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What is MicroPro® pressure treated timber?
MicroPro® is a revolutionary copper-based timber treatment technology. Solid, micronized copper particles are suspended in a solution that is pressure impregnated into timber products.
Is MicroPro® treated timber code approved?
The MicroPro® treated timber, meets all major building code requirements. Installation must comply with the requirements of all applicable local and national building codes.
What are the end use applications for MicroPro® treated timber products?
MicroPro® treated timber and other wood products are available for: Above Ground, Ground Contact and Fresh Water Contact. MicroPro® products are not currently approved for saltwater immersion applications.
The MicroPro® wood preservative can produce timber products treated to these End Use Categories:
What are retentions or retention levels?
Retention levels refer to the amount of preservative retained in the wood following the treatment process. Retention levels can be different based on the timber preservative system used to pressure treat the timber product and its intended end use (ground contact, above ground contact, etc.). It is important to purchase treated timber products for the intended exposure condition. Typically, timber products are treated for “above ground use” and “ground contact/fresh water immersion use.” The treated timber end tag should state the recommended end use for the treated timber product.
Is maintenance required on pressure treated timber projects?
Pressure treated timber products help protect wood from rot, fungal decay and termite attack. However, moisture, sun, and outdoor conditions may cause the wood project to show signs of weathering. Natural weathering such as raised grain, splitting, checking, twisting, warping, shrinkage, or swelling occurs in timber treated or untreated. To help reduce the effects of natural weathering, the use of a clear water repellent coating or a semi-transparent water repellent coating product is recommended.
Can I paint treated timber?
Yes. If you desire to apply paint, stain, water repellent, or other finish to your preservative treated timber, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and label of the finishing product. Before you start, apply the finishing product to a small exposed test area before completing the entire project to insure it provides the intended result before proceeding.
How often do I have to apply a finish to treated timber?
Check the manufacturer’s instructions regarding period of application. The amount of exposure to sunlight and other weather conditions may affect how often a protective finish should be applied.
My deck has not kept its original pressure treated timber colour. How can I restore the appearance of the treated timber?
Wood deck cleaning products are available. These products may be referred to as cleaners, brighteners, or restorers. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Can I use a pressure washer on pressure treated timber?
Yes, follow the pressure washer manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines. Timber can be damaged if these instructions are not followed.
What fasteners or hardware should I use with treated timber?
Timber treated with MicroPro® technology offers many benefits including significantly improved corrosion rates on metal products. Use fasteners and hardware that are in compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and in accordance with National and Regional regulations for their intended use. Where design and/or actual conditions allow for constant, repetitive or long periods of wet conditions, only stainless steel fasteners should be used.
For exterior applications, the EN ISO 1461 galvanization standard may be used for connectors, joist hangers, fasteners and other hardware that are placed in direct contact with exterior applications of treated timber which utilizes MicroPro® technology.
There may be additional products (other than stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized) which are suitable for use with MicroPro® treated timber. Please consult with the individual fastener or hardware manufacturer for recommendations for use of their products with MicroPro® treated timber. In addition, carbon steel fasteners may be used for interior, above ground, weather-protected applications such as sill plates, interior framing and interior trusses.
View MicroPro® Fastener and Hardware Information page for further details.
Can pressure treated timber posts be buried or installed in concrete?
MicroPro® pressure treated timber posts produced for “Ground Contact Use” can be placed in the ground with or without the use of concrete. (When placing a pressure treated timber post in the ground, the freshly cut end should not be placed in, or on the ground. Orient the posts so that the original factory-treated ends are in contact with the ground.)
Can treated timber be used in contact with manure or compost?
We do not recommend this use for treated timber, however if MicroPro® treated timber products are used for this application, it is suggested that all of the treated timber products be treated for “Ground Contact” end use.
Can treated timber be used for raised vegetable beds or around my grape vines?
MicroPro® treated timber products may be used to construct raised bed gardens. The MicroPro® treated timber process is certified by Scientific Certification Systems, Inc. (SCS) as an Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) based on SCS’ Life-Cycle Assessment.
If MicroPro® treated timber products are used for this application, it is suggested that all of the treated timber products be treated for “Ground Contact” end use.
Very small amounts of copper and azole may migrate out of MicroPro® treated timber over time. If it is desirable to minimize the migration of these components into the soil of a raised bed garden, we recommend that a suitable thin plastic material be used as a barrier between the treated timber and the raised bed garden soil.
The use of a plastic barrier will also help keep the raised bed garden soil within the bed area. For proper drainage, the plastic material should not be used underneath the raised bed garden soil.
Is it safe to use treated timber in a picnic table or on countertops?
MicroPro® pressure treated timber products can be used for outdoor picnic tables. We recommend that the picnic table be covered to prevent food from contacting the wood surface. It is not recommended that any treated timber product be used as a countertop. Do not put food directly in contact with treated timber.
Can I use treated timber in feed troughs for livestock?
Do not use preserved wood under circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food, animal feed, or beehives.
How does mould affect wood?
Mould occurring on pressure treated timber products is typically not an indication of fungal decay attack. Mould growth can and does occur on the surface of many products, including untreated and treated timber, during prolonged surface exposure to excessive moisture conditions. To remove mould from the treated timber surface, wood should be allowed to dry. Typically, mild soap and water can be used to remove remaining surface mould. For more information visit www.epa.gov .
Do your pressure treated timber products contain formaldehyde?
Koppers wood preservative products do not contain formaldehyde. However, glues used to produce plywood, glue laminates, and other engineered timber products may contain formaldehyde. Contact the engineered timber producer for information regarding the use of formaldehyde in their products.
Is it ok to use MicroPro® treated timber in contact with NatureWood® treated timber?
Yes, NatureWood® and MicroPro® treated timber products can be used together; however, use fasteners compatible with NatureWood® where they may come in direct or indirect contact with the NatureWood® treated timber.
Is MicroPro® pressure treated timber available with a water repellent?
Yes. Check with your building material supplier for availability.
Are MicroPro® treated timber products available in different colours?
MicroPro® treated timber products are also available in popular colours similar to redwood and cedar. The MicroShades® in-solution colour pigment system is pressure treated into the timber with the durability and protection of MicroPro®. Check with your building material supplier for availability in your area.
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