FAQs

What do you recommend I use to paint or stain my deck?
We recommend a good quality oil-based or water based stain or exterior wood water sealant product. Always follow the manufacturer’s application and use instructions.

How long will treated wood last?
Viance Residential Treated lumber products (Ecolife & Preserve) carry a Lifetime Limited Warranty against fungal decay and termite attack. 

Is it OK to burn treated wood?
When treated wood is burned, the chemical components of the preservative are concentrated and can be released into the ash and in particulates in the smoke. Some of these components can be harmful to the environment. Federal and state regulations mandate that treated wood be disposed of properly.

Where can I find LEED information on Viance products? 
All product and technical information pertinent to the Viance chemicals is available for download on the Specs page. The wood and lumber products that are treated with Viance products come from various saw mills and wood treaters, so additional information on the lumber products must come from the actual lumber suppliers of the materials used in the project.

Where can I find sustainable forestry information on Viance treatments?
All product and technical information pertinent to the Viance chemicals used to treat wood is available for download on the Specs page. Sustainable forestry programs such as FSC or SFI are managed entirely by the companies that procure and resell wood through their distribution networks. Viance develops and manufactures only the preservatives/treatments used.  All FSC/SFI information would be provided by these lumber suppliers.

Why does wood need to be protected with preservatives?
Wood is an environmentally sound, economical building material that can be used either indoors or outdoors for a wide variety of structural and decorative applications. Unfortunately, untreated lumber cut from most commercially harvested tree species is subject to attack by insects or to decay caused by fungi and bacteria. The decay or insect hazard is greatest in exposures where the wood is subjected to moisture. Wood in outdoor exposures, either in ground-contact or in above-ground applications, is susceptible to attack. The potential for wood deterioration is greatest in hot and humid climates, which allow insects, fungi and bacteria to thrive. Destruction of untreated wood in aquatic environments can be caused by a variety of marine organisms. Wood should be treated with a preservative system to control the destructive activities of these organisms and ensure long-term structural soundness and serviceability.

How much weight does treatment add to the weight of wood?
Most of the weight added to treated wood comes from water used to carry the preservative components. A freshly treated piece of lumber may contain as much as 2-4 gallons of water per cubic foot or about 16-32 lbs. per cubic foot. As the wood dries and the water evaporates, only the preservative will remain.

Is kiln drying or air drying recommended for treated wood?
Kiln drying after pressure treatment (KDAT) removes a large amount of the moisture from the wood.  Most treated lumber products today are air dried.  Kiln drying after treatment (KDAT), will add cost to the process and the finished products, however KDAT wood tends to reduce warping, as it is a more controlled drying method. 

Why is some treated wood green?
The green color you see on treated wood is caused by chemical reactions that take place between the preservative components and the wood.  Copper is still the most widely used element in wood preservatives, and creates a green color on the wood.  As wood dries and reacts to sun's ultraviolet rays, the green color will fade. 

What should I use to apply to the cut ends of my lumber?
For cut ends of treated lumber, we recommend you use a brush-on wood preservative.  Copper naphthenate formulations are available from home centers, lumber dealers and hardware stores.

Can I use treated wood inside?
Pressure-treated wood may be used inside, and is commonly used for the sill plates of homes and FRTW; fire-retardant treatments like D-Blaze offer additional protection from fire and smoke development.  Properly dispose of all sawdust and construction debris at the conclusion of all projects. Many treated wood products do not emit any vapors and are safe for interior use.  Check use information on specific products. Treated wood should never be used for counter-tops or where it may become a component of food. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration does not recommend using any wood for kitchen counter-tops or food-cutting boards because knife cuts may allow food particles to become entrapped, creating an unsanitary environment.

What type of nails or screws do you recommend?
Viance always recommends that current building codes be consulted for up-to-date lists of approved fasteners.  Hot-dipped galvanized and stainless-steel fasteners are recommended for use with preservative treated wood. There are also a number of new-coated fastener systems available.

Someone told me not to use concrete to set my posts - and that it would void the warranty.
Setting the posts in concrete does not affect the warranty in any way. We recommend that you follow your local building codes and proper drainage requirements when setting posts for decks.

How do I remove the grade stamp from my deck?
In most cases a light sanding will remove the grade stamp or lighten it.  

What do you recommend I use to clean my deck?
A diluted solution of soap and water with a stiff brush will remove mildew and dirt.  Wash away the dirt with a hose or a very low setting (below 500 psi) on a pressure washer. The impact of water above a 500 psi setting on a pressure washer, as well as bleaches and oxidizers can damage the wood fibers, and are not recommended for deck cleaning.

Where can I learn more about the preservatives that are used to treat pressure-treated wood?
The American Wood Protection Association standards provide a list of standardized preservative formulations in the US. The AWPA’s is recognized worldwide, as their ANSI accredited process thoroughly evaluates reviews and standardizes preservatives.  AWPA standardized preservatives are approved by all building codes for their intended uses. Visit AWPA.com and their Technical and References sections for Homeowners, Specifiers, Builders and Retailers for more information.

What is Pressure Treated wood preservative treatment and how does it work?
Pressure Treated wood is the application of a preservative formulation that is forced into the wood under pressure in a large cylinder.  AWPA treatments are a safe and proven means to preserve and protect outdoor wood from decay and termite attack. Pressure treatments extend the life of wood, and reduce the impacts on forests, making them truly one of the most sustainable building materials used in the world today.

When should treated wood be specified?
Treated wood is required by building codes in numerous applications. Exterior wood treatment solutions extend the natural life of the wood used in construction applications, and provide exceptional performance for outdoor projects.  Treated wood may be specified for Interior Framing where termite attack is prevalent, or where fire retardant materials are needed.

What is incising and why is it required?
Incising is the process of cutting numerous small slits into the surface of a piece of wood in order to increase the amount of preservative taken up by the wood during treatment. Some Western wood species are particularly hard to treat, and incising is necessary to meet the penetration requirements in treatment standards.

How are preservative chemicals applied to wood?
Wood products for construction are typically treated in a factory, using a pressure process. The product is loaded into a vessel, and then the vessel is filled with a water solution containing the preservative chemicals. The vessel is pressurized to force the solution into the wood. Most dimensional lumber can be treated this way, as well as plywood.

Where can I find LEED information on D-Blaze^® ?
All product and technical information pertinent to the Viance chemicals is available for download on the Specs page. The chemicals in D-Blaze are free of VOCs and formaldehyde and Viance provides a letter affirming that fact on the Specs page. The wood and lumber products that are treated with D-Blaze come from various saw mills and wood treaters, so additional information on the lumber products must come from the actual lumber suppliers of the materials used in the project.

Where can I find sustainable forestry information on D-Blaze^®  or other Viance treatments?
All product and technical information pertinent to the Viance chemicals used to treat wood is available for download on the Specs page. Sustainable forestry programs such as FSC or SFI are managed entirely by the companies that procure and resell wood through their distribution networks. All FSC/SFI information would be provided by these lumber suppliers.

Where should D-Blaze^® be used?
D-Blaze fire retardant treated wood (FRTW) is designed for above ground use that is 100% sheltered from precipitation and direct wetting.  D-Blaze FRTW is suitable for applications where fire retardant construction materials are specified or required by building codes. 

Where can I download specifications?
ICC ESR-2645 for D-Blaze FRTW applies, and D-Blaze also meets the American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) standards P50, U1, UFCA for interior Type A (HT) use.  Three-part editable specifications are available here, and at www.ARCAT.com and www.SpexPlus.net.  

Can I apply a paint or stain to my D-Blaze treated wood?
No. We do not recommend this because it could compromise the performance of the D-Blaze in terms of flame spread rating and smoke generation should a fire occur.

What is covered by the D-Blaze 50-year warranty?
The D-Blaze 50-year warranty covers structural failure caused by a reduction in strength below the recommended design application values of D-Blaze treated wood products due to exposure to roof temperatures of 150° F (lumber) and 170° F (plywood).

Does D-Blaze contain urea or formaldehyde?
No.  D-Blaze does not contain urea or formaldehyde as an active ingredient or inert component.

Does D-Blaze contain any volatile organic compounds (VOC)?
No.  D-Blaze does not contain any volatile organic compounds.

What if D-Blaze FRTW is exposed to rain on the jobsite?
D-Blaze FRTW should be kept dry during transit, storage and while on jobsite.  If D-Blaze gets wet, then the performance properties of the treatment may suffer.  Since the degree of rain exposure would vary in every case, if D-Blaze gets wet during transit, storage or on jobsite, then the D-Blaze FRTW must always be dried to original specifications before being covered or enclosed.

What nails or bolts should I use with D-Blaze FRTW?
National and local building codes change frequently.  Viance recommends that local building codes always be consulted for lists of currently approved fasteners and fastener systems.  Currently, hot-dipped galvanized steel or stainless steel fasteners are recommended. 

Does D-Blaze treatment affect the strength of the wood?
Yes.  D-Blaze FRTW has been tested by independent laboratories following industry standards ASTM 5516 & ASTM 5664 to develop strength reduction factors for various use conditions, including roof temperatures of up to 150° F for lumber and 170° F for plywood.  Specifiers, architects and designers should consult and adhere to the Strength Design Adjust Factors and Span Ratings published in the current D-Blaze product literature.

Is D-Blaze FRTW recognized by the model and building codes?
Yes.  D-Blaze is approved by national and local building authorities.  Consult current D-Blaze product literature and ICC ESR-2645 for the latest details. 

What other Testing and Approvals apply?
Visit the D-Blaze product page for the latest list of Testing and Approvals. 

Can D-Blaze FRTW be cut or surfaced after treatment?
Cutting to length, drilling, and diagonal cuts as well as light sanding are permitted.  Exposed areas are not required to be field coated.  Ripping dimensional lumber is not allowed. 

How long do I need to wait before I stain (or paint) my deck (or fence)?
Pressure treatment with waterborne preservatives does leave some moisture in the wood that may affect the penetration and drying of stains and paints. For optimal performance of paint and stain coatings, allow treated wood to dry prior to application. Typically, treated wood will dry in 2-4 weeks after installation.
Estimating exactly how long treated lumber will take to dry is hard to predict, and will depend on the time elapsed since pressure treatment, sun exposure, local temperature and recent weather conditions.  Take these factors into consideration for your specific installation and use your best judgment.  Be sure to follow the stain manufacturer’s instructions for best results.  

Ecolife does not require an additional water repellent treatment for up to three years, but can I go ahead and paint or stain it after installation if I want to do so?
Yes. You can go ahead and paint or stain your treated wood deck or fence but as mentioned above, waiting an appropriate time to ensure it has dried properly is important.

What do you recommend I use to paint or stain my deck?
We recommend a good quality oil-based or water-based stain or exterior wood water sealant product. Always follow the manufacturer’s application and use instructions.

What are the differences between Ecolife and Preserve treated lumber?
Ecolife and Preserve are both preservative treatments that can be used for above ground applications of treated wood, such decking or fencing. Both products are standardized by the American Wood Protection Association indicating they have demonstrated proven performance. Ecolife is a newer generation preservative with a built- in wood stabilizer which helps the treated lumber look better for longer. The built-in stabilizer helps reduce the amount of cracking, checking and splitting that occurs in wood exposed to the elements.

Are Ecolife and Preserve safe for building an in-ground, raised bed vegetable garden?
The construction of an in-ground, raised vegetable garden should use materials designed to withstand ground-contact exposure.  So while the preservatives are safe for use near edible garden plants, Ecolife is not intended or approved for ground-contact exposure.  Preserve can be pressure treated for ground-contact exposure, is equally safe around edible plants, and is available in larger posts such as 4x4's or 6x6's which may work as the retaining wall or perimeter of a raised vegetable garden.

What is the difference between above ground and ground contact?
There are naturally-occurring fungi in the ground that attack lumber, so lumber destined to be used in the ground must be treated to a higher standard, or retention level, of fungi-resistant preservatives in the wood.  The end tags on treated lumber will provide you with proper use designations. Look for Above Ground or Ground Contact on the end tag.

How do I clean dirt, debris, and surface blemishes from my Ecolife deck?
We recommend using a deck cleaning product formulated just for this purpose available at home centers and hardware stores and we do not recommend any type of bleach.  Such cleaning products used with a stiff brush will deliver good results.  Pressure washers will work, but can damage wood fibers if used incorrectly. 

Do I need to coat the ends of my Ecolife treated deck boards?
No.  During treatment, the preservatives in Ecolife penetrate the sap wood of Southern Yellow Pine lumber very well making end treatment of cut ends unnecessary. 

Why is Ecolife lighter in color than Preserve?
Preserve is a copper-based preservative and it is the copper in the preservative which imparts the dark green color. Ecolife is not a copper based preservative although there is some colorant added to distinguish the Ecolife treated wood from untreated wood. The colorant in Ecolife does not impart a strong green tint on wood after treatment.

How much will decking boards shrink and how should I install them?
All treated wood will shrink as it dries. How much a board will shrink will be dependent on how much moisture remained in the wood when it was installed. It is recommended that Ecolife treated wood be butted up tightly to adjoining boards to allow for a small amount of shrinkage in width and length. The result of butting boards tightly together during installation will create acceptable gaps between the boards for rain to drain off the surface.

Treated wood is all the same, right?
In this economy, everyone is looking for ways to save money and stay in business. The building products industry is no exception. With increased competition for sales and market share, lowering the quality of products or services is one way to save money. While a reduction in cost and quality might help some organizations survive on a short term basis, it can have unintended long-term consequences. For this reason alone, it’s important to provide high quality products and services to the public to maintain the trust of the customer to gain repeat business and positive referrals. AWPA has been the premier developer of consensus-based standards for treated wood products since 1904, which is why the building codes rely on AWPA Standards.

Why is it important to have the AWPA identification on the end tag of the lumber I buy?
The AWPA is the only ANSI-accredited standards developer that requires a rigorous evaluation plus an open peer review of that data where the largest collection of wood chemical, wood technologists and wood preservers gather in North America for the express purpose of evaluating which wood preservatives are worthy to be standardized in the AWPA Book of Standards.  If you're a homeowner it probably means that you're not content to simply ask for any kind of treated wood...you want products that will provide years of service.  You are likely searching the internet to find the product best suited to your needs, and you appreciate the value of wood treated to industry standards - standards developed by experts in the field of wood protection.  Low-cost alternative preservative-treated wood is available, but you want products with proven performance.  For more information visit the American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) web site. 

How do I know my treated lumber and decking is treated to the AWPA Standards?
Look for “AWPA U1” on the end tag. Yes, it really is that simple. If “AWPA” is not present, then it probably does not meet AWPA Standards. Another helpful tool to identify wood treated in accordance with AWPA Standard U1 is the “Check Mark” program developed by the Western Wood Preservers Institute. The Check Mark, combined with the logo of an ALSC accredited agency, demonstrates conformance to AWPA Standard U1.

Why should I require wood treated to AWPA Standards?
Besides the fact that most architects and engineers specify AWPA Standards for treated wood, AWPA Standards are the only wood treatment standards listed directly in the IBC and IRC.  You could use some of the low-cost alternative preservatives, but there is no guarantee or requirement that the designer or local code official will approve it.  In addition, AWPA has over 100 years of history in developing reliable treated wood standards.  Our standards are developed in an open, consensus-based, ANSI accredited process to ensure stringent review of performance data while providing due process for all participants.  Most of the world's experts in wood protection actively serve on our Technical Committees - a level of expertise unmatched elsewhere.