Sector Focus: Handling & Storage | 95
WEATHER DEPENDABLE
Nick Glaves reports on racking modifications to protect timber from the great British weather
Anyone who works in the timber industry understands one universal truth – timber and rain do not mix well together. Even treated timber, if stored outside for a length of time, will go through successive cycles of getting wet and drying out again, and will eventually be affected by shrinkage, bowing and warping.
This can cost merchants thousands of pounds each year, not to mention relegating once-good materials to the bargain bucket. It also adds to material cost inflation as less timber is available to the market and merchants need to recoup their losses somewhere along the line.
But as the UK is seeing more severe weather events due to the changing climate, forward thinking merchants are searching for outdoor storage solutions that offer better protection to timber.
This is driving a trend for modifying and extending cantilever racking to enclose timber more effectively, meaning it is less impacted by bad weather and far less prone to shrinkage. Mike Gorman, sales director of Yorkshire- based racking supplier Filstorage, said the company has seen an upturn in orders for canopies – particularly double canopies – and
cladding for the back and sides of racking as a method of keeping the weather at bay. As well as changing weather patterns, the trend is also being fuelled by merchants supplying better quality timber in a bid to capture more of the retail market as well as the trade.
“There’s no doubt that the weather patterns of the UK are changing, with longer, hotter summers, warmer, wetter, winters, and more severe weather events such as storms and extended downpours,” said Mr Gorman. “This plays havoc with timber, and merchants are increasingly looking for storage solutions that will better protect their timber stores, particularly those investing in higher quality wood.
“Many of the big DIY chains tackled this a long time ago by creating the capacity to store timber inside.
“But this is out of the question for most merchants, especially independents, which are looking for a more cost effective solution. In most cases, this means modifying their existing racking to provide the protection they need.”
Chief among these modifications that have seen an upsurge in popularity is the double canopy, which provides a significant
overhang on both sides of the racking, sheltering the timber from rain. The two canopy panels slant inwards towards the centre, creating a Y-shaped structure at the top of the racking which channels rain water off into a drainage system.
Canopies like this are extremely effective at stopping rain reaching timber rails, but on taller racking rain can still blow in from the sides.
For this, some merchants are turning to back and side cladding, almost enclosing the timber and offering the ultimate protection against inclement weather.
“Bolting on weather protection to existing racking is a cost-effective solution because compared to restructuring a timber yard or extending warehousing, it requires relatively little investment for almost the same level of protection,” said Mr Gorman. “However, it is essential merchants understand the regulations around this. For example, it is not possible to completely enclose racking without applying for planning permission to do so, so merchants must work within the law.
“In addition, consideration must also be given to ensure snow and wind loads are catered for – the size of the racking and cladding will have an effect on this,” further explained Mr Gorman.
He added that before deciding on a weather protection solution, it is vital merchants find out if their racking can be modified, as it is not always possible.
“Some cantilever racking can be modified with canopies and cladding easily, whereas other brands of racking need to be adapted by a professional racking company before being modified.
“Unfortunately, there are some types of racking which can neither be modified or adapted to fit weather protection modifications, and in these instances, it can be difficult to protect your timber against bad weather.
Above: Filstorage has seen an upturn in orders for canopies – particularly double canopies
“Thankfully, the majority of racking we find in merchants, and all the racking we supply, can be modified in some way to increase the protection it offers. It is rare we find a system which cannot be improved upon at all.” ■
www.ttjonline.com | July/August 2023 | TTJ
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