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Why
is CCA lumber no longer being sold?
In early 2004, Sutherlands, along with most other retail
lumber dealers in the United States, began phasing in ACQ
(Alkaline Copper Quaternary) lumber to replace CCA &
Wolmanized® treated lumber, which are no longer being
manufactured for residential use. The Preservative manufacturers
are voluntarily taking this action based on negative public
perception of CCA, media coverage and growing consumer interest
in using an alternate wood preservative.
What
is ACQ Lumber?
ACQ is a copper based preservative system that is the most
cost-effective alternative to CCA. ACQ has been researched
and tested since the late 1980's. It was introduced commercially
in 1992. ACQ provides dependable performance and is building
code compliant (
NER
628). It treats a wider range softwood lumber species,
and is quality assured by a third party (TPI
or SPIB).
Like CCA, it is treated against decay and insect damage.
What
is ACQ lumber approved for?
ACQ is ideal for structural uses, sill plates, outdoor furniture,
playground equipment, patios, decks, garden edging and landscaping
structures. The preservatives in ACQ products meet American
Wood Preservers Association standards.
Are
there different grades of ACQ lumber?
Yes. The same formula used for CCA lumber applies to ACQ
treated lumber for the following applications:
- Above
Ground (.25)
- Ground
Contact (.40)
- Fresh
Water Contact (.40)
Can
I use the same metal fasteners used for CCA lumber?
The chemicals used in ACQ will corrode ordinary galvanized
fasteners, therefore special consideration must be taken
when working with ACQ lumber. Hot dipped or stainless
steel fasteners MUST be used with ACQ.
The
two most important things to remember when selecting deck
fasteners, framing nails, decking nails or screws are: (1)
holding capacity, and (2) resistance to corrosion. Using
the wrong fasteners can compromise the appearance, longevity,
and safety of an outdoor project.
Many
fasteners traditionally used with treated lumber are no
longer recommended for this application. Dacrotized, electroplated,
brass, and aluminum fasteners should not be used in treated
lumber when the appearance of rust or the likelihood of
corrosion is unacceptable.
Hot Dipped Galvanized - Fasteners galvanized to meet
ASTM A 153 class D are acceptable for use with treated lumber.
It is important to point out that galvanized fasteners are
rust-resistant and not rustproof; there is no guarantee
that these fasteners will remain rust-free.
PrimeGuard +10-Coated – This is a patented coating
that carries a 10-year guarantee against rust and corrosion
when used with treated lumber. For maximum performance we
suggest PrimeGuard
Plus Stainless Steel or PrimeGuard Plus coated fasteners.
PrimeGuard Plus Exterior Fasteners are a complete line of
premium fasteners for all outdoor projects, and available
at most Sutherlands retail locations. All PrimeGuard Plus
fasteners are guaranteed not to rust or corrode.
The
following products are available at most Sutherlands locations
for use with ACQ products. Manufacturers recommend these
lines of product to be used with ACQ treated lumber:
Please
note: One-half inch (12.7mm) or greater steel bolts are
acceptable and do not require special coatings.
Aluminum
should NOT be used in direct contact with ACQ preserved
wood. Spacer materials or some other physical barrier
are recommended to prevent direct contact. A poly barrier
is recommended for any applications where ACQ will meet
aluminum flashing. Do not use aluminum fasteners.
Will
ACQ lumber look the same as CCA?
When purchased, freshly treated ACQ is normally a green
color like CCA. It will weather to a tan/brown color in
months and eventually weather to gray over time.
For
more information about ACQ lumber, check these other resources:
WolmanizedWood.com
Universal
Forest Products
Naturalselect.com
(Wolmanizedwood.com)
Simpson
Strong-Tie
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