A Comparison of Processes for Treated Lumber
| ProSelect™ with Micronized Copper Technology | |
| Advantages |
Corrosion properties similar to untreated lumber Approved for contact with aluminum Lighter, natural color Better ability to hold paint and stain Less copper to help prevent leaching Available for ground contact and structural applications |
| Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) | |
|---|---|
| Advantages |
Low corrosion Can be used in marine applications Chemically fixes in the wood cells |
| Disadvantages | Contains chromium and arsenic |
| Amines (CA and ACQ) | |
| Advantages (CA) |
Premixed Non-arsenic Limited EPA restrictions Protects against decay from fungi and termites (two moldicides) Backed by Good Housekeeping Seal Third-party inspection required |
| Disadvantages (CA) |
Limited stainability and paint adherence Moderate leaching Moderately corrosive |
| Advantages (ACQ) |
Protects against decay from fungi and termites Longest time on market as alternative Different formulations allow compatibility with different species |
| Disadvantages (ACQ) |
Limited stainability and paint adherence Moderate leaching Not premixed, requiring mixing on-site for treaters Third-party inspection not required One moldicide Can be extremely corrosive |
| Non-Metallics (Arch's L3 and Vianceís EcoLife) | |
| Advantages |
As non-corrosive to metals as untreated wood Improved fastener performance Formulated in a colorless form Better protection against weathering Competitively priced |
| Disadvantages |
New to market "Organic" term not approved by EPA For above-ground use only |
Important Information
- ProSelect pressure-treated wood has corrosion rates on metal products similar to untreated lumber. Use fasteners and hardware that are in compliance with the manufacturerís recommendations and the building codes for their intended use. ProSelect pressure-treated wood contains: micronized copper, tebuconazole, propiconazole and imidacloprid.
- Do not burn preserved wood.
- Wear a dust mask and goggles when cutting or sanding wood.
- Wear gloves when working with wood.
- Some preservative may migrate from the treated wood into soil/water or may dislodge from the treated wood surface upon contact with skin. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly.
- All sawdust and construction debris should be cleaned up and disposed of after construction.
- Wash work clothes separately from other household clothing before reuse.
- Preserved wood should not be used where it may come into direct or indirect contact with drinking water, except for uses involving incidental contact such as freshwater docks and bridges.
- Do not use preserved wood under circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food, animal feed, or beehives.
- Only preserved wood that is visibly clean and free of surface residue should be used.
- Do not use preserved wood as mulch.
- If the wood is to be used in an interior application and becomes wet during construction, it should be allowed to dry before being covered or enclosed.
- Disposal recommendations: Preserved wood may be disposed of in landfills or burned in commercial or industrial incinerators or boilers in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- If you choose to apply paint, stain, clear water repellent or other finish to your preservative-treated wood, we recommend following the manufacturer's instructions and label of the finished product. Before you start, we recommend you apply the finishing product to a small, exposed test area before finishing the entire project to ensure it provides the intended result before proceeding.
- Projects should be designed and installed in accordance with federal, state, and local building codes and ordinances governing construction in your area and in accordance with the National Design Specifications (NDS) and the Wood Handbook.
- Mold growth can and does occur on the surface of many products, including untreated and treated wood, during prolonged surface exposure to excessive moisture conditions. To remove mold from the treated wood surface, wood should first be allowed to dry. Typically, mild soap and water can be used to remove remaining surface mold. For more information, visit www.epa.gov.