Processes
Glennon Brothers uses a number of innovative and environmentally responsible processes to produce its products. Click on a link to find out more.
- Kiln drying
- Heat treatment
- Timber treatment: Osmose Naturewood
- Timber treatment: Protim Clearchoice
- Stress grading
Kiln drying
Glennon Brothers operate kiln-drying facilities in both our Longford and Fermoy plants.
What is kiln drying?
Kiln drying is an automated process for the removal of moisture from timber through the use of heat and airflow in a controlled environment.
How does kiln drying work?
Timber can be dried in a progressive kiln or in a batch kiln, which are computer controlled and heated from a sawdust-powered boiler. In a progressive kiln, timber is loaded onto railed bogies and bales gradually move forward through varying temperature and humidity over a number of days. Every few hours the doors open with a dried bale exiting the kiln and a fresh sawn bale entering the kiln at the other end. In a batch kiln, bales are static in the kiln and a series of vents and fans are used to vary the humidity and airflow. The length of time timber spends in the kiln varies depending on the thickness of the sawn boards but typically is in the region of 3 to 5 days.
What are the benefits of kiln drying?
Removal of excess water reduces weight and thus shipping and handling costs.
Proper drying confines shrinking and swelling of wood in use to manageable amounts under all but extreme conditions of relative humidity.
Properly dried timber can be cut to precise dimensions and machined more easily and efficiently.
Wood parts can be more securely fitted and fastened together with nails, screws, bolts, and adhesives.
Warping, splitting, checking, and other harmful effects of uncontrolled drying are largely eliminated.
Paint, varnish, and other finishes are more effectively applied and maintained.
Decay hazards are eliminated if the wood is subsequently treated or protected from excessive moisture regain.