A local lumber company presented a talk on decking materials the other night at local builders meeting, and the subject of the new treated lumber ACQ came up. The lumber company reps. were very concerned about reports they had heard that ACQ is very corrosive to metals used in standard construction, eg. steel, aluminum, and copper. The suggestion was that we would have to start using stainless steel fasteners, and possibly plastic sleeves where pipe went through a treated board. This caused quite a bit of concern, and rightfully so, if one considers the ramifications of the reported problem. My question is this: Has any one else heard of a corrosion problem with the new treated lumber, and if so, shouldn’t it be discussed in the trade magazines, so that the word gets out. If this is a problem, we all will have to do things differently, or another chemical will have to be found to treat lumber. Any information, or thoughts are appreciated.
Fbart.
Replies
here - I'll bump this to the top again in case people missed it - I have little to offer you in regards to your questions, I have not yet seen any ACQ lumber - here's a link to simpson's website http://www.orgsites.com/pa/pennbocr1/_pgg9.php3
"Testing has shown that stainless steel fasteners and connectors corrode substantially less than other alternatives when used with ACQ-C and CA-B treated wood. Simpson recommends use of stainless steel fasteners and connectors with treated wood when possible. At a minimum, customers should use ZMAX¯ or Batch/Post Hot-Dip Galvanized product with the new chemically treated woods. The additional zinc in these products provides added protection. Users should confirm suitability with the treated wood chemical supplier. Simpson has a promotional display available that contains a wide-range of ZMAX¯ and Batch/Post Hot-Dip Galvanized products that can be used with these new chemicals."
Thanks for the link. Simpson is non committal on the reliability of any fasteners with ACQ treated lumber. I can foresee the need for stainless anchor bolts, stainless or hot dipped nails through bottom plates into studs, plumbers who can't run gas or water pipes through treated plates without special precautions, etc. It could become more or a hassel than it is worth to avoid the relatively small danger there is from CCA treated wood in residential construction.
This the first I've heard of it ....... got to keep my eyes and ears peeled for more info. Thanks for the heads up.
Didn't find any definitive testing data to quote but did find that one of the manufacturers (Chemical Specialties, Inc. Charlotte, NC) nixes the use of galvanized fasteners with ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary). Another non-CCA product, marketed as Wolmanized Natural Select, is CBA (Copper, Boron, Azole). Hot dip galvanized fasteners are supposedly A-OK.
December appears to be the change over month. Definitely gonna cost more - for the wood product as well as the fasteners.