Everwood Treatment Company BlogSpanish Fort, Alabamahttps://everwoodtreatment.com/BlogBig Changes to the Lumber Industry https://everwoodtreatment.com/Blog/PostId/1042/big-changes-to-the-lumber-industryCompany NewsWed, 17 Feb 2016 17:06:36 GMT<p><span style="color: #59554d;">As we move into 2016, we see changes in the pressure treated wood industry.&nbsp;Both the American Wood Protection Association and the ICC Evaluation Service have determined that wood used in many physically above-ground applications needs to be treated to Ground Contact requirements. &nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #59554d;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #59554d;"><strong>When should a user switch from Above Ground material to Ground Contact material?&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #59554d;">Ground Contact treatment is necessary for physically above-ground material when:</span></p> <ol> <li style="color: #59554d;"><span>soil or other debris may build up and stay in contact with the wood </span></li> <li style="color: #59554d;"><span>there is insufficient ventilation to allow air circulation around the wood </span></li> <li style="color: #59554d;"><span>material is installed &lt;6 inches above ground on permeable building materials </span></li> <li style="color: #59554d;"><span>material is installed in contact with non-durable untreated or older construction with any evidence of decay </span></li> <li style="color: #59554d;"><span>wood is subject to frequent or recurring wetting&nbsp; </span></li> <li style="color: #59554d;"><span>used in tropical climates&nbsp; </span></li> <li style="color: #59554d;"><span>the wood is both:&nbsp;</span></li> <li style="color: #59554d;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; difficult to maintain, repair or replace and&nbsp;</span></li> <li style="color: #59554d;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; critical to the performance and safety of the entire system</span></li> </ol> <p><span style="color: #59554d;">Joists and beams for decks and docks fit both of these final criteria and therefore require Ground Contact treatment. &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #59554d;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #59554d;"><strong>What products does this apply to? &nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #59554d;">These changes apply to wood that is treated with all residential preservative systems.&nbsp;ICC-ES approved changes to its Acceptance Criteria for treated wood and these changes will be effective for all products covered by ICC-ES Reports by July 2016.&nbsp;Regardless of whether the similar revisions to AWPA Standards are finalized, these changes reflect the industry direction and should be followed for all products. &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #59554d;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #59554d;"><strong>What do I need to do?</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #59554d;">These changes ultimately leave decision-making in the hands of builders, consumers and building inspectors to determine if the application requires Ground Contact treated wood.&nbsp;Together, we will need to educate your customers on what material they should stock and how to guide users in selecting the appropriate treated product for their project.&nbsp;The attached flow chart should be a useful tool to help accomplish this.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #59554d;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #59554d;"><strong>What does this mean for my warranty?</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #59554d;">Beginning in July 2016, material must be used as described above to be covered by Arch's consumer warranty.&nbsp;Arch will supply a revised version of our warranty to ensure our warranty language clearly reflects these standards. &nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #59554d;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #59554d;"><em>Please contact your sales representative or any other member of the Arch team with questions.</em></span></p> <p><span style="color: #59554d;"><em><br /> </em></span></p> <a href="http://everwoodtreatment.com/Portals/everwood/How_To_Properly_Choose_Treated_Wood.pdf" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'PT Sans', arial, sans-serif;">How_To_Properly_Choose_Treated_Wood.pdf</a>1042