A timber framed home won’t rust

Steel framing is usually galvanized, but where it is cut, screwed, welded or punched, the galvanized coating is penetrated leaving the raw steel exposed, leading to the potential for corrosion.

Also, when some flashings or copper pipes come into contact with steel framing and moisture, they can develop galvanic cells that will result in damage to the framing by a process called “bimetallic corrosion”.

Bimetallic corrosion will not occur when boron-treated timber framing is used.

Boron is one of the most effective, treatments for timber framing and has been used in New Zealand for over 60 years. It is classified as non hazardous, contains no toxic metallic compounds and is fully compatible with all commonly used building materials, fasteners and hardware.

Galvanised steel framing in this 10-year-old dwelling in the Auckland suburb of Cockle Bay shows clear signs of corrosion following a small leak which developed in a nearby window frame approximately 18 months ago. Despite being exposed to the same conditions, the boron-treated timber framing immediately above the steel framing shows no signs of deterioration whatsoever.