CSI Project Solutions

Treated Wood Foundations

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Treated wood foundations are load-bearing, pressure-treated wood framed walls, used below grade to support light frame construction. Treated wood foundations are commonly called Permanent Wood Foundations or All-Weather Wood Foundations. Since being developed in the 1960s, this unique building system has had its skeptics; however, it has proven to be a durable building system in thousands of physical applications. Treated wood foundations have undergone extensive research, analysis, and testing by several highly respected organizations within the building construction industry. They have been approved for use by model building codes, many state and local building codes, federal agencies, and by lending, warranty and insurance institutions. A treated wood foundation, when installed, waterproofed, and drained properly, and used in conjunction with other waterproof materials, is a viable alternative to poured concrete or concrete block foundations.

Log Construction

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Log construction refers to a building technique in which a structure is built from logs that have not been milled into conventional lumber. Log buildings are formed by horizontally stacking logs and interlocking their ends with notches. The origin of this type of construction is uncertain, but it is believed to date back to Northern Europe during the Bronze Age. When Europeans settled in America during the 17th and 18th centuries, they utilized this knowledge of handcrafted log construction to create shelter. In 19th century American politics, log cabins came to symbolize humble beginnings, since no fewer than seven U.S. Presidents were born in log homes. Throughout history, log construction was used for homes, churches, schools, barns, mills, commercial buildings, and outbuildings. Typically built in rural settings, this rustic architecture style can be built in any climate. Today log construction can be seen in elaborate homes as well as in simple cabins, built from handcrafted or milled logs, with different styles and options.

Fire-Retardant Wood Treatment

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Fire-retardant wood treatment (FRT) is the process by which pressure impregnates wood with fire-retardant chemicals. It is a protective treatment that reduces the combustible nature of wood, minimizes the effects of fire, and is suitable for interior and exterior wood, dimensional lumber, engineered lumber (excluding wood wafer products), and finish materials. Two types of FRT exist today: one involves a blend of a nitrogen-phosphorus organic compound and boric acid, and the other involves the use of ammonium polyphosphates with additives (boric acid, borax, moldicides, and others). Formulation compositions used to treat wood are proprietary and differ between manufacturers.

Structural Composites

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Structural composites are engineered products made from plastic, wood, glass, or carbon fiber materials. The formed or extruded products have applications as outdoor deck floors, railings, fences, landscape timbers, cladding, siding, moulding, trim, and window or door frames. These low maintenance products are resistant to cracking and can be smooth or have a simulated wood grain. Available in a variety of colors and sizes, structural composites are shaped using typical woodworking tools.

Plastic Simulated Wood Trim

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Several types and formulations of plastic simulated wood trim are available for exterior and interior applications. Plastic decorative trim can be high-density formed to simulate hand-carved, layered, profiled and shaped boards or ornamental pieces. Plastic materials are durable, long lasting, low-maintenance products that are waterproof and resistant to the growth of mold or mildew.

Plastic Railings

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Fabricated from virgin raw and recycled materials, plastic railings are commonly found in applications where wood railings would typically be installed. They are usually used in conjunction with a balustrade system that consists of a newel, balusters and railings. Plastic railings are extruded materials that are field assembled with metal inserts and offer a low-maintenance option that doesn't stain or allow for the growth of mold or mildew.

Plastic Decking

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Plastic decking or flooring is made from plastics such as High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Polystyrenne (PS) and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Used in place of traditional wood decking, plastic decking is installed over a treated lumber structure that is raised above grade, creating the floor surface of an outdoor living space. Typically adjoined to a structure, such as a home, decks with plastic decking can also be built as a boardwalk or atop of buildings as observation decks.

Structural Plastics

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Structural plastics are a relatively new material, compared to the wood materials that have traditionally served a similar purpose. Plastic lumber, decking and assemblies are made from raw material or recycled plastic content. Types of plastics include High-density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polypropylene (PP), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polystyrene (PS) and Polylactic acid (PLA). Installed using conventional tools, structural plastics offer the advantage of not having to be painted, and they are also water proof and resistant to decay, mold and insects.

Wood Frames

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Wood frames are an assembly of structural members that are secured to a rough opening to accommodate doors and windows. Wood frames contain all of an opening's elements, including ornamental infill such as glazed sashes. For both interior and exterior doors, the frame is recessed to accept hinges and a strike plate, where fasteners or deadbolts extend into the frame for security. Wood material is not a good conductor of heat, a fact which allows for energy efficiency in exterior doors and windows. Structural members may include a head jamb, sill, mull and side jambs, depending on the type of opening. Factory-built frames are available with prefinished, unfinished, or primed surfaces; factory-built window frames may also integrate aluminum or vinyl cladding.

Ornamental Woodwork

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Ornamental woodwork includes any type of custom woodwork that is shop fabricated for specific applications. Used on both the interior and exterior of many different types of structures, ornamental woodwork provides something unique that supports a rich appearance.