In the world of construction and architecture, the importance of quality and structural integrity cannot be overstated. Every component, from the foundation to the finishing touches, must meet stringent standards to ensure the safety and longevity of a structure. When it comes to Engineered Wood Products, it is important to be committed to delivering excellence through testing standards and quality control measures.
The Importance of Woodtone’s Investment in Internal Testing Standards
One of Woodtone’s biggest internal investments is pooled into internal testing standards, allowing us to offer the highest standard in product quality for 100% of our Engineered Wood Post Products; AbsolutePost™ made from Cedar, and RealPost™ made from SPF and Doug-fir. This commitment sets the standard for quality and structural integrity in the world of engineered wood products, while providing customers with the utmost confidence when using Woodtone products in any Commercial, Multi-family and Single-family projects. It helps us guarantee your projects will meet structural requirements, while they also maintain their beautiful appearance over time.
Understanding Structural Certification
To comprehend the significance of internal testing standards, it is essential to grasp what “structurally manufactured and certified” means. For 25 years at Woodtone, we have made it a priority to internally test for the trust and confidence customers can have in our engineered wood products. Hal Hanlon, President of Woodtone Specialties, the term “structurally manufactured and certified” signifies that any Woodtone Engineered Wood Product adheres to rigorous standards mandated by international building codes. Hal and his team work meticulously to follow the ASTM code (American Society for Testing and Materials), which outlines specific testing requirements necessary for product certification.
To ensure compliance, it is important to engage with a third-party auditor, like Intertek, who oversees and validates their testing and sampling processes.
Introducing Intertek
Intertek is an internationally recognized independent total quality assurance provider that Woodtone relies on for certification of our Engineered Wood Products. Their role involves auditing, testing, inspections and training procedures. This impartial assessment ensures that Engineered Wood Products meet the highest quality standards and are fit for use in various construction applications.
Internal Testing Standards For Engineered Wood Products
Adhering to internal testing standards acts as a backbone for committing to delivering top-quality products. Most Internal Testing Standards include a rigorous testing process that every product undergoes before leaving the manufacturing facility. At Woodtone, this includes hourly sampling of products from the production line, which are then subjected to a variety of tests.
The testing procedures include:
- Finger Joint Strength Testing: This test assesses the strength of the finger joints, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of construction.
- Cyclic Delamination Testing: To simulate long-term weathering, products are subjected to accelerated weathering conditions, including moisture injection and repeated oven-baking.
- Bend Test (Modulus of Elasticity – MOE): This test assesses the product’s ability to withstand bending stress, a crucial factor in construction applications.
- Compression Tests (Vertical Load Testing): Products are subjected to vertical load tests to evaluate their load-bearing capacity.
Moreover, it is important to run strict batch tracking procedures to promptly identify and rectify any issues before products are shipped to the field.
Dedication to internal testing standards and quality control acts as a testament to committing to delivering quality and trust in the construction industry. By adhering to rigorous testing and certification processes, we ensure our Engineered Wood Products not only meet but exceed industry standards. We are committed to investing in our customers, who can rely on Woodtone products for our structural integrity, durability and aesthetic appeal.
