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How to Use Preservative Treated Wood When Rebuilding After a Hurricane

Preservative-treated wood, also called pressure-treated wood, is lumber that has been treated with chemicals to help it resist rotting. Preservative-treated wood is usually used in outdoor applications and in places where it is likely to encounter substantial moisture, such as a basement or foundation. When rebuilding after a hurricane, using preservative-treated wood can help ensure a longer life for a new structure.

Instructions

    • 1

      Use preservative-treated wood for base plates on top of a foundation wall or concrete slab. By placing preservative-treated wood between the concrete and the non-treated wood of the framing, you can slow down any rot that might occur over time in the wood.

    • 2

      Prevent damage and rot to outdoor structures such as ladders, fence posts and outbuildings by using preservative-treated wood in these places. If the buildings that were damaged or destroyed by the hurricane were in locations that were particularly vulnerable to wind and water, consider rebuilding them in a more secure location.

    • 3

      Save money and materials by salvaging and reusing any preservative-treated wood that was in buildings and structures that were destroyed. While a building that was destroyed by a hurricane might not be salvageable, a lot of the materials in it can be used for other purposes.