Technical data
Glycol borates
Glycol borates are formulations of inorganic borate salts in a carrier
of monoethylene glycol, the same substance used in car antifreeze. Glycol borates are highly effective timber preservatives. They are the
only group of timber preservatives which can kill dry rot fungi
(Merulius Lacrymans) in situ, removing the need to take out large
volumes of timber following an attack.
The glycol base acts as a carrier ensuring deep penetration required in remedial timber treatment, making these formulations the only ones capable of eradicating Dry Rot in-situ. The glycol base also makes these formulations suitable where dimensional stability is critical, and where grain-raising is to be avoided in joinery products. Because of the ability to penetrate timber*, these treatments are suitable for application to completed joinery items.
*40 mm penetration over two years in 300 year old sound pine at 16% moisture content has been demonstrated
Glycol borates are specifically formulated for remedial applications,
that is for treating against existing insect and fungal attack in
buildings. The glycol carrier and boron salt work together to ensure
maximum penetration, which has been shown to be up to 40mm into the
timber.
Glycol borates are however extremely useful for preventative pretreatment of finished joinery items for the following reasons:
- Far less tendency to raise grain than purely water based formulations
- Very little effect on dimensional stability
- The power to penetrate up to 40mm removes the need to treat in component for
Currently all of our glycol borate products are licensed only for professional use. Although exceptionally safe, the manufacturers have not sought licensing for private use as the products are intended for the remedial market. We sell these products on the understanding that the purchaser will ensure compliance with this licensing requirement.