The Wood Protection Association (WPA) has launched a campaign to encourage the correct specification of treatment for timber in Use Class 4 (ground contact) applications.
The WPA, a division of the British Wood Preserving & Damp-proofing Association (BWPDA), decided to launch “Make Sure It’s 4” after becoming aware that timber treated to the less stringent Class 3 requirements (above ground) can find its way into the Class 4 market.
It said: “This presents a risk of premature failure and consequent threat to the reputation of treated timber.”
The WPA said the change from CCA treatment to a new generation of copper-organic preservatives had also meant the degree of protection given to a component was more precisely tailored to its use than ever before.
Make Sure It’s 4 will be communicated via the BWPDA’s new website, www.wood-protection.org, and through the Timber Decking Association (TDA) and Fencing Contractors Association. The campaign logo can also be used on point-of-sale material and labels for packs of Class 4 treated timber.
TDA director Steve Young said: “Softwood is great for decking so long as it has been properly pre-treated. Where posts and joists will be in contact with the ground only Class 4 treatment is fit for purpose, nothing else will do.”
