When choosing building materials, the issue of quality always comes first, especially for wood materials. It is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the species, grade, and cutting method. In addition, procurement time matters. Is winter wood better than summer wood? Is there a difference and how significant is it? Let's try to figure it out.
Why winter wood is better
First of all, the difference is in humidity. In winter, sap flow stops and moisture goes to the roots. According to some data, the moisture content of wood in summer ranges from 35 to 50%, and in winter it is only 20 - 30%. In winter, there is less air humidity and less moisture saturation of the tree itself.
In addition, as studies have shown, starch disappears in the trunks in winter, turning into fats and sugars, binding free water. This water does not form ice crystals. In summer, the process goes in the opposite direction: the temperature rises, fats break down and starch accumulates, which becomes food for insects and fungus.
In order for the structure to serve for a long time, it is necessary to use dry wood. Its humidity should not exceed 18%, and in some cases 8-10%. The more moisture, the longer it takes to dry and the greater the likelihood of deformation.
When wood was harvested
Many supporters of winter wood cite the fact that harvesting has long been carried out in winter. However, in different regions and among different peoples, the procurement time differed.
For some, it began in June with a trial cutting of several trees. If the top broke when falling, the workpiece was stopped. In other areas, the forest was cut down in the spring, since during this period the wood is hard and the bark is easily separated from it. There is evidence that wood harvested in December is the most wear-resistant.
Many peoples associated the time of cutting down trees with the phases of the moon. Some people harvest wood only during the full moon or during the new month. Others only after the full moon. This was once believed in France. And now in Brazil rare breeds are harvested during these periods. Some believe that winter logging was also carried out because in the summer everyone was busy with agricultural work.
Cutting trees today
Now this is done by enterprises with a large number of personnel, using special equipment and transport. To provide work for workers and maintain profitability, harvesting is carried out year-round. In addition, there are special drying chambers where wood can be dried to the required humidity much faster than in the old days, when this process dragged on for months and years. A wide variety of impregnations, paints and varnishes will protect any wood from pests, mold, and rot. Therefore, the question: “Is winter wood better?” is not so important. The wood you choose should not have:
- rot;
- damage;
- dry knots.
It must be well dried and technologically correctly processed. If used properly, a house built from such wood will last a long time and reliably.
