What is UC4A lumber?
UC4A is the most common Use Category for residential construction and is referred to as General Use which includes products such as fence posts, deck posts, ledger boards, joists, beams and decking. Products listed under UC4A are required to have higher preservative retention levels than products listed under UC3B.
Is treated wood OK for ground contact?
Ground-contact pressure-treated lumber can be used either above ground or in contact with the ground. Has twice the level of chemical retention and protection compared to above-ground treated wood. Must be used for applications where wood is difficult to maintain or replace.
How long will pressure treated lumber last with ground contact?
Regular wood used for ground contact can last about ten years. However, if the wood is pressure treated, it can last up to 40 years.
What is the best treated lumber for ground contact?
UC4B is the Use Category. UC4B lumber is suitable for ground contact and contact with freshwater. It is also durable enough to be used for “critical construction” projects, such as utility poles. AWPA U1 signifies that the wood has been treated according to AWPA Standards.
What does Awpa U1 UC4A mean?
“AWPA U1” signifies that the wood is treated in accordance with AWPA Standard U1, the primary specification for treated wood. The AWPA Use Category designation (for example, “UC2”, “UC3B”, “UC4A”, etc. If you cannot find “AWPA U1” and the Use Category, the wood probably does not meet AWPA Standards.
What is ground contact lumber?
As the names suggest, ground-contact lumber is treated to a standard to withstand rot and decay even at the point where the lumber physically touches the ground, water or leaves. Above-ground lumber is treated to a lower standard of resistance.
What is the difference between ground contact and pressure treated lumber?
Pressure-treated wood is softwood lumber, typically southern yellow pine, that’s been chemically treated to resist rot, decay and termites. Lumber treated to “Ground Contact” has a high chemical retention level and can be placed directly on or in the ground with better protection against rot or decay.
How can you tell if ground contact is pressure treated lumber?
Treated lumber is clearly stamped as such. Look for stamps that indicate ground contact levels. If it’s stamped L-P22, it contains arsenic, is designed for direct contact with the ground and is the most toxic variety. If it’s stamped L-P2, it’s slightly less toxic and not designed for direct contact with the ground.
How long will a pressure treated 6×6 last in the ground?
5 Answers. A PT post will last a long time in concrete, maybe 5 to 10 years in soil alone.
What is the difference between #1 and #2 pressure treated lumber?
Number 2 grade lumber often has more knots and blemishes than #1 grade but may be clear enough on one face to be deemed select or premium. The wood grain has a 1 in 8 slope, and there may be bark edge or wane visible.
What is the difference between ground contact and pressure treated?
What are the different grades of treated lumber?
There are many types of treated lumber. There are three main families of treated lumber used in construction: Borate, Alkaline Copper Quat (ACQ) and other rot-resistant treatments, and non-combustible (Non-Com).
What is uc4a treated wood?
Wood treated to (UC4A) ground contact standards is ideal for general-use situations where the wood may contact moisture, the ground, or be installed in a manner that subjects the wood to comparable ground contact conditions – such as poor ventilation, tropical climates or frequent exposure to moisture.
What is the new AWPA standard for treated lumber for ground contact?
The American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) recently changed its standard on lumber treated for ground contact use. The change: Above-ground applications must now adhere to (UC4A) ground contact requirements when the wood will be in any of the following scenarios:
Can uc4a be buried in the ground?
According to Federal Gov’t Regulations (AWPA Standards) the .14pcf UC4A Can be buried in the ground. It is absolutely in ground contact.” Justine: “You are false, It can touch the ground but cannot be buried in the ground. Code is UC4B is in ground use. Have you tried Universal Forest as I know Xxxxxx branches use them as well.”
What is the difference between uuc4b and AWPA U1 lumber?
UC4B lumber is suitable for ground contact and contact with freshwater. It is also durable enough to be used for “critical construction” projects, such as utility poles. AWPA U1 signifies that the wood has been treated according to AWPA Standards. Need help?