CORROSION

CONTACT WITH
TIMBER

TECHNICAL BULLETIN CTB-13

Rev 4, March 2008
This issue supersedes all previous issues

Green or unseasoned timber should not Copper/chrome/arsenic (CCA) timber cladding

come into contact with galvanized steel, used in a run-off situation, can result in a
ZINCALUME® zinc-aluminium alloy coated steel corrosive leachate from the timber containing
or TRUECORE® steel, due to acidic substances copper, which if it contacts galvanized,
in the timber which have a corrosive effect on ZINCALUME® or TRUECORE® steel will
the metallic coating. The use of kiln dried or promote corrosion. BlueScope Steel Limited
appropriate dried timber species is therefore specifically recommend against the use of
recommended for any situation where intimate treated timbers of this type for high moisture
contact between the metallic coated steel and situations such as roof and ceiling battens,
timber is considered. composite fence constructions and built up
flooring or external decking which may
NOTE - testing has shown that increased
utilise a metallic coated steel structural
time of wetness is a major contributor to the
support system.
accelerated corrosion of metallic coated steel
when placed in contact with timber. As such, If CCA treated timbers must be used then the
galvanised steel, ZINCALUME® steel and timber and/or steelwork should be sealed by
TRUECORE® steel must not be placed in contact fully painting the material prior to installation.
with green/unseasoned timbers or timbers that
NOTE - there are a large number of treated
are likely to retain moisture as a result of the
timbers available and as such BlueScope Steel
surrounding environment.
are not in a position to comprehensively test
Some preservative treatments for wood can all timbers. Therefore, BlueScope Steel are
have an adverse effect on the metallic coated unable to advise of the suitability for use with
steel with which it is in contact. Timber treated BlueScope Steel products and would recommend
with acidic preservatives of copper chromium against their use unless the timber treatment
arsenic type can be severely corrosive to the is examined closely for possible detrimental
majority of the metallic building components. effects on metallic coupled items prior to general
The presence of soluble salts (eg sodium specification and application of the material.
sulphate) derived from the treatment process,
Nail plates are commonly used to fabricate
will contribute to the corrosion mechanism
wooden truss components. BlueScope Steel
by increasing ionic conductivity. The time
recommend that the timber must be seasoned
of wetness of the metal surface contributes
or kiln dried prior to use. Some end use
to the overall corrosion mechanism. The
environments will require the use of heavier
further development of micro galvanic cells
coating mass or more corrosion resistant
(ie dissimilar metal corrosion) at the metal
coatings to prevent long term degradation.
surface may occur due to the plating of metallic
copper arising from the timber treatment. Figure 1: Example of Corrosion that results
Such deposition will significantly contribute to from contact of CCA Treated Timber with
the corrosion of bare steel, galvanized steel, Galvanized Purlins
ZINCALUME® steel zinc/aluminium alloy-
coated steel, TRUECORE® steel, and aluminium
materials both treated and untreated.
Corrosion of metals (ie fasteners) embedded in
timber is known to take place when the timber
moisture content exceeds 17% moisture. This
situation is likely to occur as a result of humid
tropical environments leading to entrapped
condensation (ie wet timber). It can also arise
from sub-standard detailing during construction,
green/unseasoned timber or timber which is
constantly moist.
The information and advice contained in this Bulletin is of a general nature only, and has not been prepared with
your specific needs in mind. You should always obtain specialist advice to ensure that the materials, approach and
techniques referred to in this Bulletin meet your specific requirements.
BlueScope Steel Limited makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of any estimates, opinions
or other information contained in this Bulletin, and to the maximum extent permitted by law, BlueScope Steel
Limited disclaims all liability and responsibility for any loss or damage, direct or indirect, which may be suffered by
any person acting in reliance on anything contained in or omitted from this document.
BlueScope, ZINCALUME® and TRUECORE® are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited.
Please ensure you have the current Technical Bulletin as displayed at www.bluescopesteel.com.au

BlueScope Steel
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