Repairing or replacing decayed and insect damaged wood is expensive. Structural framing, doors, windows, siding and trim as well as gates, fences and posts are among the elements susceptible to attack by decay fungi and wood boring insects. There is a need for effective environmentally friendly treatments to prevent this type of deterioration. The treatments should be suitable for application to both existing and new wooden structures and components.
The borate based wood preservative and remedial products featured in this PRG Product Bulletin have been developed to meet these needs. These products, when handled and applied according to the directions, are safe and easy to use. (See Toxicity Chart)
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Borate based products are not completely new. Reports from the 1940's, on through to current research, document the efficacy of borates as wood preservatives. With recent EPA rulings to remove hazardous formulations from the market, borates are sensible and reliable choices.
Borate products are effective against both wood boring insects and decay fungi. Research has shown that .084 lbs of borates per cubic foot of wood is sufficient to provide protection against most wood destroying fungi. The fungi can still germinate due to the protective shell of the spores, but the wood is protected since the fungi cannot develop without ingesting fatal levels of borate. The concentrations needed to kill wood boring insects are generally less than the amounts needed for controlling fungi.
A real advantage to borate based wood treatments is that the borate migrates through the wood and so it is more than just a surface treatment. This means that by selecting the correct product, borate protection can diffuse deep into the wood, without the need for pressure treatment. Most plywood glue lines (carbamide and PVAC glues) do not prevent the diffusion of borates. In relatively dry conditions, long term protection is expected (20 - 50 years). Long term exposure to wet conditions can cause the borates to migrate out of the wood. In wet conditions or ground contact, additional applications will be necessary (after 1,2,3 or more years depending on conditions.) The ability of borates to diffuse makes them well suited for remedial or eradication treatments of moist wood.
Unlike other preservative products, borate products can be applied at the first signs of decay while the wood is still wet. The moisture in the wood will help diffuse the borates through the susceptible area. This can stop the deterioration from advancing and reduce the potential for costly repairs. Sometimes a combination of borate based products is needed to provide for both stopping of the immediate deterioration and for long term protection.
The use of borate wood protection products has many advantages when considering the remedial and preventative treatment of wood in place: ability to diffuse through wood; low vapor pressure; reasonable cost; and relatively low toxicity.
Please review the borate based products available from PRG and discover how borate wood protection products can help solve many of your wood protection needs.
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Updated: June 11, 2002