The other treated wood Dealer demand growing for surface treatments that inhibit mold

they pick through and expect the lumber to be free of mold and dirt. Their demands are tough to meet with normal lumber."

Anti-mold solutions have existed for several decades and, when applied properly, have shown that they can postpone the onset of mold and discoloration resulting from mold. Different conditions require different concentrations of mold inhibitor. These conditions include local climate, species of mold fungi present, application for the wood, construction techniques used, and length of time for which mold protection is desired.

"We have used anti-sapstain products for years," says Chris Swanson, v.p. of sales & marketing for Swanson Group, Glendale, Or. "Dealers and their customers want clean-looking wood. Last fall, our Glendale sawmill made the change to a different brand of coating, which allows our wood to yard longer without discoloring. Since then, we have seen a significant improvement in the appearance of our wood and less downfall in our inventory."

\Zou've PRoBABLY seeN advertisements for "the other |. white meat" or watched movies about "the other woman." Sawmills are facing greater demand from lumber dealers for "the other treated wood."

Some major building supply outlets, including a big box retailer, have grown tired of consumer reaction to mold on Iumber and are beginning to require material that has been surface-coated with mold-resistant sprays.

For decades, lumber dealers have bought and sold pressure treated wood. It is produced to resist damage from termite attack and fungal decay, and thus last longer in outdoor applications. Of more recent concem is wood sprayed with mold-inhibiting solutions to prevent, or at least delay, the appearance of mold. Moldy wood is hard to sell to consumers who expect clean lumber.

"Homeowners have taken a greater interest in the lumber in their homes," says Geoff Webb, business manager, specialty chemicals at Arch Wood Protection. "Not just for wall paneling and decking, but even for framing and sill plate. They want all of their wood to look good, even wood that will be hidden within walls. It used to be that homeowners and contractors might pick through lumber bins looking for wood that was straight and wane-free. Now

Neal Shunk, marketing manager for Weyerhaeuser, Federal Way, Wa., is proud of his company's leadership in the use of mold-resistant coatings for wood products and noted what the coatings can do for customers. "These solu- tions significantly reduce the occurrence of mold throughout the supply chain. especially when paired with good inventory practices in the yard and on the job site."

Prior to 2001{. mold was a pressing issue and fear of mold liability caused anxiety amon-g dealers and contractclrs. Concern over mold seemed to subside with the collapse of ner.l, home con\tructi()n. The issue is rising trgain. however, and dealers are taking steps to avoid rnoldy wood.

For wood prcssure-treateil with preservative. a dcalcr can rely on the standards of the American Wood Protcction Association or the requirements of building codes when specifying the product. However, for surface treatments, there is no established organization setting standards for proper coating and there are not thirdparty inspeetion agencies to Inonit()r application. The requirements are determined by the desires and preferences of individual buyers. The mills are expected to providc material that meets those requirements.

Once a dealer has specified the

Buyers' preferences only

Depends on chemical, concentration, application, exposure

Framing, interior lumber

Pressure impregnation at wood Spray coating at sawmill or preservation facrlity component manufacturing site degrce of protection wanted fbr particular circumstances. a mill can work with l chemie ul supplicr in crcating a treatment adequate to meet thc specifications.

Since no standards or monitoring services exist, a dealer must rely on choosing lumber fiom reputable mills using brand-name products that can bc trusted. Respected con'rpanies have a reputation to protect and are more likely to provide products and services that will meet consistently the needs of the dealer.

Incidentally. anti-mold treatments do not increase chemical risks to lumberyard workers or homeowners living

Exacting Standards

. Produced exclusively in houses with trcated framing. MSDSs fbr wood sprayed with molcl inhibitor are typically the same as MSDSs for untreated wood; the chemicals do not raise hazards.

For deirlers who sometimes cxperience mold problems, it is worth considering the other treated wood.

- Huck DeVenz.io is munager of nturketing contntunications at Arclt Wood Protettiott, I rtr'., rnrutttfacturer of tvood treutirtg chemicnls, including AntiBlu ,surface protection prodLtcts, arul licensor of the Wolntani:.etl brantl of preserved wrxtd. He cluims he resentbles some picked-over Itrmbcr-straig,ht but ttot aln'uys clean. Reach hirn at httck.deyen:.io@lonz.atom.

By Lisa Podesto, PE