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Question

Does the Timber industry recommend re-screwing for a third time into seasoned timber hardwood roof battens. I cannot find anything to support this approach but was wondering what the Timber Industry's experience is in relation to this. Are there any Guide lines or Codes that cover this for Cyclone Regions in Queensland? 

Woodsolutions Answer

Assuming you are not re-screwing into the same holes that were used previously, and assuming that the timber has not been damaged, or deteriorated from prolonged weather exposure, we don't see why the existing battens shouldn't be re-used if they were correctly sized in the first place. But perhaps Timber Queensland would have relevant experience, as we don't have any specific data on this issue. Their website will give you contact details http://www.timberqueensland.com.au/. 

Answered on :
Please note that our answer is based on the best advice available at the time. If the National Construction Code, Australian Standards or local requirements have been subsequently amended, our answer may no longer be correct in all details. For more information, please read our disclaimer.
Question

Is there a BAL rating on American Red Oak? I can only find the US classification as a class C with the FSI range of 80-200? Does this translate to a BAL rating in Australia? 

Woodsolutions Answer

The density of American red oak at 12% moisture content averages around 700 kg/m³. This means that in areas up to and including BAL-19 red oak can be used for window joinery, door frames and the framing surrounding any glazing that is less than 400 mm from an adjacent surface. In areas up to BAL-19, AS 3959 permits any timber with a density of 650 kg/m³ or greater in these locations. Window joinery and framing more than 400 mm above an adjacent surface can be any species of timber. This regulation is based on the principle that the mode of bushfire attack in BAL-12.5 and BAL-19 is primarily accumulation of embers and burning debris at the base of walls. Hence the restriction on timber closer than 400 mm to adjacent ground, decking or similar horizontal surface. 

Answered on :
Please note that our answer is based on the best advice available at the time. If the National Construction Code, Australian Standards or local requirements have been subsequently amended, our answer may no longer be correct in all details. For more information, please read our disclaimer.
Question
Does anyone know of any timber suppliers in the Melbourne area who supply reclaimed timber that is stress graded? I’ve reached out to every supplier of salvaged/reclaimed timber in the Melbourne area that I can think of. Unfortunately, to my surprise, I have not been able to find anyone who can help, but maybe I just don’t know where to look. All I’m looking for are some hardwood beams that can be used as lintels to span two new wall openings where we are planning to remove some sections of load-bearing internal brick walls (the spans will only be 2m and 2.5m). I’ve come across some beautiful large beams at some local suppliers that are sufficient size and length, these just haven't been stress rated. Alternatively, does anyone know of any timber assessors in the Melbourne area who can independently assess some reclaimed timber for potential use as these members? I understand it might be a tedious process, but surely someone must do it? If not, seems like a gap in the market. Thanks for any guidance!
Woodsolutions Answer

It is surprising that reclaimed timber is not offered in a stress graded condition. Grading rules for recycled timber are available on our website and can be downloaded free of charge via this link https://www.woodsolutions.com.au/system/files/Recycled_Products_Structuralproducts_0.pdf. Span tables can also be downloaded once the grade is known. It will be necessary to know the species of timber before it can be graded, but presumably suppliers can provide this information. Regarding a person to provide a stress grading service, Timber Training Creswick provides training in visual stress grading and should be able to put you in touch with people in your area who have completed their courses. TTC has a website here https://timbertrainingcreswick.com.au/about/. 

Answered on :
Please note that our answer is based on the best advice available at the time. If the National Construction Code, Australian Standards or local requirements have been subsequently amended, our answer may no longer be correct in all details. For more information, please read our disclaimer.
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