Winning double timber treatment decision

6 September, 2010

Media Release for Immediate Use

Minister presents a winning double with timber treatment decision

Simplification of rules around the use of treated house framing timber as proposed by the Minister for Building and Construction, Maurice Williamson, represents a winning double for consumers and the industry says the Building Industry Federation.

“The proposals put forward by him offer a constraint on the rising costs of new housing and will enable the supply chain to more easily deal with storage requirements to meet demand,” the Chief Executive of the Building Industry Federation, Bruce Kohn, said today.

“Confirmation that a single class (H1.2) of treatment is acceptable under the Building Code for interior framing will open the way for efficiencies through the supply chain, remove confusion for builders on site and provide peace of mind for consumers.

“The complexities of the existing system have been a constant source of irritation to many industry participants. Merchants have been required to stock at considerable expense an extensive range of framing timber treated with a variety of preservatives.

“Specifiers will be free to choose between a less costly non-solvent option that they know meets Building Code requirements or opt for timber treated with a chemical or solvent preservative. But in a market that is characterised by demand for fit for purpose best price items it is probable the single class non-solvent option will prove most popular.

“A great deal of industry and government-backed research on rot and fungal resistance lies behind this decision. Buyers and specifiers will need to remember that the move applies only to interior wood. Higher treatment requirements will remain in place for outdoor timbers.”

ENDS

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