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About creasote and pole treatment

Creosote and CCA Treatment in Wood Pole Preservation

Wood poles have been widely used in various industries, including utility and telecommunications, due to their strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. However, to enhance their longevity and protect them from decay, insects, and environmental factors, wood poles often undergo treatment processes. Two common treatments used for wood pole preservation are creosote treatment and CCA treatment.

Creosote Treatment:
Creosote is a dark, oily liquid derived from coal tar and is known for its excellent preservative properties. It has been used for more than a century to protect wood from biological deterioration. Creosote treatment involves immersing or applying creosote to the surface of the wood pole, allowing it to penetrate and protect the fibers from decay-causing organisms.

Benefits of Creosote Treatment:
1. Decay Resistance: Creosote is highly effective in preventing wood decay caused by fungi and bacteria. It creates a barrier that inhibits the growth and penetration of these organisms, significantly extending the pole’s lifespan.

2. Insect Resistance: Creosote-treated poles are also resistant to wood-boring insects, such as termites and wood-boring beetles. The toxic nature of creosote acts as a deterrent, preventing insects from infesting the wood.

3. Weather Protection: Creosote offers excellent weather resistance, protecting the wood from moisture absorption, swelling, and warping. It helps maintain the structural integrity of the pole, even in harsh climates.

4. Cost-Effective: Creosote-treated wood poles have a long service life, reducing the frequency of pole replacements. This leads to cost savings for utility and telecommunications companies over time.

5. Availability: Creosote is readily available and has a proven track record of use, making it a preferred choice for wood pole preservation.

CCA Treatment:
CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) is a chemical compound widely used as a wood preservative. It contains copper, chromium, and arsenic, which work together to protect wood from decay, insects, and fungi. CCA treatment involves pressure impregnation of the wood with the CCA solution, ensuring deep penetration into the pole’s fibers.

Benefits of CCA Treatment:
1. Decay and Insect Resistance: CCA treatment provides robust protection against decay-causing fungi, termites, and other wood-boring insects. It creates a toxic environment that deters these organisms, extending the pole’s lifespan.

2. Leaching Resistance: CCA-treated wood poles exhibit low leaching rates, meaning that the preservative chemicals remain within the wood and do not leach significantly into the surrounding environment. This reduces the environmental impact associated with wood treatment.

3. Durability: CCA-treated poles have high durability and can withstand harsh weather conditions, including exposure to moisture and UV radiation. They remain structurally sound for an extended period, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

4. Industry Approved: CCA treatment has been widely used in the utility and telecommunications industries and is recognized and approved by regulatory bodies for wood pole preservation.

5. Cost-Effective: Similar to creosote treatment, CCA treatment offers long-term cost savings by prolonging the service life of wood poles and reducing replacement expenses.

Environmental Considerations:
It is important to note that both creosote and CCA treatments have raised environmental concerns due to the presence of toxic chemicals. In recent years, there has been a shift towards alternative treatments and the development of new, less toxic preservatives. These alternatives aim to strike a balance between wood preservation needs and environmental sustainability.

Regulatory Compliance:
Wood pole treatment processes, including creosote and CCA treatment, are subject to regulations and guidelines established by environmental agencies. These regulations dictate the safe handling, application, and disposal of treated wood

materials to minimize environmental impact and ensure worker and public safety.

Conclusion:
Creosote and CCA treatments have long been employed to preserve wooden poles, providing protection against decay, insects, and harsh environmental conditions. While both treatments offer significant benefits in terms of durability and cost-effectiveness, it is crucial to consider environmental concerns and comply with regulations to ensure sustainable wood pole preservation practices. As technology advances, the industry continues to explore alternative treatments that maintain efficacy while reducing environmental impact.

Custom Solutions to Meet Your Needs

We understand that every project has unique requirements. That’s why we offer a range of treated and untreated poles to meet our customers’ specific needs. We source our raw materials from our own plantations and other local timber farms, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply.

SABS Licensed

All our poles are approved and authorized by the SABS.

Highest Standard Poles

We only deliver the highest quality poles.

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Get your CCA and Creosote treated Poles Delivered Today

Why Choose GumPro for your pole needs?

We understand that every project has unique requirements. That’s why we offer a range of treated and untreated poles to meet our customers’ specific needs. We source our raw materials from our own plantations and other local timber farms, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply. Our team of experts is always available to provide advice and guidance on the best solution for your project.

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Quality Treated

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SABS Licensed & Approved for Quality

At Gumpro, we take quality seriously. That’s why we are proud to say that our treated poles are approved by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). Our production facilities adhere to the strict standards set by SABS, ensuring that our poles meet and exceed industry requirements. We use pressure-treated Copper Chrome Arsenic (CCA) and open bath Creosote methods to treat our poles, conforming to South African National Standard (SANS 457 & 1288) specifications. Our commitment to quality has earned us the trust of our customers, who know they can rely on Gumpro for high-quality treated poles that meet SABS standards.

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