While NELMA is accredited to provide on-going grading services at its member mills, the Association’s expert staff also provides “On-Demand” grading options for others that may need lumber and/or timbers graded and certified for specific building projects or for general consumer sales. In most cases, this type of grading service is needed to fulfill a requirement of local or state building codes.
Not all lumber or timbers are eligible for grading within NELMA’s On-Demand program. Listed below are specific criteria that must be the material will be considered for grading. Please review this list before completing a request for services:
**Design values for structural use are currently based on newly sawn lumber/timbers. Studies indicate that lumber/timbers that have been under a loading application (studs, joists, rafters, beams, etc.) in a structure for a number of years may have reduced strength values. No consistent reduction in strength calculations are available at this time, consequently there is no method to confidently designate a design value for reclaimed/recycled.
The building code authority where the materials will be used should be contacted prior to completing a request for services to be certain of the type of grade marking or identification that will be acceptable. The most common types are:
—-> Contact NELMA by phone (207-829-6901) or by email at info@nelma.org for an On-Demand Inspection fee estimate.
OR
Upon receipt of the completed request, NELMA staff will review the form and contact the primary person listed to obtain any additional information necessary to approve the request and/or schedule a mutually-acceptable date to perform the grading service. Please note that the schedules for NELMA’s Inspection staff are completed up to 3 weeks in advance. As a result, we highly recommend that the request form be completed and returned well in advance of any deadlines that the job may require.
Should the final use of the lumber/timbers to be graded require a specific grade (No.1, No.2, etc.) and a specific quantity, additional pieces should be available for the inspection as not all of the material may make the required grade.
Please contact NELMA toll-free (800-819-6040) or by email at info@nelma.org for any questions or clarifications needed regarding the On-Demand Lumber Grading Program. We look forward to providing your lumber/timber grading needs!