FlamePro® FRTW Fasteners and Hardware Information
The corrosivity of FlamePRO® fire retardant treated wood has been evaluated in accordance with AWPA Standard E12 for a variety of metals.
The corrosion rates for carbon steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, red brass, and copper are not significantly increased by FlamePRO® fire retardant chemicals when the treated wood products are used as recommended by the manufacturer and properly sized for the materials selected.
Corrosion testing indicates excellent performance even with non-galvanized carbon steel fasteners. It is still recommended that galvanized fasteners be used just as galvanized truss plates are used on untreated wood trusses. The same galvanized truss plates are acceptable for use with FlamePRO® lumber, as are plated galvanized nails and screws.
Treatment with FlamePRO® does not cause increased corrosion rates in fasteners. The treating industry recommends the use of hot dip galvanized or stainless steel fasteners for all types of treated wood due to exposure to the weather.
The following metal fasteners are recommended for use in contact with FlamePRO® fire retardant treated wood: 2024-T3 aluminum, SAE 1010 steel, SAE 1012 hot-dip zinc galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper, or red brass.
Plywood Fasteners Size and Spacing:
APA recommends a 1/8-inch space between panel edge and end joints. Plywood and oriented strand board (OSB), like all wood products, will expand or shrink slightly with changes in moisture content. If the wood structural panels are tightly butted, there is no room for expansion and buckling can occur. That can mean costly, time-consuming callbacks. To assure best performance, follow these panel spacing and nailing recommendations for APA Rated Sheathing, APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor®, and APA Rated Siding.
Care and Maintenance
Under normal temperature and humidity conditions, latex and oil-based paints, as well as water- and solvent-based stains, can be used with FlamePRO® fire retardant treated wood.
If prolonged exposure to high humidity conditions is expected, special surface preparation procedures including the use of an appropriate primer are recommended.
Before application of any finish, the wood surface should be lightly sanded, cleaned and dry. For best results, always follow the coating manufacturer’s label instructions.
Typical joining cuts, end cuts, and drilled holes will not adversely affect the fire performance of FlamePRO® fire retardant treated wood and no field treatment is required to maintain flame spread ratings. However, ripping or milling of FlamePRO® FRT lumber is not permitted, as these operations could adversely affect the surface burning characteristics. FlamePRO® fire retardant treated plywood can be ripped as required.
Important Information
The following precautions should be taken both when handling the preserved wood and in determining where to use and dispose of it. Many of these precautions also apply to untreated wood and other building materials.
- Guidelines for use, handling and disposing of treated wood products contain compliance information required by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control.
- FlamePRO® fire-retardant-treated wood used in structural applications shall be installed in accordance with the conditions and limitations listed in ICC ESR-4244.
- FlamePRO® fire-retardant-treated wood shall be installed in compliance with the requirements of the applicable building codes and product recommendations.
- FlamePRO® shall not be installed in areas where, in service, it is exposed to precipitation, direct wetting, or condensation.
- As with untreated wood, avoid exposure to precipitation during shipping, storage or installation. Apply a water resistive barrier or underlayment over dry sheathing as soon as practical to avoid precipitation on the panel. Panels that get wet should be allowed to dry before covering, or be replaced.
- The National Design Specifications (NDS), Wood Handbook, and other publications have cautioned against the use of any wood product in environments exceeding 150 ̊F.
- Do not burn fire retardant treated wood.
- Wear gloves when working with wood and NIOSH N95 dust mask and goggles when cutting or sanding wood.
- Some fire retardant treated wood chemicals may migrate from the treated wood into soil/water or may dislodge from the treated wood surface upon contact with skin. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly.
- All sawdust and construction debris should be cleaned up and disposed of after construction.
- Wash work clothes separately from other household clothing before reuse.
- Fire retardant treated wood should not be used where it may come into direct or indirect contact with drinking water.
- Do not use fire retardant treated wood under circumstances where it may become a component of food, animal feed, or beehives.
- Do not use fire retardant treated wood as mulch.
- Only fire retardant treated wood that is visibly clean and free of surface residue should be used.
- If the wood is to be used in an interior application and becomes wet during construction, it should be allowed to dry before being covered or enclosed.
- Disposal Recommendations - Fire retardant treated wood may be disposed of in landfills or burned in commercial or industrial incinerators or boilers in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- If you desire to apply paint, stain, clear water repellent, or other finish to your fire retardant treated wood, we recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions and label of the finishing product. Before you start, we recommend you apply the finishing product to a small exposed test area before completing the entire project to insure it provides the intended result before proceeding.
- Projects should be designed and installed in accordance with federal, state, and local building codes and ordinances governing construction in your area and in accordance with the National Design Specifications (NDS) and the Wood Handbook.
- Mold growth can and does occur on the surface of many products, including untreated and fire retardant treated wood, during prolonged surface exposure to excessive moisture conditions. To remove mold from the treated wood surface, wood should be allowed to dry. Typically, mild soap and water can be used to remove remaining surface mold. For more information visit www.epa.gov
- Use fire retardant treated wood safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
- DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY FOR RELIANCE ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY KOPPERS PERFORMANCE CHEMICALS: The information contained herein is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge, but is provided without warranty or guarantee. Since the conditions of use are beyond our control, Koppers Performance Chemicals (“Koppers”) disclaims all liability and assumes no legal responsibility for damages resulting from use of or reliance upon the information contained herein.
