Post hot-dipped galvanized fasteners & connectors are recommended for use with ACZA-treated wood.
| • Some hardware manufacturers recommend only stainless steel connectors. We recommend no less then Post Hot-Dipped Galvanized, HDG, fasteners (meeting ASTM A 153) and connectors (ASTM A 653 Class G185 sheet) where there is contact with ACZA-treated wood. In all cases, be sure to observe building code requirements. |
| • In highly corrosive environments--such as exposure to salt air and water, industrial fumes or fertilizer storage, high humidity or constant wetting--appropriate stainless steel should be used. For below grade Permanent Wood Foundations, building codes generally require stainless steel. |
| • Always use the same type metal for assembly of connectors and fasteners as dissimilar metals can accelerate corrosion. Aluminum or electroplated galvanized metals should never be used in contact with any treated wood. These metals are not accepted by the building codes for use in exterior applications. |
The above recommendations are based upon years of field experience and laboratory testing.* These recommendations are consistent with the recommendations made for other ammonia-based preservatives and have been an industry practice spanning several decades.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Products which are cut, stamped or manufactured from continuous HDG steel (i.e., G185 HDG per ASTM A 653) result in raw or exposed edges. Such products are not Post Hot-Dipped Galvanized and are likely to exhibit greater corrosion. By definition, galvanizing is the act of coating steel with zinc. Post Hot-Dipped Galvanizing (ASTM Standard A 153) specifies total immersion in a molten zinc bath followed by a centrifuging process to ensure a smooth and uniform coating of equal thickness on all surfaces including edges and threads. One of the most important benefits of a HDG coating is the uniform application of zinc, even on edges and corners - the most likely place for corrosion to begin.
* Corrosion tests were conducted over 60 days (i/a/w Military Specification MIL-L-19140E) on post HDG fasteners used with Chemonite wood (and ACA, the original formulation). The test results indicate that Post HDG fasteners are appropriate for use with ACZA-treated wood.
