Boron compounds are naturally occurring minerals which are mined at a number of sites in the world. They have a very wide range of applications, of which timber preservation is a relatively minor one.
Boron safety
Boron is ubiquitous at low levels in the environment, and unlike other timber preservatives, is an essential micronutrient for animal and plant life, being required in the human diet at approximately 1-3 mg per day. The toxicity to humans is slightly less than that of common table salt, while the plant and aquatic toxicity is also very low.
Boron effectiveness Although the efficacy of boron compounds as timber preservatives has been known for a long time, interest in their use has only renewed, relatively recently, as health and environmental awareness has grown.
Boron compounds are effective against all of the commonly known timber rotting fungi. In fact, one of the products we offer is the only group of preservatives capable of eradicating dry rot (Merulius Lacrymans) in situ. More toxic timber preservatives are incapable of doing this.
Boron compounds are also effective against all common causes of insect attack in timber (including termites!)
Preservative penetration
Conventional timber treatments typically penetrate to a depth of little more than 5mm, leaving the remainder of the timber vulnerable to attack, particularly should water penetrate beyond the treated layer.
Boron works quite differently. Because boron compounds are water soluble, when timber is treated, they slowly move into the heart of the timber, diffusing with its natural moisture level. This even applies to kiln dried timber. Instead of 5mm penetration, with Boron, 40mm can be achieved, protecting to the very heart of the timber.
Boron also has another unique advantage. It is water soluble. Instead of light organic solvents required to carry other preservatives, boron can be dissolved in water. The water solubility of boron brings another big advantage for boron preservatives. Should timber become wet, boron will move to the area of highest moisture content, automatically protecting the most vulnerable area.
All from the safest and most environmentally friendly preservative on the market!
