TECHNICAL TIPS
HOT TOPIC

Are Your Fasteners Corroding?
By Joe Hetzel, DASMA Technical Director

Some new wood preservatives can be corrosive to metal fasteners. This hot news emerged in late 2003 when a technical firm reported the findings to the home building industry. The news affects lumber used as garage door framing in various locations in the U.S.

The technical firm, ToolBase Services, tested alternatives to CCA (chromated copper arsenate). Their findings indicate that some new wood preservatives can be more corrosive to metal connectors and fasteners than CCA.

CCA-treated lumber was voluntarily phased out of the residential market at the end of 2003. ToolBase Services says that corrosion resistance of connections must be reevaluated to ensure the structural safety and durability of buildings constructed with preservative-treated lumber. ToolBase Services says fastener corrosion can be minimized by using corrosion-resistant alloys, impermeable coverings, or galvanic coatings.

Pressure-treated lumber can be specified for use in garage door opening framing in certain locations throughout the U.S., most notably Florida. Dealers and manufacturers should talk to fastener manufacturers to find acceptable alternatives. Watch this magazine for new developments on this hot topic.