Retention — how much preservative is driven into the wood, measured in pounds per cubic foot. Above ground material (UC3B) runs 0.060; ground contact and freshwater use (UC4A) runs 0.15; heavy duty ground contact (UC4B) runs 0.23. Specifying "treated lumber" without the use category is the most common specification error on this product. If the piece touches soil, is closer than six inches to grade, or can't dry quickly after wetting, it needs ground contact material.

No. Wolman® E MCA is not presently recommended for saltwater immersion. It is suitable for above ground, ground contact, and freshwater immersion applications at the appropriate retention levels. For marine and saltwater exposure, contact us and we'll point you to the right material.

The International Building Code and International Residential Code require metal fasteners in contact with any preservative treated wood to be hot-dipped galvanized meeting ASTM A153. Connectors should be galvanized steel sheet conforming to ASTM A653 Class G185. For Permanent Wood Foundations, use 304 or 316 stainless steel. Indoors, and where the wood stays dry in service, corrosion is less likely and the model code permits standard galvanized strapping and mild steel anchor bolts 1/2" diameter and larger for fastening to foundations.

In above ground applications that are damp or intermittently wet, interior or exterior, aluminum flashing of 3015 or similar alloy may be used in contact with MCA-C treated wood. Where the wood is subject to immersion or frequent or prolonged wetting, use factory coated aluminum or install an insulating moisture resistant barrier between the treated wood and the aluminum.

Yes, with attention to drying. Once dry on the surface it can be stained like ordinary wood. For painting, the wood needs to be dry internally — either purchase material that has been re-dried after treatment, or allow several months of good drying weather after the project is complete. Many light-colored latex paints work well following brush application of an oil-based primer. Do not apply primer by sprayer, and do not use coatings whose manufacturer advises against an oil-based primer. Take special care coating end grain, holes, and cuts.

The preservative treatment protects against decay and termites, not against moisture damage from weathering. Regular application of a topical water repellent is recommended for protection against moisture damage. Periodic cleaning revives the color of preserved lumber.

Micronized copper azole uses finely ground preservative particles suspended in the treating solution rather than dissolved copper. The preservative is forced into the wood under pressure, where it renders the wood useless as a food source for termites and fungi. Copper is the primary ingredient. The type C formulation is the advanced version, incorporating a combination of synergistic azoles — propiconazole and tebuconazole — as a dual co-biocide that handles copper-tolerant fungi.

Scraps, broken boards, and sawdust can be disposed of with ordinary trash collection. Treated sawdust and shavings are not recommended for composting, mulching, or animal bedding, and the wood should not be burned except in approved commercial incinerators.

Wolman® E MCA meets the requirements of model building codes. It is listed in standards of the American Wood Protection Association (AWPA), and a code evaluation report has been issued: ICC-ES ESR-1721. The product is also Home Innovation NGBS Green Certified. See the documents section for the full set.

Wolman® lumber is backed by a limited warranty in qualifying residential and agricultural applications. Warranty terms are set by Lonza Wood Protection — see the warranty document in the documents section for qualifying applications and details.