Untreated timber

[rach21]

Hi all

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences here. It has been very helpful and I have learning a lot from reading the forums.

I bought a single level 10 yr old brick and tile property in Wattle Down. I am just worried that the timber used is untreated. The Lim report said that consent was applied on may 2005 and CCC issued on Aug 2005 by Fletcher. Does CCC obtained at this time required treated timber to be put in place or not?

Thanks heaps

[John the builder]

the good news is that treatment in timber was reintroduced in changes to NZS 3602 in 2003

bad news is that untreated pine was still considered suitable for low risk brick veneer

bad news is that this might still be inadequate and simply degrade over a longer time frame

suggest you get a moisture detection system installed to verify performance and they test timber treatment at the same time. The install is discrete from the inside and lends itself to Bricks as access to framing is difficultly from exterior. Then you will know what you are dealing with(www.moisturedetection,co.nz)

[Andrew1701]

I am assume you are talking about framing? What makes you worry about this? are there signs of damage? As john said as of 2003 current timber treatments have been in place. It is highly likely your walls will be H1.2, the same as standard framing today

[John the builder]

It is highly likely your walls will be H1.2, the same as standard framing today

you can have untreated framing in these houses with BV

[rach21]

Thanks John and Andrew for the input. No visible signs of damage. I'm just worried and wanted an assurance that's all.

I just can't believe they would allow untreated timber on something that is expected to last over 50 years.

[John the builder]

If it is dry it will last at least 50 years.

Is it dry?

www.moisturedetection.co.nz ???

[rach21]

Hi John

It is dry I think. Signed the contact but haven't settled yet. will definitely have moisture detection system installed once settled. How much do they normally cost?

I got a building inspection and he was satisfied.

Thanks John

[Bob Kane]

I just can't believe they would allow untreated timber on something that is expected to last over 50 years.

Umm, I think there are houses in England that are several hundred years old and they have used untreated timber.

[rach21]

Those houses in England must be built structurally solid on the outside and designed appropriately.

[drelly]

Umm, I think there are houses in England that are several hundred years old and they have used untreated timber.

Completely different timber though. Not the fast growing, flimsy pine we use.

[rach21]

Hi Drelly... Thought so.

[elguapo]

Umm, I think there are houses in England that are several hundred years old and they have used untreated timber.

Mostly built from Oak which is a hardwood with a lot of tannin, that makes it naturally very resistant to insects/fungus etc.

[Bob Kane]

Fair point - different wood.
I think if the house is well built then it will last.
If it's a leaky then it won't.
That might be more important than worrying about whether the timber is treated.

[rach21]

Thanks Bob and everyone.

[Maccachic]

Not worth getting those moisture detections systems they are very limited in their reliability. If a Building Surveyor has said your horse is low risk and you keep on top of maintenance you will be OK. Treated timber is only limited protection if the wood is constantly wet the treatment leaches out over time. The key is a house that deals with water ingress well not whether you have treated timber.