Pressure Treated Lumber Bulletin
January 2, 2004

The wood treatment industry's voluntary phase out end date of Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) for residential applications is here. This means that going forward, treated wood, as we have known it, will no longer be produced for sale for the majority of applications which F.E. Wheaton has supplied it for in the past.

The alternative treatments available, alkaline copper quat (ACQ) and copper azole (CA) are EPA – approved low toxicity pesticide waterborne formulations that resist bugs, mold, and rot as effectively as CCA.

As F.E. Wheaton's inventory transitions from the old chemical to a new alternative chemical over the next couple of months there are a few points in which we all need to be aware.

•  The alternative formulations will be result in higher treated lumber prices . The resulting increase in price will range from 15% to 35%. This increase is primarily due to the increase in copper content (18% to 96% in some cases) from the old chemical formulation to the new ones.

•  The alternative formulations will de-emphasize retention levels on end tags and instead focus on end use classifications . Instead of .40 and .25 ratings look for “Ground Contact” and “Above Ground Use” ratings for treatment levels. Many items that have in the past been treated to .40 (Ground Contact) levels will now be treated to “Above Ground Use” retentions.

•  The alternative formulations are significantly more corrosive to hangers and fasteners . Due to the high risk of galvanic reaction between copper-impregnated wood and any dissimilar metals, fasteners and flashings should be stainless steel and copper whenever possible. At the very least a better grade of galvanized is required. Avoid aluminum flashings altogether. Foundation anchor bolts made of plain steel will corrode quickly, so either use galvanized strap-type mudsill anchors or hot-dipped galvanized anchor bolts.

•  F.E. Wheaton is in the process of transitioning stock hangers and fasteners to meet the higher standards required when using the alternative formulations. Look for fasteners and hangers that meet hot dipped galvanized ratings of G-185 or electro galvanized class ratings of 55 or better to replace the product stocked in the past, as well as other corrosion resistant product ratings for alternative treatments in the hardware line.

•  F . E. Wheaton's inventory of CCA treated lumber should last through January and into February 2004 on most items. The phase out date of 12/31/03 is for treating plants only. Existing CCA treated wood inventories can be sold and used as long as supplies last .