ProGuard Preservative Lumber is an Alternative to Traditional Pressure Treated Lumber
By Mark J. Donovan
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An alternative to traditional pressure treated wood, ProGuard preserved wood products are an ideal choice for outside applications, such as decks, gazebos and fences. Unlike standard pressure treated wood, ProGuard lumber uses a NatureWood preservative system, that makes it more resistant to moisture and insect damage.
At the heart of ProGuard wood technology is a preservative called Alkaline Copper Quarternary, or ACQ for short. The ACQ preservative used in ProGuard wood products is a copper based solution that also contains a co-biocide. The co-biocide is a chemical pesticide that is helpful in preventing insect damage to the wood. This preservative wood technology has been around since 1991 and is used extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. |
Care should be taken when handling and using ProGuard Preserved wood products as the ACQ preservative can be irritating to the human body. Consequently, when installing and cutting it, safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask should be worn. In addition, all clothes worn when working with Proguard preserved woods should be washed separate from the rest of the laundry.
| When cutting ProGuard wood, it is important to protect the cut wood ends with an end-cut preservative to prevent fungal decay. All cuts and holes should be brush coated with either a copper naphthenate for ground contact applications, or a zinc naphthenate for above ground applications.
When fastening ProGuard wood lumber together it is important to use corrosion-resistant fasteners, such as stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized nails and screws. |
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Not using the correct fasteners may likely result in the corrosion of the fasteners and the possible collapse of the wood structure, so check with your local hardware store personnel to make sure you use the proper fasteners when using ProGuard preserved wood products.
The manufacturer of ProGuard preserved wood also specifies that ProGuard wood should not be used in applications where it may come in direct or indirect contact with drinking water. In addition, it should not be used in applications where it could become a component of food, animal feed or beehives. It can, however, be disposed of in landfills and commercial or industrial incinerators or boilers in accordance with state and federal laws.
If ProGuard wood products are to be used in interior applications, it is recommended that the product be completely dry prior to covering or enclosing.
For help on building a deck, see HomeAdditionPlus.com’s Deck Installation Bid Sheet. The Deck Installation Bid Sheet will teach your how to hire the right deck contractor, and help to ensure that your deck project is completed on time and budget.
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