Timber Preservation

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 pre-treatment 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.

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 
Coats: 1 
Application: Brush, dipping, spray 
Coverage: 6-8m²/litre by brush, 4-6m²/litre by spray

Glycol borate formulation specifically intended for masonry impregnation in remedial treatment of Dry Rot Highly effective and odourless.

A general purpose glycol borate formulation which can be used for all remedial treatment of timbers. Also very effective for pre-treatment of finished joinery items.

Coats: 1
Coverage: 8-12m²/litre

A glycol borate paste, which can be used for injection into pre-bored holes in joist ends, door frames and other applications where a reservoir within the timber is required.

Solid fused glass-like rods of 100% inorganic borate. Implanted into vulnerable timbers, the borates rapidly diffuse under moisture content conditions exceeding 25%.  Particularly suitable for large section timbers.