Replies

1. 
   Jemcon | Oct 06, 2004 01:05am | #1

   If your using ACQ lumber you need for the sill plate you definetly need gal. nails. Stainless is even better.

1. 
   davidmeiland | Oct 06, 2004 02:16am | #2

   All of the discussion I've seen of the ACQ issue relates to galv fasteners in wet locations, such as a deck. There's not necessarily a consensus but several folks have suggested that ACQ in dry conditions will not corrode fasteners, and there's been almost no discussion of bright steel nails in ACQ. It's the copper in ACQ reacting with the zinc in galv... and I've never heard anyone say there's an effect on plain steel.

1. 
   BillHartmann | Oct 06, 2004 03:57am | #3

   " discussion of bright steel nails in ACQ. It's the copper in ACQ reacting with the zinc in galv.."

   It reacts with the zinc specifically for the purpose of being a scarifical anode to protect the steel.

   Without the zinc it will react to the steel.

   "There's not necessarily a consensus but several folks have suggested that ACQ in dry conditions will not corrode fasteners,"

   BUT the reason that rot resistant material is needed for the sillplate is that it claimed that this is not a DRY area. While it is not exposed to bulk water, with proper detailing, it is claimed that this is a damp area.

   And with dampness you will still have the reaction, but probably not near as bad as that exposed to the weather.

2. 
   jonblakemore | Oct 06, 2004 03:59am | #4

   David,

   How's your ACQ/CCA nail sample going? I was doing the same thing as you but a move interrupted my efforts. 

   Jon Blakemore

1. 
   davidmeiland | Oct 06, 2004 07:33am | #8

   ACQ, no CCA. There's no corrosion on any of the fasteners.

1. 
   IronHelix | Oct 06, 2004 02:51pm | #9

   Besides the galvanic response of the copper and zinc...which is present in both CCA and ACQ...there is the strong base (caustic) nature of ACQ that accelerates the demise of the fastners and hangers.

   Hot dipped galvanized is still effected by the ACQ.  Triple plated hangers are the minimum standard.   I taken apart CCA that is 10 years old to find the once double dip galvanized 16's are but a wisp of a rusty wire.  Can't imagine how quickly the ACQ will eat up the galvanized....simuktaneously galvanic and caustic reactions.

   Stainless is the only safe way to go.

   ...............Iron Helix

3. 
   daFarmerDave | Oct 06, 2004 04:00am | #5

   When it first came out there were flyers at the home depot that called for hot dipped hardware for the lumber in the sills.  I suspect the ACQ lumber industry has guidelines published somewhere on the web.

1. 
   geob21 | Oct 06, 2004 04:58am | #6

   The basement is dry. I  assumed PT sills were required for insect control and not dampness.  Isn't there a code relating to grade height?

4. 
   fredsmart48 | Oct 06, 2004 05:33am | #7

   ((There's not necessarily a consensus but several folks have suggested that ACQ in dry conditions will not corrode fasteners, ))

   Why take the chance with having the nail or fastener fail so you can save a few cents.