Preservative Treated Lumber and Timbers
Borate compounds are found in naturally occurring deposits and are a combination of boron and oxygen. Borates are very effective at killing wood destroying insects, fungi, and may also have some fire-retardant properties. The ability of borate compounds to diffuse in water is both an advantage and disadvantage. It allows the chemical to penetrate deeply into wet wood; therefore borate treatments do not require the wood to be incised prior to treatment. However, this property allows the borate chemical to leach out of the wood if exposed to wetting. As such, borate treated lumber and plywood must be protected from the weather and are not labeled for direct ground contact. Borates are also known for their relative safely and economy.
Uses: Sill plate, joists, studs, roof trusses, blocking, rafters, beams
Species: Douglas-fir, Hem fir, Southern Yellow Pine, Spruce-Pine-Fir
Color: Clear. Typically, a blue or green tinted dye is added to the treating solution to distinguish it from untreated wood
Copper-based wood preservatives have been in use for decades in North America and have proven safe and effective in countless residential, non-residential, and industrial applications, greatly extending
the service life of wood and helping to conserve a renewable resource. Copper-based wood preservatives can be used to treat any species or species group available in North America. Certain western species such as Douglas-fir and Hem fir require incising. This is done on a machine prior to treatment that creates many little slits in the wood allowing the preservative to penetrate deep enough to meet industry standard. The addition of colorants or stains to the lumber is used to enhance consumer demand in certain markets.
Uses: Decking, fencing, railings and accessories, joists, piling and poles, sill plate, sub flooring
Species: Douglas-fir, Hem fir, Southern Yellow Pine, Spruce-Pine-Fir
Color: Available browntone, cedartone, and traditional green
Incising: Refractory species such as Douglas-fir and Hem fir require incisions in the wood to allow the preservative to penetrate deeply enough to meet penetration and retention requirements for specified uses, such as Ground Contact
Chromated arsenicals, which include chromated copper arsenate (CCA), are a group of pesticides containing chromium, copper, and/or arsenic that protect wood against termites, fungi, and other pests.
In December 2003, chromated arsenicals manufacturers voluntarily discontinued manufacturing their product for homeowner use. CCA is still in use in industrial applications such as utility, highway, marine,
agricultural, and heavy construction.
Uses: Agricultural, guard rails, signposts, utility poles, marine
Species: Douglas-fir, Hem fir, Southern Yellow Pine, Spruce-Pine-Fir
Wood is a combustible material that will burn when exposed to fire. Fire retardant treated lumber and plywood are pressure impregnated with fire retardant chemicals that go deep into the wood, not just on
the surface. These chemicals slow the spread of flames and encourage the development of a char layer on the surface which insulates the wood below and slows fire growth. This process is designed to slow down the spread of flame and reduce smoke development because of fire, to give building occupants more time to escape. Fire retardant treated lumber and plywood must be specified based on end use, whether for interior or exterior, as the treatment process varies depending on end use. Interior use is limited to applications not exposed to weather or wetting.
Uses: Floor joists, floor sheathing, partition walls, plywood sheathing, rafters, roof trusses, sill plate, sub flooring, studs, wall sheathing, 1 & 2 Hour Wall Assemblies
Species: Douglas-fir, Hem fir, Southern Yellow Pine, Spruce-Pine-Fir
Color: Clear. Typically, a red dye is added to the solution to distinguish it from untreated wood
Incising: Not applicable
Allweather Wood ranks as the largest waterborne preservative treated lumber and plywood manufacturer in the western United States. With treating plants in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, Allweather Wood treats a variety of wood species and preservatives including copper, borates, and fire retardants. No matter what you are building, Allweather Wood preservative treated lumber and plywood is ready for whatever nature brings your way.
Allweather Wood preservative treated lumber and plywood are available through lumberyards and home improvement retailers. Dealers and distributors are encouraged to contact their local Allweather Wood representative. Locations and general information may be found at AllweatherWood.com.