Performance
LIFESPAN SOLID SELECT carries a limited lifetime durability warranty against fungal decay (rot) and insect attack (including termites).
Decay
The preservative system used in LIFESPAN SOLID SELECT has been extensively tested against fungal decay in laboratory tests and field tests around the world in extreme situations. The performance in these trials has provided the confidence to back LIFESPAN with a limited lifetime warranty against fungal decay. LIFESPAN SOLID SELECT is treated to an average retention of 0.08%m/m total azoles (0.06%m/m minimum) as a fungicide together with 0.02%m/m permethrin as an insecticide (termidicide).
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Toxic values were determined by laboratory decay tests carried out in accordance with European protocols (EN113) using Pinus sylvestris. The minimum retentions (0.27kg/m3) used in LIFESPAN SOLID SELECT are much higher than these toxic values. The Mississippi Forest Products Laboratory of Mississippi State University established L-Joint trials (in accordance with AWPA Standard E9-97) using Ponderosa pine at both Hilo, Hawaii and Saucier, Mississippi in 1996. L-Joint tests are designed to simulate performance in millwork applications.
These have been inspected yearly and results after six years exposure showed good resistance to decay, at retention levels less than used for LIFESPAN SOLID SELECT (0.27kg/m3 minimum) especially at Hilo, Hawaii, which is a recognized high hazard site for fungal decay.
Treated Ponderosa pine decay ratings
Other field trials have been established in Australia and New Zealand.
Average decay ratings for treated and untreated pine
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Insects (including termites)
The LIFESPAN SOLID SELECT protection system also contains an insecticide, permethrin, which is effective against insects, including termites. The permethrin retention (0.02%m/m) used is approved in both Australia (AS1604) and New Zealand (NZS3640) and has been extensively used for out of ground contact applications. A recent trial by CSIRO, Australia (Susceptibility of Envelope-Treated Softwood to Subterranean Termite Damage, by James W. Creffield. Forest Products Journal, December 2004) examined the performance of permethrin, as both an envelope and fully impregnated, against termites.
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Samples were exposed for 12 months at Gunn Point, Darwin, and Northern Territory, Australia where a species of termite, Coptotermes acinaciformis, is prevalent. All specimens showed evidence of contact with termites, indicating activity. The full penetration treatments with 0.02%m/m permethrin had a mean rating of 1.2 (radiata pine) with a range of 1-2, and 1.0 (slash pine). Untreated samples had a mean rating of 6.3 with a range of 5-7 (1 being sound; 7 being destroyed [75 to 100% mass loss]).
Further samples were exposed at Beerburrum, Queensland where both C. acinaciformis and Schedorhinotermes spp. occur. Samples were examined after seven months. Samples that were fully treated with 0.02%m/m permethrin had no weight loss due to termite attack, whereas untreated controls had a weight loss of 16.2 to 262.5g. The successful control of termite attack by permethrin in Australia, involving a number of different termite species, provides an assurance that LIFESPAN SOLID SELECT products will also be protected from attack by the Formosan termite, C. formosanus.
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Stability
Dimensional stability is a critical wood property for cladding, joinery and exterior millwork uses. One key element that contributes to the stability of wood products is the kiln drying process. Fletcher Wood Solutions’ manufacturing process uses the latest in kilns and kiln technology to produce stable products. The use of final steaming to eliminate drying stresses is one example of this. Radiata pine has naturally low shrinkage, which contributes to its stability.
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Compared to other North American softwoods, radiata pine has shrinkage comparable to ponderosa pine and lower than hemlock, loblolly pine and Douglas-fir. The use of high grade clear lumber from the outside of the log further enhances the dimensional stability of LIFESPAN SOLID SELECT products. In addition, the preservative treatment used in LIFESPAN SOLID SELECT contains waxes and resins, which significantly reduce the uptake of liquid water and subsequent swelling of wood. LIFESPAN SOLID SELECT products will show improved stability over untreated products.
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