Tips for Preventing Wooden Pallet Rot
Because it is durable and strong, wood is the most popular material used to build pallets. Proper storage is crucial to ensure your pallets don’t rot and remain intact. Consider how long you plan to store pallets made of wood.
For Storage or short-term needs. Most pallets can be stored outdoors for a period of time of just a few months. Wooden pallet performance is not usually affected by outdoor storage. However, Long-term storage Poor conditions can cause pallets to “look” bad and grow mold. They can also become unsuitable for usage.
Also Read : 8 Tips To Extend Your Wooden Pallets Lifespan
4 Tips for Preventing Wooden Pallet Rot
These tips will help you store wooden pallets for a long time.
- Keep your Pallets Off the Ground : Even if the lot is paved, if the bottom pallet is left on the ground it can cause rotten bottom boards. Placing pallets on 4x4s or similar dunnage will allow the bottom pallet to dry between rains, and other weather conditions. This will greatly increase the pallet’s life expectancy.
- Ensure Proper Airflow : If the air can circulate through the pallets to dry them out, they can be kept outdoors for longer periods. Even indoor storage can cause rot if it is in a damp and tight area.
- Rotate the stock : Before you move to the next load of wooden pallets, you should make sure that you have the older pallets at the back before you start the new ones.
- Move the Pallets : It is best to move stacks around if you don’t plan to use the design for more than a few months. Take the top 10 pallets off of a stack that is 20 high and place them on the bottom. This will change the pallet’s position so that it is not in a moist environment.
How do I tell if a wooden pallet is rotten?
You can use a hammer to smash boards that have been damaged or if you have questionable pallets. Rotten boards will split in a straight line, and become “brittle.” Good boards can be broken with enough force. However, wood will splinter if it is not used in the right way. Even with a hammer, it takes a lot to break down a soundboard.
Avoid using a pallet that isn’t certified. The risk of additional damage to your products and people is too great. To ensure that older pallets are safe to use, call your pallet supplier.
