Protective Coating

[jike]

What type of protective coating is normally specified for an exterior wooden pedestrian bridge for a golf course/trail with Glulam stringers?

Is creosote used anymore?

 

[haynewp]

I would try to not use creosote because it tends to cause cancer and it smells bad. Have you looked at pressure treated, wolmanized or the like?


Mendacity is a system that we live in. Liquor is one way out and death's the other.
-Tennessee Williams

 

[jike]

This is an existing bridge that we need to recoat. I believe it was creosoted orginally.

 

[civilperson]

Sand blast and polyurethane gives a nice finish that will survive a few hundred sunny days in the desert. Schedule yearly maintenance of additional coats and the cost is minimal.

 

[jike]

I called AWPA (American Wood Preservative Association) and received excellent advice!

Creosote can still be used on new structures with certain limitations (pressure treated only; surface applied no). There are many EPA restrictions on the use of creosote and its use is currently being re-reviewed. Creosote has been shown to cause cancer, genetic disorders and skin irritation in lab experiments.

Copper naphthenate was recommended for my particular use. there are repair bandages that can be used at ground surface and below for poles.