Dealer dernand 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.

MOLD can cause darkened color or blotches that make wood hard to sell. When mills apply anti-mold surface treatment, lumber may remain clean-looking throughout the chain of commerce and even longer.

\Zou've pRoBABLy seeN advertisements for "the other I. 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 lumber 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 concern 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

"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."

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 2008, mold was a pressing issue and fear of mold liability caused anxiety among dealers and contractors. Concern over mold seemed to subside with the collapse of new home construction. The issue is rising again. however, and dealers are taking steps to avoid moldy wood.

Specifvinq Anti-Mold Gbatin-gs -

For wood pressure-treated with preservative, a dealer can rely on the standards of the American Wood Protection 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 inspection agencies to monitor application. The requirements are determined by the desires and preferences of individual buyers. The mills are expected to provide material that meets those requirements.

Once a dealer has soecified the degree of protection wanted for particular circumstances. a mill can work with a chemical supplier in creating a treatment adequate to meet the specifications.

Since no standards or monitoring services exist, a dealer must rely on choosing lumber from reputable mills using brand-name products that can be trusted. Respected companies 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

Depends on chemical, concenhation, application, exposure

Framing, interior lumber

Spray coating at sawmill or component manufacturing site in houses with treated framing. MSDSs for wood sprayed with mold inhibitor are typically the same as MSDSs for untreated wood; the chemicals do not raise hazards.

For dealers who sometimes experience mold problems, it is worth considering the other treated wood.

- Huck DeVenzio is manager of marketing communications at Arch Wood Protection, Inc., manufacturer of wood treating chemicals, including AntiBlu surJace protection products, and licensor of the Wolmanized brand r.tf preserved wood. He claims he resembles some picked-over lumber-straight but not alwalts clean. Reac h h im at huck.dev enzio@ lonza.com.

By Lisa Podesto, P[