Working With MicroPro Sienna
Uses
Above Ground
Wood treated for above ground applications can be used in exterior construction where the wood is NOT in contact with soil, placed on or over soil using a synthetic barrier, subject to frequent wetting, or continually exposed to heavy vegetation, mulch products or other conditions that could simulate a ground contact exposure. These include products such as decking, fence boards, railing components, and elevated walkways.
Ground Contact
Ground contact shall be taken to mean permanent and direct contact with soil. Lumber treated for ground contact has a higher preservative retention level than above ground. This is to improve the performance of the treated wood when it comes in direct contact with the ground (soil), fresh water, high moisture areas, etc., where it is highly vulnerable to deterioration.
Treated wood used as structural elements in or on the ground, continuously wetted or immersed in fresh water is more vulnerable to rot and therefore requires a higher level of preservative protection for better long-term performance.
In addition, wood treated to ground contact is needed in the following applications:
- Decks built close to or on the ground
- Decks enclosed with solid skirting, prevent air circulation
- Raised garden beds or planter boxes
- Freshwater docks
For 2” wides (2×8, 2×10, 2×12) treated to ground contact:
For more information on where above ground and ground contact treated products should be used:
MicroPro Sienna uses micronized copper coupled with micronized tebuconazole for long-term protection of wood exposed in exterior applications.
Safe Practices
When working with MicroPro Sienna or any other treated wood product:
- Wear gloves when working with wood.
- Only treated wood that is visibly clean and free of surface residue should be used.
- Some preservative and/or pigment colour may migrate from the treated wood into soil, water or other surfaces. It may also dislodge from the treated wood surface upon contact with skin. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly.
- Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly. Wash work clothes separately from other household clothing before reuse.
Cut ends / Field cuts
When building your outdoor project with pressure treated wood it is important to protect the cut ends, large drill holes, and other field cuts.
- For pressure treated timbers and for pressure treated wood used in ground contact applications, a brush on end-cut wood preservative is required at the time of construction on all saw cuts, large drill holes and other field cuts. Two applications of a copper naphthenate based end-cut preservative must be applied to the treated wood before it is installed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper application.
- For pressure treated wood used in above ground applications, such as deck boards, railings, post tops or fence boards, a brush on end-cut wood preservative or Timber Specialties Cut-N-Seal® product should be applied to all saw cuts, large drill holes and other field cuts at the time of construction. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper application.
Fasteners & Aluminum
MicroPro Sienna treated with MicroPro technology exhibits corrosion rates on metal product similar to untreated wood. Use fasteners and hardware designed for exterior construction that are in compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and the building codes for their intended use. MicroPro Sienna Treated Wood products can be used in direct contact with aluminum building products in above ground applications where the wood is not exposed to frequent and prolonged wetting.
When appearance permits, attach boards bark side up
As a general rule, attach boards bark side up (annual rings arc upward). However, also inspect deck boards before installation and take notice of any knots or defects that could become an issue as the wood dries out and turn that side down. Ensure boards are securely fastened to help prevent warping.
Pilot holes
Drill pilot holes to minimize splitting especially when nailing or screwing near the edge or end of a board.
Deck board spacing
Deck boards can be expected to shrink slightly in width as they dry, so many builders prefer to butt them tight together and allow drying and nature to create the spacing between them.
Covering / Enclosing
MicroPro Sienna treated wood should be allowed to properly dry before it is covered or enclosed with another building material, i.e., composite boards. Trapped moisture could lead to colour migration from MicroPro Sienna. Properly dry wood has a moisture content less than 19%. The moisture content of the wood can be checked with an electronic moisture meter.
Mold growth
Mold growth can and does occur on the surface of many products, including untreated and 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.
Disposal
- All sawdust and construction debris should be cleaned up and disposed of after construction.
- Do not burn treated wood.
- Do not use treated wood as mulch.
- Users should dispose of treated wood scraps and cut offs in accordance with local, provincial and federal regulations.
Important Information
On treated wood used for structural applications (joists, beams, posts), incising is required to provide sufficient preservative performance.
Treated wood should not be used where it may come into direct or indirect contact with drinking water, except for uses involving incidental contact such as freshwater docks and bridges.
Do not use treated wood under circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food, animal feed, or beehives.
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.
Projects should be designed and installed in accordance with federal, provincial, and local building codes and ordinances governing construction in your area.
MicroPro Sienna Treated Wood products are produced by independently owned and operated wood preserving facilities.
MicroPro, MicroPro Sienna, and Cut-N-Seal are registered trademarks of Koppers Performance Chemicals Inc.