Technical data
Inorganic borates are highly effective timber preservatives, offering significant environmental and health advantages over other formulations. Low mammalian toxicity, and low environmental impact make them the ideal choice for the environment- sensitive specifier. Inorganic borates are effective as preventative and remedial treatments against both fungal (wet and dry rot) and insect (woodworm) attack. They are suitable for both interior and exterior use above ground level. For exterior use a suitable surface coating is required to prevent leaching. In below-ground applications, dry borate rods may be used Green Building Store has a comprehensive range of inorganic borate formulations available to suit all applications.
‘Boracol’ Glycol Borates
Formulations of inorganic borates with monoethylene glycol. 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 Please Note: although these products are safer than other timber preservative formulations, the manufacturer has only applied for licensing for Professional Use. We are only able therefore to supply to bona fide tradespeople, architects etc.
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.
Borotreat 10AQ
This water based, inorganic borate preservative is ready formulated for easy use. It is suitable for most applications for interior and exterior use for protection against woodworm and rot. . It is not suitable for timber in ground contact, and for other exterior uses requires a wood finish to keep water out of the timber. This product has the advantage of being available to the DIY as well as the professional user.
Size - 5 litre.
