PWF - what type of wood is used?

[Rob London]

Can PWFs use the same wood as the kind used in decks, or do they us a wood that is specially treated just for PWFs?

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Pressure treated plywood

[Jeffery L. Haynes]

Southern Pine is the preferred species for PWF's.

[Bob Elliott]

Ok already.
What is a PWF?

Preserved Wood Foundation ?

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by jhaynes

Southern Pine is the preferred species for PWF's.

Plywood made from Southern Pine? It is the plywood that forms the main barrier against decay, right?

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by relliott

Ok already.
What is a PWF?

Preserved Wood Foundation ?

Stands for "Powdered Wood Foundation" Bob.

OK, sorry, I'm not an admirer of them.

The industry term invented by the people who manufacture them is "Permanent Wood Foundations".

They might be OK if the contractor adheres strictly to the manufacturer's recommendations, but many don't. When contractors don't, foundations fail. They fail by buckling and decaying.

DISCLAIM, DISCLAIM DISCLAIM!

[Bob Elliott]

I am just surprised they still use them.

[Jeffery L. Haynes]

Originally Posted by kshepard

Plywood made from Southern Pine? It is the plywood that forms the main barrier against decay, right?

Are we talking about the same acronym Ken.......Permanent Wood Foundations?.......where SP is the main species used and pretreated?

lol

[Nick Gromicko]

http://www.nachi.org/gallery/foundat...ation-poly.jpg

[Nick Gromicko]

http://www.nachi.org/permanent-wood-foundations.htm

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by jhaynes

Are we talking about the same acronym Ken.......Permanent Wood Foundations?.......where SP is the main species used and pretreated?

lol

Jeff, yep... same thing. CA and AO Hem fir is used for treated lumber.

[Michael Roberson]

They are not uncommon in this neck of the woods, I put one in 20 years ago, and the house is still standing (I guess) My 10:00 inspection today is a PWF, I'll take good pictures.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by rlondon

Can PWFs use the same wood as the kind used in decks, or do they us a wood that is specially treated just for PWFs?

Typically, the pressure treatment saturation point is increased for ground contact, etc.


See:

http://www.americanpoleandtimber.com...edlumber.shtml



Pressure Treatments

We specialize in treated wood products. We sell wood and pressure treated lumber products to your specifications and in accordance with national and local regulations.

Most dimensional pressure treated lumber is treated to .25 or .40 pcf in ACQ. Larger dimensional lumber (2x8 and above) can be treated to .60 pcf with CCA but only for use in certain commercial construction applications. We usually recommend .60 pcf (CCA or ACQ) for freshwater use, ground contact, or extreme weather conditions, .80 CCA for government specifications or brackish (salty fresh) water, and 2.5 pcf CCA for projects in saltwater.

[Michael Roberson]

Typically, the pressure treatment saturation point is increased for ground contact, etc.

The term used in lumber yards is G.C. or Ground contact. Most posts are GC rated, but not all. "treated" is now a more generic term in my opinion, at least not specific enough. The term doesnt tell you if it it GC or not.

Larry, We still need to meet for coffee sometime. Summer busy?

[Tim C. Howell]

I'm due to inspect a wooden home foundation this week. Any tips on what to look for beside detailed moisture testing and bowing.

I read some more and found what I was looking for. Should have read more first