 of the International Building Code (IBC) addresses protection against decay and termites. This section provides requirements for non-residential construction applications, such as wood used above ground (e.g., for framing, decks, stairs, etc.), as well as other applications.
There are four recommended methods to protect wood-frame structures against durability hazards and thus provide maximum service life for the building. All require proper design and construction:
1. Control moisture using design techniques to avoid decay.
2. Provide effective control of termites and other insects.
3. Use durable materials such as pressure treated or naturally durable species of wood where appropriate.
4. Provide quality assurance during design and construction and throughout the building’s service life using appropriate maintenance practices.
Read more about this topic: Lumber
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