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How to Effectively use Pressure-Treated Lumber in Your Project

How to Effectively use Pressure-Treated Lumber in Your Project

Science has played a key role in numerous discoveries and developments in the construction industry. One of the most common innovations in this area is pressure-treated lumber.

Pressure-treated lumber is created by applying pressure within a vacuum in a given piece of lumber. The process helps infuse preservatives into the wood. By doing so, it provides it protection from rot and insects.

However, it's important to note that the process also affects the wood negatively, as it makes it heavy and susceptible to corrosion by certain metals.

In this article, we'll look at some useful tips that'll help ensure you're using the pressure-treated lumber effectively:

Use Heavy Subject

The number of preservatives you force into the wood will depend on a number of factors. However, the one certainty is that it will increase the weight of the wood across the board.

The more preservatives you add, the more the weight increases. The weight increment requires you to strategize and refocus on your initial construction design. Building a structure on standard lumber will weigh less as compared to when utilizing pressure-treated lumber.

As such, you'll need to focus on this to avoid potential structural problems in the future.

Safety

The weight increment on these materials could prove problematic for your crew. The heavy wood means that your team will require more trips to move it into position. Due to the weight, they will only be able to carry a few pieces at a time.

If your team is used to carrying untreated lumber, the weight difference can have potential safety hazards. The workers will tend to overcompensate for this difference.

The best way to ensure your safety and that of your employees is to analyze the safety risks in the process. Take time to plan and think. In this way, you'll save time and money, while also preventing injuries in the long run.

Avoid Exposure

You need to be very careful when handling treated lumber. If not, it will cause serious health complications.

Use a ventilated area to cut, sand or drill the pressure-treated lumber. You'll need to put on gloves to avoid absorbing the chemicals through your skin. Safety glasses and gas masks should be among the safety precaution items you buy.

Wash well after the exercise before eating or drinking anything.

When you want to dispose of the material, avoid burning it, as this volatilizes the preservatives, making them easier to inhale into your body.

Corrosive Nature

The solutions used in treating this wood are copper-heavy. The increase in copper content makes the wood more susceptible to corrosion, creating a bigger problem for the flashing and fasteners you're using.

At this point, it's better to use stainless steel fasteners as compared to those made from aluminum. Where necessary, the vinyl flashing will also be ideal. In this way, you're able to ensure that the fasteners last for a long period of time.

Conclusion

By implementing these tips, you'll get better results on your pressure-treated lumber without compromising on quality and productivity.

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