25 August 2005

Auckland City accepting consents listing boron-treated timber Auckland City has announced it is accepting building consents that specify timber treated with TimberSaver, a boron treatment.

An advice note will be attached to these approved consents stating how the timber should be used. The advice note also states that a certificate from the timber supplier is required outlining the date of manufacture of the frame, when the timber was delivered and the type and level of treatment.

This follows the release of a preliminary report from the Department of Building and Housing on the long-term viability of timber treated with TimberSaver.

Bob de Leur, Auckland City’s principal building officer, says the council is pleased the results of the investigation have been positive.

“We’re glad the Department of Building and Housing investigated the issue quickly. Homeowners can now use this advice note when seeking assurance that buildings are constructed using appropriately treated timber and that this timber is used in the correct location in the building,” he says.

Mr de Leur says the issue has raised the level of awareness in the industry of appropriate product usage.

“It has certainly provided a valuable lesson for manufacturers selling building products and for builders using the product. Homeowners have also become more aware of the importance of using products that are suitable for the purpose they are intended for.”

The advice note attached to the building consents will also state that the report has now been received and that further work is currently been undertaken by Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) on behalf of the Department of Building and Housing.

ENDS

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