building material / tools

[David M]

Cat - not only can it get all over the carpenters, it leaves a redish brown stain on concrete. Guess it's the acid part

David

Ninole Resident

[jm minica]

The Hi Bor lumber that is the standard here is alot nicer to work with than the green pressure treated stuff that I always had to handle on the mainland. It's importand to treat all the cuts or holes you make with Hi Bor, otherwise your defeating the purpose. There is a product that is available at a couple of places here that is great for wood that is exposed to direct weather, or direct contact with the ground/slab. It's called Zophar, and it's a coal tar based product that is basically what they treat telephone poles and railroad ties with. It's kind of nasty to work with, and it's not cheap, but it makes wood essentially impenetrable to bugs or water. I've been using it on exterior stair/porch/deck parts, especially those surfaces that make contact with the concrete. There's two different types, #111, and #50. The later has a pretty strong odor that does fade in time, but still is noticable when the sun beats on it. #111 is odorless after curing and is even suitable to coat the inside of water tanks. I dont really like working with the stuff personally,it will give you a chemical burn if it gets on your skin and you dont get it off right away, but it is very effective.
Aloha,
Mark

[David M]

Interesting Mark - mahalo

David

Ninole Resident

[Kapohocat]

County says treated framing lumber (no specs on what treatment) and termite pans over piers and yes the holes do defeat the purpose. Another case where looking out for one problem (earthquakes /strapping) is detrimental to another (termite protection...)

[HADave]

Interestingly, as the previous articles mention, when termites create their mud tunnels a considerable amount of moisture is created w/in the tunnels. The borate treatment, which as I understand in Hawaii is a stronger concentration of, returns mobile because it is water soluble and is drawn to the tunnels supposedly. Explains why those working with it in the rain find it leaching all over their clothes. New Zealand has been using this borate method for 50+ years in their very wet climate also and have found no loss of its efficacy with regard to termite and decay damage.

I also find it interesting how some aren't required to use these termites plates between post & pier while others are. Just like the partial perimenter foundations footings, some do some don't....why is that?

Mark I found your Zophar, sounds like great stuff.)


www.zopharmills.com/ click on triple A coatings

Aloha HADave





Edited by - HADave on 11/05/2006 08:54:26

[wyatt]

Check out his thached roof product

http://www.palmex-international.com/

Aloha
Wyatt

[Jared I]

If someone needs the USN borate recipe I have it. Its real easy whe used it on boats in the PNW.

[wyatt]

Interesting product Has anyone used this.

http://www.bonedryproducts.com/boneDryFaqs.htm


Wyatt

[David M]

Looks interesting Wyatt

Wonder how it affects acid stain/sealer?

David

Ninole Resident

[sansei]

New and improved nail?

Article in the December issue of Popular Science "Dr. Nail vs. the Monster" describes nail called the HurriQuake developed by an engineer nick named Dr. Nail at Bostitch. Claims to be 100% stronger in Hurricane conditions and 50% stronger in Earthquakes for about 15% more cost. It would basically be used on shear walls and roof sheathing. The Bostitch web site http://www.bostitch.com has some info if you don't want to buy the mag. at the newstand.