Dura-Guard

DURA-GUARD® preserved wood is a new product being offered as an alternative to traditional CCA pressure treated wood. DURA-GUARD preserved wood products provide retailers, consumers, builders and architects an option in their selection of pressure treated wood products.

The preservative technology in DURA-GUARD products has been commercially used since 1991 throughout Europe, Asia and the United States. For many backyard and commercial projects such as decks, fences and landscaping, DURA-GUARD products are an ideal alternative to traditional pressure treated wood. Here's why:

• DURA-GUARD products are durable and designed for outdoor construction.
• The most effective and widely used alternative to traditional pressure treated wood
• Ideal for structural lumber, sill plates, outdoor furniture, playground products, patios, decks, garden edging, and landscaping structures
• Meets building code requirements
• Copper-based preservative with a co-biocide
• Recommended for use with hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners
• Offers consumers a choice in pressure treated wood products

Characteristics of the Dura-Guard Preservative

The DURA-GUARD wood preservative is a waterborne, alkaline copper quaternary preservative system developed to provide long-term protection of wood exposed in exterior applications. The DURA-GUARD system is based on the well-established effectiveness of copper combined with an organic quaternary compound and is applied to wood by pressure treatment. Copper and quaternary compounds are effective fungicides and termiticides. Together they provide protection from a broad spectrum of fungi and termites. Quaternary compounds are commonly used as swimming pool additives, disinfectants and sanitizers and have antibacterial properties. The active ingredients in DURA-GUARD, copper oxide and quaternary compounds, are dissolved in an alkaline carrier.

Back to top

Characteristics of the DURA-GUARD Preserved Wood Product

Properly treated and processed DURA-GUARD products are similar to CCA treated wood products - both are pressure treated, long lasting, durable, clean to the touch and have no objectionable odor. More than a decade of field test performance and commercial use worldwide establishes the proven effectiveness of the DURA-GUARD preservative technology against termites and fungal decay. Hoover's DURA-GUARD product is Kiln Dried After Treatment (KDAT) to an average moisture content of 19% or less. This means DURA-GUARD lumber and plywood products are lighter in weight than other preservative treated products that are not KDAT. DURA-GUARD KDAT is easier to handle and provides a product more suitable to cutting, machining and remanufacturing..

Back to top

DURA-GUARD preserved wood products offer termite and fungal decay protection similar to that of CCA treated wood. Ground contact testing of treated stakes confirms that while untreated SYP stakes fail in less than 5 years, stakes preserved with DURA-GUARD preservatives perform similarly to CCA treated stakes.

Back to top

Fastener Recommendations

DURA-GUARD preserved wood products are designed for long-term performance in outdoor applications and, therefore, require high quality, corrosion-resistant nails, screws, and other fasteners. For best results, hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners are recommended. Direct contact of DURA-GUARD preserved wood with aluminum fasteners is not recommended.

Back to top

Regulatory Requirements

The preservative technology in DURA-GUARD products is registered by EPA as a non-restricted use pesticide and does not require Proposition 65 labeling in California. DURA-GUARD products as described in National Evaluation Report - NER #628, meet all building code requirements.

Back to top

DURA-GUARD Weathering Information

Freshly treated DURA-GUARD products begin with a familiar greenish color and will, over time, turn to a light tan/brown color upon exposure to sunlight. As with most outdoor wood products, DURA-GUARD products will eventually fade to gray.

Back to top

Back to top

Important Application Information

• Use corrosion-resistant fasteners- (see fastener rcommendation tech note) DURA-GUARD preserved wood products are designed for long-term performance in outdoor applications and, therefore, require high quality, corrosion-resistant nails, screws, and other fasteners. For best results use hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel. Direct contact of DURA-GUARD preserved wood with aluminum is not recommended. Certain adhesives add extra holding power. Apply adhesives in accordance with manufacturer's directions.
• When appearance permits, attach boards bark side up - As a general rule, attach boards bark side up (annual rings arc upward) to reduce cupping; however, the best face should be placed up when a defect of the wood is apparent. Fasten thin boards to thicker boards to maintain structural integrity.
• Drill pilot holes - Drill pilot holes especially when nailing or screwing near the edge or end of a board. Pilot holes will help minimize splitting.

The preservatives in DURA-GUARD products are frequently used in products that are common in our every day lives. copper, a naturally occurring mineral, is an effective and widely used fungicide and quaternary compounds are commonly used in household disinfectants and cleaners. DURA-GUARD preservatives penetrate deeply into and will remain in the wood for a long period of time. However, some preservative may migrate from the preserved wood into surrounding soil over time and there may also be incidental contact with the skin during construction or use.

Back to top

Handling & Use Recommendations

• Do not burn preserved wood. (see Disposal section)
• Wear a dust mask and goggles when cutting or handling wood.
• Wear gloves when working with wood.
• All sawdust and construction debris should be cleaned up and disposed of after construction.
• After working with the wood, wash exposed areas thoroughly.
• Wash work clothes separately from other household clothing before reuse.
• Preserved wood should not be used where it may come into direct or indirect contact with drinking water, except for uses involving incidental contact such as fresh water docks and bridges.
• Do not use preserved wood under circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food, animal feed, or beehives.
• Do not use preserved wood for mulch.
• Only preserved wood that is visibly clean and free of surface residue should be used for patios, decks, and walkways.

Back to top

Disposal Recommendations

DURA-GUARD products which are no longer usable, such as cutoffs, broken boards, sawdust, or treated wood material taken out of service are not considered hazardous and may be disposed of in landfills or burned in commercial or industrial incinerators or boilers in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Back to top