​There is a high demand for lumber in construction so its very common to find green lumber (or wet lumber) being used but, what is it? And, is it good to use?  When trees are cut down, the moisture contained in them starts to evaporate and it will only stop doing so when they reach the same moisture level as the environment they’re in.  Green lumber is wood that still maintains a higher moisture content than its environment when its used for construction.  So, how can that affect the building it is used in?
 
Even if the wood is used in a home’s construction, the moisture in it will still continue its evaporation process.  As the wood dries out it will shrink, and this can form gaps.  You might see evidence of this with drywall and nails where a gap might form, forcing the nail to push through the drywall.  While this wont necessarily cause major issues, it might not look very good.
 
Mold is another problem that can result from green lumber.  The mold could even form on the wood during transportation which means the building might have a mold problem even before its completed.
 
Its not just water that evaporates from the wood but other fluids such as tree sap will continue to escape from it.  This can cause staining and if the wood has been painted before the evaporation process has finished, it could start to bubble and look unattractive.
 
Green lumber is used because it is a cheaper option than kiln dried lumber.  It will also dry out much quicker in drier, more arid States.  

​Fixing up an older home can be a very rewarding experience and, when done right, can combine the old charm of the building with modern convenience.  However, a project like this can also bring a number of issues that you would have to deal with.  Are you prepared for this?  To help you with that answer, here are a few of the possible issues you will encounter with an older property:
 
Advancements in technology have helped us learn more about the hazards associated with many construction materials that were used years ago.  Depending on the age of the home, you will likely encounter at least some of them.   One very common problem is that of lead paint.  When lead paint starts to deteriorate, it becomes chipped or turns to dust.  This will be particularly dangerous to young children in the home who are more likely to ingest it.
 
Aluminum wiring was commonly used in houses during the 1960s and 70s, instead of copper wiring.  Aluminum wiring, over time, was found to be defective.  If your home has aluminum wiring, you may need to replace it.
 
Asbestos is a name we’ve come to associate with severe health risks.  Homes constructed in the 1930s to 50s generally have asbestos insulation, which would need to be removed by a professional.
 
Another danger to health that can be found in the home is radon.  A test would need to be carried out in the home to check if it has high levels of radon or not, as it cannot be detected by smell or sight.
 
Its good to keep in mind that many of these issues will require an expert to professionally and safely remove them, this will cost extra so, before taking on an older property, make sure you budget for this.