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Nails and the New Pressure Treated Lumber

2004

I am a General Contractor doing research on what type of fasteners and connectors to use with the new pressure treated lumber (ACQ & Copper Azole).

My research thus far has indicted coupon test results of corrosion rates in the 3-7 mil/year range. Providers of pressure treated lumber as well as steel fasteners and connectors have recommended, based upon these tests (AWPA E12-94), that nails should conform to ASTM A153 . This provides for a zinc coating of 1.7 mils on nails. How could the industry recommend this if the corrosion rate is 2 to 4 times the thickness of the galvanizing protection? In less than a year the zinc would be gone. What piece of the puzzle am I missing here?

Peter J. Bush CGR, CMB
Building Contractor - Sevierville, Tennessee

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2004

Peter

Mind if I don't start with " Dear Mr Bush"

You should look at the following alloys:

1) Zinc Iron. Iron 0.8 percent.
2) Zinc Nickel: Nickel 12 to 14 percent.

These alloys duly passivated will possibly perform to your expectations.

There are proprietary chemical makers in the USA who will be happy to deal with your requirement.

Or take a short trip to Chicago 28th to 30th Navy Pier SURFIN 2004 will throw up lots of possibilities.

Asif Nurie [deceased]
- New Delhi, India
With deep regret we sadly advise that Asif passed away on Jan 24, 2016