Q&A / 

It's important to know the types of wood and what projects they are best for. AsktheBuilder.com's Tim Carter discusses the different types of wood and how the wood types are recognized and how their attributes are utilized.

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CCA for residential use as a wood preservative was banned after the end of 2003. Regularly sealing structures already built with CCA treated wood helps contain the leaching of chemicals. The EPA presents advisories for safe handling of CCA treated lumber that need to be heeded and taught to your children as well.

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Chromated copper arsenate, or CCA, has been used to preserve wood since the 1940's. The use of CCA in residential applications was banned after 12/31/2003. Cca treated wood chemicals were found to dissolve in water and leach out of the wood, causing potential harm. Sealing cca treated lumber will reduce leaching of the chemicals. Be sure to use a synthetic resin to keep the lumber from becoming a mildew and algae smorgasbord and read these advisories for safe handling!

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If plywood is not dealt with properly, it can swell and create major problems with roofing, flooring or siding. Correction to this wood product problem can clean your wallet. These tips cover plywood characteristics and proper installation of plywood. Read, be informed, and extract maximum useful life from your plywood project.

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Attic ventilation is very important, yet often inadequate. Proper attic ventilation will save you from moisture accumulation that can create huge problems with your roofing and plywood sheathing. Read this basic primer to understand the importance of ventilation and how to properly manage the exchange of air needed to prevent damage to your home.

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The crown of a piece of lumber is the upward arch you see when you look down its narrowest edge. In your new home, builders who don't take crowns into consideration can create humps or dips in floors or walls. Engineered wood, floor trusses and I joists can be used to eliminate crown problems.

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Buckling roof plywood below asphalt shingles is a result of many things. Wood expands and contracts, so there may not have been adequate planned spacing between plywood boards. Check for proper attic ventilation. A buildup of water vapor is a problem.

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