May 10, 2021

How is Timber Pressure Treated

Pressure treatment is a process that forces wood preservatives into the wood. This process is considered to be the best and most effective method to extend and preserve timber life. Tanalith E protects the wood from attack by wood ingesting insects; like termites, and wood rot caused by fungal decay. Pressure treated timber can be used in various applications including interior framing, exposed exterior wood for above ground or ground contact uses, fresh-water and salt-water exposures. We also use pressure treated timber in the floor and roof construction of all Our Garden Buildings Additionally, the pressure treatment process is used in some industries to protect utility poles, railroad ties, structural framing, fence pickets, deck boards, and posts. Pressure treating wood provides deep penetration and retention of preservatives for uniform protection for wood products, ensuring the treatment formulation meets the appropriate wood standards and building code requirements. With today’s advanced formulations, the treating process is very effective and computer controlled.
 
  1. Our timber is ordered and shipped to the treating plant from timber sourced mills.
  2. Our timber is then checked for moisture content to ensure the moisture is not too high to accept the preservative treatment.
  3. Once our timber is unloaded, end tags are applied to every piece of timber to denote the plant name and location, application and its abbreviation, the preservative name or its abbreviation, the retention level of the preservative retained in the wood indicated in pounds per cubic foot, and the trademark of the approved third-party inspection agency.
  4. The pressure-treating process starts when forklifts place our timber on a tram track that will move the wood into a large steel cylinder; called a vacuum pressure vessel. 
  5. Once our timber is loaded into the cylinder, the doors are closed and the cylinder is sealed.
  6. An industrial vacuum pump removes air from the cylinder, and that includes pulling air out of the timber too.
  7. The cylinder is then flooded with the tanalith e preservative solution.
  8. Pressure is applied to the solution in order to force the preservatives deep into the timber cells.
  9. Cycle times and pressure settings are adjusted based on the retention levels needed and the species of the wood being treated.
  10. Once the cycle has been completed, the cylinder is drained, then the industrial vacuum pump removes excess solution from the wood which is returned back to the work solution storage tank.
  11. A final vacuum is run within the cylinder to extract excess preservative which is returned back to the work solution storage tank.
  12. The door is opened, and the wood is removed. The freshly treated wood is then placed on a drip-pad for 24 to 48 hours.
  13. The wood is now ready for loading and shipping to building supply and distribution companies.
Pressure-treated wood is the ideal choice for all building projects or projects requiring fire-retardant treated wood. Pressure treated timber is also Ideal for framing, decks, porches, railing, fencing, sheds, garden boxes, landscape walls, arch and arbours, gazebos, swings, sandboxes and more; pressure-treated wood along with regular maintenance, gives your wood long-term protection to keep your garden looking great.
 

 

Written by Tom Anderson