Use And Care Manual
Q1. What is AC2® pressure treated lumber?
AC2® is a revolutionary copper-based wood treatment technology. Solid, micronized copper
particles are suspended in a solution that is pressure impregnated into wood products.
Q2. Are AC2® treated wood products code approved?
The AC2® lumber preservative system meets all major model building code requirements. AC2® is an
American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) standardized wood preservative.
Q3. What are the end use applications for AC2® treated wood products?
AC2® treated lumber and other wood products are available for: Above Ground, Ground Contact and Fresh
Water Contact. AC2® products are not currently approved for saltwater immersion applications.
The AC2® wood preservative can produce wood products treated to these End Use Categories:
· ABOVE GROUND Interior Dry (UC1) · GROUND CONTACT General Use (UC4A)
· ABOVE GROUND Interior Damp (UC2) · GROUND CONTACT Heavy Duty (UC4B)
· ABOVE GROUND Protected (UC3A)
· ABOVE GROUND Exposed (UC3B)
Q4. What are retentions or retention levels?
Retention levels refer to the amount of preservative retained in the wood following the treatment process.
Retention levels can be different based on the wood preservative system used to pressure treat the wood
product and its intended end use (ground contact, above ground contact, etc.). It is important to purchase
treated wood products for the intended exposure condition. Typically, wood products are treated for “above
ground use” and “ground contact/fresh-water immersion use.” The treated wood end tag should state the
recommended end use for the treated wood product.
Q5. Why is some pressure treated wood wet?
Pressure treatment solutions contain water, preservatives and enhancements that are pressure impregnated into the wood. During the treating
cycle, a nal vacuum step helps removes excess water and treating solution from the wood, however the wood will still remain damp. As the
wood continues to air dry, a certain amount of shrinkage must be accepted. Allowing adequate time for the lumber to air dry prior to beginning
your project may help lessen the effects due to the reduction in size the wood may undergo.
Q6. Why does freshly treated pressure treated wood shrink?
As the wood dries out following the treatment process, a certain amount of shrinkage will occur. Prior to putting the wood into service, it can
be “preshrunk” by allowing it to air dry and acclimate, helping to reduce the effects of shrinking and swelling. Allowing adequate time for the
lumber to air dry prior to beginning your project may help lessen the effects due to the reduction in size the wood may undergo.
Q7. How do water repellents and stains help minimize the effects of weathering on treated wood?
The sequence of wetting and drying, along with the accompanying swelling and shrinking may cause surface checks to form, contributing to
weathering of the surface. Wood exposed to rain and sunlight should be protected from weathering by sealing with a water repellent product
or stain. These products will protect the surface of the wood from rapid wetting and drying, prolonging the appearance over time. Follow
manufacturer’s instructions on water repellent or stain products.
Q8. Is maintenance required on pressure treated wood projects?
Pressure treated wood products help protect wood from rot, fungal decay and termite attack. However, moisture, sun, and outdoor conditions
may cause the wood project to show signs of weathering. Natural weathering such as raised grain, splitting, checking, twisting, warping,
shrinkage, or swelling occurs in wood treated or untreated. To help reduce the effects of natural weathering, the use of a clear water repellent
coating or a semi-transparent water repellent coating product is recommended.
Q9. Can I paint treated wood?
Yes. If you desire to apply paint, stain, water repellent, or other nish to your preservative treated wood, follow the manufacturer’s instructions
and label of the nishing product. Before you start, apply the nishing product to a small exposed test area before completing the entire project
to insure it provides the intended result before proceeding.
Q10. How often do I have to apply a finish to treated wood?
Check the manufacturer’s instructions regarding period of application. The amount of exposure to sunlight and other weather conditions may
affect how often a protective nish should be applied.