How Does Moisture Affect Wood Pallets

Wooden Pallets are preferred and used by many businesses all around the world. Although Wooden Pallets are highly durable but easily affected by moisture content, resulting in declining quality. Therefore, the quality of pallets is the first demand and priority of businesses. The companies required wooden pallets that can be used for a long time, are durable, sustainable, and resist all weather conditions. Therefore, keeping in mind the demand of the businesses, the pallet manufacturers use the type of wood with the lowest moisture content. We’ll answer the question, ” How Does Moisture Affect Your Wood Pallets” and how they are bad for your final product.

Thus, tests and methods are applied to remove moisture from the wood. All these processes are done to ensure that the quality of pallets is of supreme quality and that businesses can use them for a long time. The moisture is very dangerous for the life of the wooden pallets. It decreases the durability and strength of the wood pallets and makes them old. Here we will discuss the effects of moisture on the wood pallets and how to treat them properly to end their moisture content. 

Defining the Quality of Wood Pallets

Several criteria and standards determine the quality of a wooden pallet. One of the critical factors is the moisture content of the wood used in making the pallet. Wood with too much moisture is prone to warping, cracking, and weakening. Therefore, a good quality wooden pallet should have a low moisture content to make it more durable and less prone to damage. Another factor determining the quality of a wooden pallet is the type of wood used in making it. 

Different types of wood have varying levels of strength, durability, and sustainability. The wood that makes high-quality pallets are pine, oak, and hardwood. Each of these woods has unique properties that make it suitable for specific applications. The design of a wooden pallet is also an essential factor that affects its quality. A good quality wooden pallet should be designed to ensure it is stable, safe, and easy to handle. It should also be designed to support the weight of the goods it is transporting without bending or breaking. 

Effect of Moisture on Wood Pallets

How Does Moisture Affect Wood Pallets? Moisture is evil for any wood, ultimately damaging the wood to a useless level. The trait of wood is that it absorbs moisture content very quickly and can keep it for a long time. As a result, the wood starts to expand, crack, and warp. All these things deteriorate the quality of wood and make it completely useless. Avoiding exposure to wooden pallets’ moisture is essential in the case of pallets made from wood. Wooden pallets are used for long periods, and moisture can destroy their quality. 

Moistness is one of the most common factors that can damage the quality of wooden pallets. When wood is exposed to moisture, it becomes a breeding ground for mildew and mold growth. These microorganisms not only create an unpleasant smell but also deteriorate the quality of the wood. They cause dislocation and damage to the wooden pallets, ultimately making them obsolete. The dislocated and damaged pallets affect the products being transported and cause a significant risk to the workers handling them.

Protecting Wood Pallets by Using Heat Treatment

The treatment of the wood used in making the pallet is also an essential part of improving the quality of wooden pallets. Wood treatments such as heat treatment are used to reduce moisture content, remove pests, and improve the strength and durability of the wood. In all these scenarios, wooden pallet manufacturers prioritize producing a durable, sustainable, and robust product. To achieve this, they always use the best quality wood available and modern technological tools and machinery to ensure that all wood treatment is done correctly.

The Mold and Mildew Effect on the Wooden Pallets

The mold and mildew on the wooden pallets can also directly affect the goods transported. As a result, the pallets become unstable, and the goods can easily fall off during transportation. Moreover, mold and mildew can also cause health hazards for workers who come into contact with them. These things can cause allergies and respiratory problems. Hence It is essential to avoid exposure of wooden pallets to moisture and humidity to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. This can be done by storing pallets in a dry and well-ventilated area, covering them with a waterproof material, or treating them with different methods. Proper maintenance of wooden pallets is crucial to ensure the safe and effective transportation of goods.

Protecting Wooden Pallets from Pests, Fungi, and Bacteria

Moisture and dampness attract insects and pests to wood. Insects such as the beetle and termites can feed on wood and cause damage. Fungi and bacteria can also grow on the wood due to the moisture content. This can cause decay and rot in the wood. Wooden pallets used outdoors are at risk of exposure to unfavorable weather conditions such as rain and snow. This can cause the wood to weaken and age, reducing its lifespan. 

It is important to keep wooden pallets away from water sources such as lakes, underground water, and rivers to prevent decay. Wooden pallets should be stored in dry areas with access to air and some sunlight. Insecticides and fungicides can protect wooden pallets from pests and reduce the chances of decay.

How to Prevent Water Exposure for Wood Pallets?

That moisture exposure makes the wood grow old and weak and thus reduces its life. So it is necessary to keep the wooden pallets away from water sources such as lakes, underground water, and rivers. Any water exposure will lead to the decay of the wood pallets. It is necessary to keep and store the wood pallets in dry areas with access to air and some sun. Also, some insecticides and fungicides protect the wooden pallets from pests and help reduce the chances of decaying wooden pallets.

Moisture Absorption in Green Hardwood.

Different wood species have varying abilities to absorb water. For instance, green wood’s ability to retain moisture differs from other types of wood. Green hardwood, or green wood pallets, can hold moisture due to their living plant cells. Sometimes, up to 50% of the weight of green hardwood is from water content, making them more susceptible to cracking and decay. Hardwood pallets must be sealed and treated with water-resistant coatings or different additives to prevent water absorption. 

Green hardwood pallets have more moisture content, so that a better alternative would be kiln-dried wood pallets with nearly 19 % moisture content. Kiln dry pallets will always have a long life and will remain durable. The key to managing the green wood pallets is to inspect them regularly and keep them away from direct exposure to sunlight and rain. Another way to protect them from moisture is to apply the coating and waterproofing sealant. Through these measures, the quality of green hardwood pallets can be maintained for a long time.

Shrinking of Wood Pallets Due to Moisture

Wood pallet parts shrink when they are exposed to different weather conditions. This is due to the natural tendency of wood to absorb moisture during humid seasons and subsequently release moisture and shrink when exposed to high temperatures and Harsh winter weather conditions. 

This shrinkage can damage the hardwood pallets, leaving them useless. Pallet manufacturers ensure that the wood they are using is heat treated. Damaged wooden pallets can be recycled, but it is necessary to treat them through heating methods or by applying a water-resistant coating. Because damaged pallets can be reused, the damaged wood with moisture content is mostly useless.

Container Rain Effect on Wood Pallets

Due to moisture, the parts of the pallets that are holding them also get affected. For example, the nails or strings in stacked stringer pallets get eroded or damaged because of the moisture causing damage to the overall pallet design. That’s why it’s essential to dry hardwood pallets through heating treatment and suitable heating methods. 

The container rain is another leading factor that adds moisture to the wood. The moisture in the air inside the container condenses on the ceiling or walls of the container, which causes adding moisture levels to the wooden pallets stored in the container. This mostly happens during shipping and transporting the goods. This damage caused by the container rain effect can be controlled by packing the pallets properly in water-resistant materials.

Unaka Forest Products manufactures and produces the best Wood Pallets in East Tennessee. We are specialized in making other products, such as Organic Wooden Mulch and Pre-Cut Lumber. So Contact us today if you are looking for the best quality products for your business.