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First, A
Word About ACQ
Due to a recent change from (CCA)
or
chromated copper arsenate
to the new (ACQ) or
Aalkaline
copper quat.
The New pressure treated lumber
is highly corrosive to steel and
aluminum This a major change,
since we can no longer use
aluminum flashing. It is
also recommended to do without
galvanized steel. Which
means we should only use Copper or
Stainless Steel. I have
seen first hand how quickly the
new ACQ can eat its way through
a sheet of PVC coated aluminum.
The new ACQ is 5 times
more likely to corrode and
destroy common steel, according
to the American Wood Preserves
Association (AWPA) test results.
To me the new ACQ seems more
toxic, if it is eating through
steel and aluminum, there was
never any problems like this
with the CCA.
<<Read More
on Pressure Treated Lumber>>
Deck Framing
Deck Framing is the most
important part of your Custom
Deck. It is important to
have a solid frame to work with.
We don't just Build our decks to
the minimum code requirements we
build them for optimum
performance. If the
minimum code requirement calls
for 2x6 Joist for an 8ft span we
would recommend using 2x10 or
2x12. It makes for a
stiffer deck with lessbounce and
movement. It is also
important to know that if you
plan on running your decking on
an angle that the framing should
be on 12" center rather than 16"
center usually required by code.
Proper Flashing
It is also Important that your
deck builder properly installs
the flashing. A poorly
flashed deck will cause water to
leak into your home. In
most cases it goes unnoticed for
a long period of time untill all
the sheathing and framing has
become rotted and will need
costly repairs to fix the
problem. Aluminum
flashing can no longer be used
due to the new ACQ as mention
above. Vanguard Builders use
thick Vinyl flashing and
"Weather Watch" a heavy duty
adhesive backed tar paper.
A properly flashed deck should
be watertight and outlast your
the life of your deck.
Hardware
Again due to the chemicals in
the new ACQ. All joist
hangers, Hurricane straps,
nails, bolts, and other
hardware, must be hot dipped
galvanized. Is galvanized
steel allowable for the new ACQ?
It depends on the thickness of
the Galvanization. The key
to knowing which fasteners and
hardware to use is to look for
"G-185", which refers to the
thickness of the galvanization.
We recommend using stainless
steel hardware, it will add
around 5% to the total
cost of the project, and
will eliminate any concerns or
the need for future replacement.
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