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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(NAPSI)-Buying the right type of fastener for your backyard deck, gazebo, swing set, or fence-building project can not only help these projects last longer, but can keep the people who use them safer. That's because the wrong fastener-one that corrodes easily-can weaken an entire structure.
New developments in pressure-treated lumber are making the selection of fasteners more important than ever. Recently, the E.P.A. banned chromated copper arsenate (CCA) pressure-treated lumber for residential applications. Alternatives to CCA include waterborne copper azole (CA-B) and alkaline copper and quaternary ammonium compounds (ACQ). The drawback to these environmentally safer wood treatments is that they are more corrosive to unprotected metal fasteners, in fact, five times more corrosive to common steel, according to the American Wood Preservers' Association (AWPA).
Electrogalvanized nails were commonly used with CCA-treated lumber; however, E.G. fasteners are not suitable for use with the "new" formulations due to the higher corrosion caused by the chemical formulations. Industry experts now recommend the use of hot-dipped galvanized nails, stainless steel products, or polymer-coated fasteners (acceptable if recommended by the manufacturer) with CA-B and ACQ-treated wood.
Here are some tips to help you find the right type of fastener:
• When working with wood, keep in mind that some discoloration occurs naturally, regardless of what type of fastener is used. Wood contains tannin, a self-preserving substance, which is released by wood to protect itself.
• Specialty building materials-aluminum, copper and even composite decking have unique characteristics that require the use of specialty fasteners.
• Read the fine print: The packaging may or may not indicate basis for approval. A good example of fasteners specifically designed and tested for the "new" wood treatment types is Grip-Rite® PrimeGuard Plus™ Premium Exterior Fasteners from PrimeSource, specifically designed for use with outdoor projects. The PrimeGuard Plus line offers a complete assortment of fasteners approved for use with the "new" treated lumber, including PrimeGuard Plus-coated screws and stainless steel nails and screws. Stainless steel fasteners are also the only fasteners recommend for use with cedar and redwood. PrimeGuard Plus fasteners are designed to make installation easy, have incredible holding power and carry a lifetime guarantee against rust and corrosion. For more information, call (800) 676-7777.
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