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Treated Pine Chemicals
The most common method of treatment in Australia is still CCA, other methods
are often used, particularly LOSP and ACQ/Copper Azole. Your order from The Log Factory
may include both LOSP, CCA and even ACQ/Copper Azole Treated Pine. Ensure that
you correctly identify your treated
pine for painting, over-coating or gluing,
and then
refer to our Painting and Maintenance pages for more information.
It is important to remember that most LOSP
Treated Pine must be painted or oiled to ensure your guarantee.
| CCA Treatment |
Chromated Copper Arsenate (H1 - H5) |
The much discussed treatment type containing Arsenic. Whilst it is
being phased out around the world & throughout Australia it has long being considered a safe and cheap
treatment method for all treated pine. Although it was scientifically
found to be carcinogenic it is still the preferred choice for most builders.
Its mild carcinogenic properties are easily avoided with proper handling.
From March 2006 it will no longer
be able to be used in decking, handrails or playground equipment. A brief and honest overview of
of the CCA product with regards to gardening and vegetables can be
read here
There are a few producers of CCA chemical in the world, essentially they
are all use the same ingredients being Copper oxide, Chromium trioxide,
Arsenic acid and water.
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LOSP Treatment |
Light Organic Solvent Protection (H1 - H3) |
This was becoming the Arsenic Free substitute for
CCA products, however it is generally more expensive and far less
effective. Most LOSP treated pine must be painted to maintain its warranty
(which is half as long as CCA). Without painting LOSP treated timbers may
only last a few years) A
report by
the Australian Government highlights the possible failure problems
associated with the some types of LOSP treated pine.
Again, the
LOSP chemical is popular and widely available as a treatment solution. Due
to the fact the New Zealand government recognized its failures early on,
there have been some changes (albeit confusing).
Osmose LOSP is called
Protim and must be over painted. Its ingredients are Kerosene,
Tributyltin naphthenate, Dichlofluanide and Permethrin.
Koppers LOSP is now called
Azure and may not require over
painting, please contact Koppers for clarification. It is a newer chemical
treatment and ingredients include tebuconazole,
propiconazole, Permethrin, and white spirit
(more refined than kero). The Koppers older LOSP treatment type is called
Vascol which is similar to the Protim product of Osmose.
NB: The exact type of LOSP treatment will
determine its lifespan, and if it has to be over painted. Always request
from your supplier written details of painting requirements for any LOSP
products. Additionally, due to the solvents in LOSP products they are
generally more flammable. |
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ACQ Treatment or
Copper Azole |
Ammoniacal Copper Quaternary (H1 - H5)
or
Copper azole (CuAz) (H1-H5) |
This will be the alternative to ARSENIC FREE treated pine. It is
considered a very safe and very effective product with no risk to humans.
At the moment it is approximately 25% more expensive than the CCA,
additionally it is a little difficult to source, and as such is not very
popular.
We do not yet stock many ACQ products (except for Sleepers
available ex-yard only).The Osmose company produces an ACQ product
called
Naturewood. Its ingredients include Copper,
Didecyldimethylammonium chloride and water
Koppers produce a similar Copper azole product called
Ecowood
(also known as Tan.E). Its listed ingredients include Copper,
Tebuconazole and water |
To find out what type of Treated pine you have been delivered please refer to
Identifying Treated Timber
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