BCITO Buildability

Treatments used in different environments

Chromated copper arsenate (CCA)

This treatment protects the wood used against such things as insect attacks and fungi, depending on where and how the wood is used will vary of how much the wood is treated.

Alkaline copper quaternary

This treatments protects the wood in a similar way as above but the insecticide augments to fungicidal treatment. This is used in major construction and framing. The use of double galvanized nails or screws is a MUST use as this timber is 5 times more corrosive than steel.

Copper azole

This is a major copper based treatment and is used to help timber last longer in a wet environment. This is used widely throughout Canada, the USA, Europe, japan, and Australia.

Micronized copper technology

This is a recently introduced treatment and it impregnates the timber with a water solution of microscopic sized copper ions. With helps for further penetration into the wood. So that was the treatment wears off then it leaches off to the surrounding timber.

PTI wood preservatives

This is a non-metallic treatment for timber that is being used above ground such as decking. This timber normally has a colouring agent added into the timber so that it is obvious to the users that it’s treated. As the treatment by itself is not very visible.

Borate preservatives

This type of treatment is very low toxic to humans but since the treatment itself does not become fixed in the timber it readily leaches out. So it is not recommended to be used where it will be in the rain or any other wet environments.

Sodium silicate-based preservatives

This is normally an infusion of sodium carbonate with sand in a heated environment. This can be used as a deterrent against insect attacks while it possesses minor flame-resistant properties.

Potassium silicate-based preservatives

This is a treatment that is a surface application which allows for easy reapplication and has a minimal impact of the timber itself.

Fire retardant treated

This treatment creates a physical barrier against the spread of fire and slows it down so that it takes longer to burn. This is done by timber charring but not oxidising when set alight.

Oil-borne preservatives

This treatments are not normally used for consumer products as it has an unpleasant odour

Natural preservatives

Material treatments range from mud treatment to heat treatments depending on how the treatment is applied will give it extra benefits if used.

Timber for the Job

Plywood

Plywood is a panel that is created from thin strips of wood called veneers or piles which have been glued together, with the grain of the layers rotating 90 degrees to help add strength to the panel and durability. Plywood has layers rotated in 90 degree increments to allow the users to apply it to many different areas of construction and in many various ways.

Plywood is one in the family of similar manufactured boards ranging from MDF (Medium Fibre Board), Particle Board (Chipboard) and other lower grade plywood.

The higher grade plywood – the plywood that is higher grade is made from premium veneers. Which have been rotated at 90 degrees for very new layer. The layers are rotated at 90 degrees because the veneers used have no defects like knots or cracks.

The lower grade plywood – the lower grade play wood has an increased angle of 135 degrees to help the wood have a high resistance from cracks or chipping out when being affixed with nails, screws and in what environments used.

Radiata Pine

This timber is a fast growing, medium density softwood. Which makes it suitable for a wide range of uses ranging from construction all the way to furniture. This timber is the mostly planted in the world because of its benefits such as fast growing, while being versatile.

This timber is widely used throughout our country as it is used majorly for construction of wooden houses and framing as it is an eco-friendly appropriate to building and it does not have any naturally toxic features.

This timber holds screws and nails well as it is a strong wood if used in the correct methods. While it also takes paint and varnishes without having any problems like running or cracking due to inter-grain pressure