Fungicidal treatments for timber, such as dry and wet rot, are used with Disodium Octaborate, a boron-based compound. Typically, this compound is dissolved in monoethylene glycol. Boron has been a staple in the timber preservation industry for over five decades. Primarily, it is used as an inorganic borate. Its efficacy as a fungicide is well-established, and it also exhibits insecticidal properties.
Unlike conventional timber treatments, a properly formulated Boron timber preservative permeates damp wood. It penetrates up to 40mm into sapwood and heartwood. Treatment with the correct Boron loading eradicates existing fungal growth. Moreover, the Boron remains fixed within the timber throughout the building’s lifespan. This enhances its fire resistance. Importantly, it is also safe for use in proximity to bats.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Boron is a rare element, present in Earth’s crust in small, ubiquitous proportions. It is never found free in nature. It invariably occurs in concentrated forms as an oxide (boric oxide) in combination with oxides of other elements to form inorganic borates.
Inorganic borates have a long history as cleaning agents, dating back to the ancient Greek and Roman empires. In the USA, Borax® serves as a powerful detergent booster and household cleaner. Additionally, in Europe and North America, it finds application as a food preservative.
Boron is an essential element for plant growth, but in excess, it’s toxic.
WHAT IS A PREVENTATIVE TIMBER TREATMENT?
A traditional timber preservative treatment involves applying an insecticide/fungicide by combining preservative ingredients with an organic spirit or a water-based carrier. In most cases, they are applied by spray or brush to the timbers once they have dried to <22% moisture content. These methods are envelope treatments for wood.
WHAT IS AN ERADICATIVE TIMBER TREATMENT?
An eradication timber treatment for wood-boring insects involves applying wood preservatives to affected timbers. This kills the larvae present in the timber or provides an envelope layer of “poisoned” timber. This will kill woodworm larvae near the surface or when they pupate into a beetle and attempt to emerge through the treatment envelope. Therefore, it brings the infestation under control.
Conclusion
Employing a professional Boron wood preservative containing a carefully formulated carrier enables effective treatment and preservation of infected timber. Unlike traditional chemicals, which struggle to penetrate damp wood, using a suitable Boron-based solution is more effective. It has the remarkable capability to address dry rot. As a result, it can save substantial sums.
By utilising a professional Boron wood preservative, you can effectively carry out an eradicative treatment for Dry Rot in timber. This involves introducing a specific loading of Boron disodium Octaborate tetrahydrate. The precise loading requirement varies based on the timber’s size. As a general guideline, target 632 grams of Boron per cubic meter of wood.
Boron likes damp timber. The wetter the wood, the more effectively Boron penetrates and disperses. Applying an appropriate Boron wood preservative helps preserve certain infected timber. Moreover, this method enables achieving a zero cutback into sound wood. This benefit is not typically achievable with traditional treatments.
Traditional wood preservatives cannot penetrate wet timber effectively. You must dry the wood down to 22% moisture content to allow some penetration of the active ingredient (BWPDA 1986).
Conclusion
You can now treat the infection and save more original timbers using the correct Boron wood preservative. In the past, some specifiers may have done more damage treating/repairing the building than the dry rot infection being treated. This was due to lack of understanding.
