Overview:

Woodhouse Weatherproof is a range of Pink Primed Architectural Radiata Pine with H3 LOSP (Light Organic Solvent Preservative) products designed for external construction applications as a replacement for CCA (chromate copper arsenate) treated timber.

Product Description:

Weatherproof range manufactured from plantation radiata pine, architecturally primed with Weatherproof Pink Primer andchemicallytreated with H3 LOSP (Light Organic Solvent Preservative), ready for installation and final topcoat finishing.

Product is manufactured from radiata pine of which approximately 40% is originally sourced from Forest Stewardship Certified (FSC) certified forests. Woodhouse, however, do not have Chain of Custody certification, tracking the different sources of timber through the production process. Woodhouse is seeking to adopt Chain of Custody procurement systems to ensure that the wood from FSC certified forests is tracked through the production process.

Range is chemically treated against insect and fungal infestation with LOSP (Light Organic Solvent Preservative), a low-toxic preservative that uses an organic solvent to transport active ingredients into the radiata pine. Preservative treatment contains fungicides for protection against fungal decay and insecticides to protect from termites and other wood boring insects. LOSP is an alternative to CCA (chromate copper arsenate) treatments which have detrimental impacts to human health and ecosystems.

Product is finger-jointed to achieve long lengths, using a polyurethane adhesive, thereby maximising the percentage use of available logs. Product is suitable for external above ground applications, such as structural beams, floor joists, rafters, verandah beams, pergolas, decks, mouldings and handrails.

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Country of Origin

 Product is manufactured in New Zealand.

Ecospecifier Issues of Concern / Red Lights

Non-FSC Certified Radiata Pine-

The wood fibre sourced for the manufacture of Weatherproof Architectural Pine initially comes from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified sources; however, Woodhouse do not have Chain of Custody certification tracking the fibres through the production process. Woodhouse is seeking to adopt Chain of Custody procurement systems to ensure that the wood from FSC certified forests is tracked through the production process. Various timber certification schemes are currently in operation in regards to the sustainable and responsible management of forests as sources of wood. According to ecospecifier, an analysis of the various timber certification schemes reveals that the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC, Chain of Custody) is the most rigorous and robust certification, due to the stringent criteria followed. FSC is the only scheme based on a clear set of minimum performance based criteria, prohibits the conversion of forests to plantations, and also prohibits the use of GMO trees and toxic baiting. See Timber Technical Guide for further information.

 LOSP Preservative-

The LOSP (Light Organic Solvent Preservative) Wood Preservative contains white spirits and permethrin which have associated risk phrases stating that it may cause cancer (R45) and is harmful if swallowed (R22). The preservative also contains components that are very toxic to aquatic organisms (R50) and may cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments (R53). Care should be taken when applying treatment component to avoid inhalation and contact with skin, and to use in well ventilated areas. As product is pre-primed, the treatment is sealed in the product, and according to an ecospecifier risk analysis, there is a low likelihood of LOSP entering waterways, subject to appropriate controls being in place at the manufacturing plant.

Assessment Comparison

 Standard architectural products

Availability:

ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA

Other information:

Information last verified on 20.08.08.

Assessment Criteria Satisfied

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