What should I do if I have existing fasteners and connectors installed in contact with preservative treated timber that is not CCA-C?
If possible, you should verify the specific type of preservative treated timber you have – including the chemicals used, retention level and the wood species. Much of this information is often on a tag stapled to the end of the boards, or may be ink stamped on the boards. You should also perform periodic inspection of your connectors, fasteners, and anchors to ensure their strength is not being adversely affected by corrosion. It may be necessary to have a local professional perform the inspections. The treated timber industry has recommended the use of stainless steel and hot-dip galvanised (HDG) fasteners and connectors for years. Their recommendation is still the same for use with the “alternative” treatments that are replacing CCA-C. (See above: “What is the difference between Simpson’s Hot-Dip galvanised (HDG) products and products that are hot-dip galvanised after fabrication?” for an explanation on the different types of hot-dip galvanizing.) If your fasteners, connectors, or ot
