Moisture and rot are interconnected: fungal formations appear where there is dampness. Impregnation for wood from moisture and decay in a modern design combines protection from both scourges. But in previous centuries, people paid more attention to protecting wood from sputum, considering it to be the root cause of any appearance of mold.
As a rule, felling was arranged in the fall, so that before summer it would be possible to remove moisture from the felled tree. After that, lumber was already made from the log, and the likelihood of rot in it, when properly stored, is negligible. Moreover, drying will continue further.
The resistance of wood to decay is higher in resinous rocks, for which they are valued for fastening underground mine workings. In an old abandoned development, larch racks are in excellent condition even after half a century. Nowadays, dealing with water in wooden structures has become easier thanks to new impregnating materials.
Moisture protection
If we talk about protecting wood only from dampness, then there are such methods. But when it comes to preventing decay, this problem is solved in a complex way: the effect of water, as a catalyst for the process, is also limited, and microorganisms that can cause rot are blocked. Ways to protect wood from moisture:
- Paintwork. The surface is treated with different colors of special paints or varnishes. The effectiveness of protection by this method leaves much to be desired, and one cannot do without constant renewal of the layer. But some modern dyes have antifungal additives in their composition. Varnishes should be selected so that they contain flexible polymers that will not crack the outer layer or absorb the varnish without forming a film.
- More reliable and long-term protection of wood from moisture is achieved by impregnation with special solutions and filling the existing cracks. But this requires equipment for the size of the structures: autoclaves or baths. Working compositions include antiseptics, and sealed gaps will prevent harmful insects from entering.
- Tar coating is carried out if the elements of wooden structures are installed in the ground, where there is constant dampness. The surface painted with a black viscous mass looks not very attractive, but it protects very reliably, for example, railway sleepers properly treated with a substance serve for a century.
- Waste engine oil is used for moisture insulation of the underground part of the pillars or logs. As with tar coating, the product looks ugly, but this method is often used for the disposal of grease.
Rot protection
It is not used in its pure form, it is usually performed in combination with protection from water, since the source of decay is dampness. It is the result of sharp temperature fluctuations and the direct impact of atmospheric precipitation, and in the room it is high humidity and lack of ventilation. Most often, wooden surfaces that are in direct contact with the external environment rot: window frames, near-ground crowns of log cabins and pillars buried in the ground.
Internal elements of housing construction can also be affected by rot if ventilation is not followed. Ways to combat this fungal disease will be discussed below.
Using special types of structures
In order to avoid wetting wooden devices, measures are taken already at the design stage. There are certain rules, using which you can significantly reduce the risk of infection with fungal rot:
- Protect the building from atmospheric precipitation.
- Separate contacts with the ground, concrete and stone foundations and metal beams using waterproofing. The top of the bases themselves should be located above the soil level. The device of the blind area is required.
- Provide ventilation, and provide access to the elements of the structure for preventive examinations for signs of diseases or the appearance of harmful insects.
- Use for construction only material that has been previously dried for a year.
- In places of contrasting temperatures, cover the structural elements with thermal insulation.
It is much more reliable to protect the tree from decay by impregnation with antiseptics. Moreover, it is not too late to do this even if the disease with rot was revealed during the next routine inspection of structures.
Processing with special solutions
Antiseptics are drugs that prevent decay processes by inhibiting the growth of microbes or completely destroying them. To protect wood, any mixture with the use of these substances must include a component that protects the product from the penetration of water drops into it.
Useful properties of such chemical solutions:
- toxicity to fungal formations;
- indelible durability;
- high degree of permeability;
- no unpleasant odor;
- does not have a harmful effect on people and animals;
- neutral composition does not cause corrosion of fasteners.
Processing of wood from decay and moisture is carried out before its installation in the structure. Antiseptics are produced in the form of solutions of various viscosities:
- Water-soluble on the basis of sodium fluoride and silica fluoride powders (concentration 4%) with auxiliary substances: chalk, cement, lime, soda ash and gypsum. And also ammonium silicofluoride was made on a dry substrate, its content in the liquid is 5-10%. On the basis of mixtures - preparations BBK-3 (boric acid and borax), HChC (chromic peak and zinc chloride), MChC (the same substances and copper sulfate), the latter two are toxic. And finally, the GR-48 agent is a liquid with pentachlorophenol (2-5%).
- If wood that has not been dried in a timely manner is put into operation, then it is better to cover the tree from rotting and moisture with an organic-soluble antiseptic of the PL type, which is a substance pentachlorophenol dissolved in light oil products like diesel fuel or kerosene. This mixture is highly toxic and has good penetrating power. Another product of this class is marked with NML - copper naphthenate diluted in fuel oil or solvent naphtha. It has the same properties.
- Oily oils are considered the most effective, but they have a strong odor. These are oily liquids: coal, shale and anthracene. They are very stable, do not wash out with water and are neutral, do not cause corrosion. They are often used to coat pillars (their underground part), sleepers, piles and elements of underwater structures.
- Antiseptic pastes have a thicker consistency. They are made from the above water-soluble mixtures, filler (peat powder) and binding components - liquid glass, bitumen and clay. The ends of log beams and pillars are treated with viscous substances, which tend to absorb moisture well, and as an additional measure they are also waterproofed.
There are other means to protect wood from rotting and moisture. For example, healthy timber is often coated with a mixture of dilute sulfuric acid (5%) and potassium dichromate (5%).
Availability of protective solutions in the retail network
Most often, products for processing wood of complex action are sold, combining the properties of antiseptics, fire retardants (from fire) and waterproofing materials. Here are some of their varieties:
- Polymeric preparations - aimed at preventing mold, blue stain and decay, and also contain tin, chromium and zinc salts that prevent the appearance of microorganisms. These are absolutely harmless to humans brands Bicidol, Vuprotek and Pinotex.
- Biopirents - SenezhBio belongs to this class. And biocidal formulations of the DL series (wood healer), all of them provide protection against mold, microorganisms and insects.
- Antiseptics-flame retardants work against rot and make products fire resistant. Popular brands VIM-1, Aquabor, Biocron, Novoteks, VAK-48D, Pirilaks, Pinoteks.
The main Russian manufacturers are Yaroslavl Antiseptic and Senezh, NPO NORT LLC. When choosing how to process a tree, you should pay attention to the manufacturer. These companies can be trusted.
DIY protection
To process wooden structures, it is not necessary to involve a team of specialists. You can do this yourself, but you must follow some rules. Before painting the surfaces, you need to clean them of dirt, and it is good if the weather is dry and warm.
Some tips:
- apply aqueous solutions with a spray gun, thicker ones - with a brush or roller;
- do not forget about others - some drugs emit a pungent odor;
- you need to work in a respirator or mask, overalls;
- there should be no children or pets near the object;
- Compliance with the manufacturer's dosage is mandatory.
Surfaces need to be processed at the frequency specified in the instructions. The consumption of an antiseptic depends on its viscosity, it is in the range of 100-400 g per m². The most economical is the spray method.
Harmfulness
If the drug gets on the skin or its vapors into the lungs, it can cause negative reactions of the body, which are manifested in the form of allergies: rash, redness and itching. Protecting consumer rights, the legislator has established a ban on the sale of highly toxic antiseptics for household use.
After application, the solution dries or hardens, the smell disappears, and with it the danger to humans disappears. For the environment, the mixtures are neutral in terms of the composition of the components: they decompose under the influence of sunlight and the most powerful natural oxidizer - air oxygen.
DIY materials
Most often, wood products are protected with commercially available or household liquids or powders by dissolving them in water. It can be:
- silicate glue;
- waste engine oil or linseed oil;
- bitumen and tar;
- slaked lime and a mixture of sodium chloride with boric acid.
For a long time, the materials used to this day have been used in the construction of a wooden house. Here are these folk remedies:
- copper sulfate - it is dissolved at the rate of 100 g per bucket;
- soda and vinegar;
- resin.
Thus, the protection of wood from decay has always been carried out, and there are many different means and methods. They are constantly being improved, as evidenced by their wide range.
Wood is the most valuable material that is actively used in construction. The popularity of this natural base stems from its many virtues. Among them stand out:
The tree is quickly exposed to moisture and, under its influence, begins to rot, therefore it is necessary to treat the wood with protective moisture-resistant agents.
- ease of decoration;
- fortress;
- durability;
- absolute harmlessness;
- attractive external indicators;
- ease of installation work.
However, despite the large number of positive characteristics, wood is very moody and can change under the influence of unfavorable external indicators. In order for this material to please for many years with its beauty and practicality, a number of measures should be taken to protect it. How to treat wood from moisture? To do this, you should study a number of important nuances that will prevent the destruction of the breed. They will be discussed below.
It is worth noting that coniferous specimens are the strongest tree that can actively resist the decay process. There are a number of reasons that affect the ability of trees to resist the influence of moisture and the development of putrefactive processes on them. This is the degree of moisture of the selected material, its density and the presence of various flaws.
Speaking of the moisture content of the tree, they separate the free and the bound species. The first option is characterized by a high rate of water evaporation from the rock surface. The second type is associated with a similar process, the course of which slows down noticeably, it can take several years. The use of a special drying technique significantly speeds up this process.
Excessive moisture bound affects the strength of the wood. With its increase, we can talk about a decrease in the strength of the tree. At the moment of drying the base, moisture first comes out of the surface layer, and a little later - from the middle part of the log. The result is tension on the inside. However, decaying and cracked wood is not suitable for construction work.
Speaking of wood species, a distinction should be made in their hardness and softness. The following division is accepted:
- breeds with a soft base (spruce, fir, aspen, linden, alder, cedar);
- hard breeds (elm, birch, maple, larch, elm, apple);
- especially hard materials (dogwood, hornbeam, boxwood).
For what reason does wood rot?
The tree can be exposed to such influences as temperature fluctuations, dampness, sultry weather, intense winds. Under the influence of such adverse influences, any tree species will not be able to withstand their destructive effects. On their surface, you can see mold, fungus, followed by destruction of the rock. Therefore, wood processing is mandatory. Now we should talk about the factors that result in such phenomena.
Do all parts of any building experience the same impact? For the most part, these elements will be those that most often come into contact with the environment. Basically, these are the premises of the basement floors, cellars, window structures. However, one should not think that other parts of the building from the inside cannot be destroyed. They are also at risk.
The problem of surface decay has always existed. In ancient times, this problem was solved by harvesting wood in the fall and drying it before the onset of the warm period. Modern methods of surface drying are based on more diverse methods of exposure. What remedies help the tree overcome negative external influences?
Design features of protection of wood from moisture
Regular oil paint protects well against moisture. The best remedies will be various antiseptic compounds and porous base colorants. The most common methods of a constructive plan include:
- separation of wood bases from contact with soil, concrete, stone, metal;
- weather protection;
- arrangement of the ventilation system of the building.
It is good if the devices of the supporting plan are open, well ventilated and provide open access for inspection. An indispensable requirement will be the arrangement of waterproofing wood, which does not allow contact with soil, metal, stone.
One of the most adverse effects on wood is condensation. We must try to avoid such consequences. For this reason, this material is not recommended to be located in places where periodic changes in temperature indicators are observed. The best environment for it would be a room with active heating or an outdoor location. Wooden fences should be equipped with additional ventilation, as well as hinged structures in the form of a cornice or small canopies. They provide protection from precipitation.
However, all these measures are few. To completely prevent rotting of the base, an additional treatment, developed in the complex, is needed. It is very important to use various antiseptic formulations here.
Antiseptic treatment
The application of antiseptics to the surface of the wood creates a reliable coating that protects against decay.
The modern industry has a wide variety of solutions presented to help make the desired wood coating. As a result, the tree will be reliably protected, it will become a strong and monolithic base, bearing positive fruits over a significant period of time.
How to choose the right antiseptic? For this, the following aspects should be taken into account:
- the level of toxicity related to interactions with fungi;
- foundation durability;
- the ability to go deep into the plane of the tree;
- whether the smell comes from it;
- harmlessness to people and animals;
- inability to change the quality indicators of wood;
- the presence in the composition of substances that prevent corrosion.
As for the necessary tools, the following are usually used for processing:
- brushes;
- roller;
- empty containers;
- spray;
- ordinary sponges and others (for example, the same broom).
Varieties of antiseptic solutions
Antiseptics for wood processing are of the following categories:
- oil;
- water soluble;
- organic soluble;
- pasty.
Water-soluble formulations protect the source from dampness and water washout. This includes:
- Sodium fluoride. This substance is white, odorless. Its characteristics are associated with excellent performance. It easily enters the wood cavity, but it is also washed out in a short time. It has no effect on the strength of the base, does not cause warping. For a course of treatment of any structure, a mixture of 4% is used.
- Sodium silicofluoride. It has a similar consistency, but contains slight differences in color, with a grayish tint. A substance of this purpose gives excellent results when combined with the previously considered mixture and soda ash. It has the same characteristics as the previous version. It contains no toxic substances.
- Ammonium silicofluoride is a white odorless substance. In practice, a solution of 5-10% is used. He is able to wash out very easily. This substance does not affect the surface of the wood in any way. Any surface of natural rocks is treated with it. After such actions, the base becomes incredibly resistant to combustion, which is very important.
- The composition of BBK-3 is a substance consisting of boric acid and borax. It dissolves well and does not have a harmful effect on living organisms.
Additional antiseptics
Means with an organosoluble value are represented by compositions made from petroleum products such as pentachlorophenol. They actively and deeply penetrate the wood. However, such treatment is associated with a sufficient risk of intoxication.
NML preparation is a dissolving agent obtained from oil extracts, copper naphthenate.
It is highly toxic. The degree of penetration into the plane of the tree species is quite high. A small drawback is the acquisition of a green tint. Such processing leads to the fact that the wood does not stick together. For dissolution, kerosene, fuel oil or other substance is taken.
The presence of oil antiseptic substances is represented by various options: shale, coal, anthracene oil. These solutions perfectly disinfect the surface, but they smell strong and unpleasant. The result is a coloration of dark shades of brown tones, a high degree of resistance to water washout, inability to be warped. Sleepers, piles, parts of bridge structures, as well as various devices located under water are trimmed with similar solutions.
Wood is a durable, reliable and environmentally friendly material that is successfully used for the construction of private houses and baths on land plots. Despite the demand and excellent performance, it has a significant drawback - high hygroscopicity and susceptibility to decay. To prevent the possible destruction of wood fibers, high-quality and timely processing of wood from decay and moisture is required.
Causes of rotting wood
The main negative factor leading to the destruction of wood is the development of mold and pathogenic microorganisms. Primary contamination of material can occur as a result of a violation of production technology, improper transportation or storage.
The active development of pathogens occurs under the influence of the following factors:
- High air humidity - from 75 to 100%.
- The increased moisture content of the wood is over 18%.
- Insufficient level of air exchange in the storage.
- Significant temperature changes.
- Prolonged direct contact with the ground.
- Wind load, exposure to precipitation and sunlight.
In order to properly process wood, it is necessary to take into account the main signs of the destructive state of the material. The decay process begins when a bar or log is infected (the most dangerous type of mold is a brownie fungus, which destroys even pre-processed material).
The initial stage of the appearance of rot is accompanied by the following signs:
- Changes in the structure of wood, the appearance of softness and looseness.
- Formation of small cracks, chips and damage.
- Change in natural shade.
- The appearance of a characteristic rotten smell.
Proper protection of wood from rotting and moisture significantly extends the service life of the material up to 30 years.
Effective ways to combat increased moisture and decay
There are two effective ways to protect wood from negative factors: antiseptic and conservation.
Conservation involves the application of a protective composition of deep penetration. In this case, the wood is subjected to prolonged cold or hot soaking or preservative treatment using a diffuser or autoclave. A similar technology is used in the conditions of industrial material preparation.
Antiseptic treatment provides for the pre-treatment of wood with special means using a roller or spray gun. When choosing an antiseptic, it is important to take into account the design features and conditions of its operation.
For maximum protection of a wooden board, timber or log, antiseptics, impregnations, varnishes and paints on an organic, inorganic and combined basis can be used.
Antiseptic compounds
To combat it, the following compositions are used:
- Water repellent... Deep penetrating compounds are used to protect wood from decay and destruction. They are intended for processing wooden houses, baths and outbuildings.
- Water-soluble base... They are developed on the basis of fluoride and fluorosilicon compounds of boric acid, borax and zinc chloride. Fast drying and safe formulations that can be used to protect surfaces susceptible to moisture.
- Organic... The compositions are intended for the treatment of internal and external elements of wooden structures. Contributes to the formation of a dense water-repellent film.
- Oil based... After application, they form a dense coating that is resistant to the negative effects of external factors. Compositions are intended for processing dry or pre-dried wood. Application to a damp surface may result in internal degradation of the material.
- Combined type... Such compositions can be used for any type of wood, provide additional protection against fire.
Impregnation for wood
Moisture-resistant impregnations are designed to protect wood from the negative effects of atmospheric precipitation. They are suitable for external treatment of wooden surfaces of residential buildings, gazebos, baths, fences and outbuildings.
Water-repellent impregnation for wood can be used both as an independent protective agent and in conjunction with fire retardants and deep penetration antiseptic primers.
The composition is able to deeply impregnate the material, providing protection of wood fibers from mold and pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, it helps to eliminate small cracks and improve air exchange in the wood.
Oil based fluids
Such compositions are moderately safe, capable of releasing a small amount of toxic compounds, therefore, they are not suitable for internal work.
Other protective compounds
Also, to protect wood from the negative effects of various factors, combined compositions, paints and varnishes are used.
- Combined formulations- special means designed to protect wood from moisture, temperature extremes and fire. In addition, they increase the material's resistance to ultraviolet light and biological effects: decay, mold, fungus and insects.
- Paints. They are used for comprehensive protection against damage by microorganisms and mold, as well as to increase the aesthetics and attractiveness of wooden surfaces.
- Lucky. Used to prevent cracking and deformation of wood, provide a matt or glossy surface.
Folk remedies for protecting wood from decay
You can prepare an effective and inexpensive wood preservative yourself from the available components. Here are the most popular recipes for folk remedies:
- Silicate adhesive solution... To obtain a solution, the glue is diluted with water in the required proportion. The finished mass is spread on the surface to be treated in a thin layer using a wide brush.
- Aqueous solution based on copper sulfate... To prepare a 5% solution, copper sulfate diluted in water is used, with which wooden structures and elements can be carefully processed.
- Slaked lime solution... To prepare the solution, 1 part of lime (quicklime) and 3 parts of water are used. The components are mixed in a metal container until a homogeneous mass is obtained, which is applied to the surface with a brush or roller.
- Flax seed oil... Provides reliable protection against decay, insects and moisture. Processing of wood from rotting with linseed oil is carried out on a cleaned and dried surface. The oil is resistant to moisture and fire.
- Vinegar and Soda Blend... It allows you to eliminate foci of infection from damaged areas of wood. First, the surface is treated with soda, after which it is sprayed with vinegar. Another option involves preparing the essence by diluting soda with vinegar. It is necessary to cover the affected areas with a ready-made solution and stand for 5-10 minutes.
- Hot resin. The heated resin mass is used to treat external wooden structures - fences, benches, chairs and logs that are in direct contact with the ground.
- Composition based on potassium dichromate and sulfuric acid... To prepare the composition, 5% potassium and acid solutions are mixed in a 1: 1 ratio. Designed for the treatment of external surfaces of walls and topsoil.
- Salt and boric acid composition... To prepare the composition, 55 g of boric acid and 900 g of rock salt are diluted with a liter of cold water. The wood is processed with the ready-made composition 2-3 times with an interval of 1.5 hours between calls.
All of the above methods are effective if the treatment is clean wood or with a slight degree of damage.
How to apply a protective coating to wood
A technologically effective way to protect wood from decay and destruction is treatment with antiseptics, impregnations, paints and varnishes. There are certain rules that must be followed when carrying out such procedures:
- In case of direct contact with chemical solutions for wood treatment, it is recommended to use personal protective equipment - gloves, mask and goggles.
- The surface to be treated is cleaned of dirt, dust, old decorative coating using a metal scraper.
- The surface is cleaned with a stiff bristled brush or medium-grit sandpaper.
- The cleaned surface is washed with water and a little neutral detergent and left to dry.
- Before using a specific protective agent, it is necessary to study the instructions for use in detail.
- Processing is carried out from end parts, cuts, connecting elements and areas with damage.
- The finished composition is applied in several layers with an interval of 1.5-2 hours to dry each layer.
Additional processing with ready-made compounds to protect against pathogenic microorganisms, mold, moisture and other negative factors significantly increases the level of reliability and service life of wooden structures.
Despite the abundance of modern building materials, wood has not lost its popularity. Houses, baths are built from wood, it is used to install various beams. But wooden surfaces have drawbacks - they are prone to rotting, and various wood-boring insects start up in them. Correctly executed impregnation for wood from moisture and decay allows you to preserve natural material for a longer time.
Why does wood start to rot
Rotting destroys the base of the tree, the released decay products and traces of the vital activity of microorganisms adversely affect the human body, causing various diseases (most often lungs - due to the inhalation of fungal spores and putrefactive particles that enter the air).
But before choosing a composition for processing wood, you need to find out the causes of decay. This could be:
- The destructive impact of atmospheric phenomena. Under the influence of wind and temperature changes, the tree begins to dry out and crack, and moisture that gets into the cracks favors the germination of fungal spores. The destructive processes that have begun in wood attract insects (mainly wood beetles), and this additional factor contributes to a more rapid destruction of the woody structure. To protect the tree outdoors, you should select an antiseptic for outdoor work, which will provide protection from environmental influences and scare off woodworms.
- High humidity and insufficient ventilation. In humid rooms (sauna, bath, cellar with close groundwater), moisture evaporation is slow, and if there is not sufficient ventilation, then water penetrates into the structure of the wood and stays there for a long time. The constant moisture content of the wood fibers creates favorable conditions for the development of the fungus. A similar situation can arise in the living rooms of a house, when, due to insufficient heating in cold weather, moisture accumulates in the corners and a whitish mold appears.
- Constant contact with the ground or water. In this case, there is direct contact with moisture and various microorganisms, which increases the risk of mold and mildew.
The composition of the antiseptic must be selected taking into account the factors affecting the surface.
How can a wood structure be protected from destruction
There are several ways to protect wood from moisture:
- waterproofing (preventing the penetration of water to the surface of the wood);
- providing adequate ventilation to remove moisture;
- protective impregnation with an antiseptic.
Waterproofing and ventilation cannot give a 100% guarantee of protection of the material from fungal infections and rot. Therefore, it is recommended to use them in addition to the impregnation with an antiseptic, which may differ according to the following criteria:
- Place of application. For outdoor work, it is necessary to choose mixtures not only with increased moisture resistance, but also with resistance to temperature extremes.
- Toxicity. Some formulations with high protective qualities are highly toxic and should not be used indoors. For outdoor work, toxicity does not matter.
- The nature of the active substance. Allocate organic and inorganic. Organic ones serve for a longer time, have a high protective ability, but are dangerous to the human body.
- Solvent type. They can be aquatic or have a different base. Aquatic are considered non-toxic. A wide range of water antiseptics with great protective qualities, suitable for both indoor and outdoor work, is presented on the construction market in 2016.
- The depth of penetration into the wood structure. Some solutions penetrate deeply, filling the pores of the wood and preventing moisture penetration, while others create a waterproof film on the surface.
- Expiration date. Some formulations provide protection for 3-5 years, others, especially those made by hand, are effective for a short time (1-2 years).
Impregnations may contain only one antifungal antiseptic, but in most cases manufacturers offer comprehensive protection against decay, insects, fungus and fire.
Varieties of impregnating solutions
Conventionally, all protective compounds for wood impregnation can be divided into several groups.
Moisture repellent
They have a high fluidity and penetrate deeply into the structure of the tree. Such antiseptics are recommended to be used in places with high humidity (sauna, kitchen). Even the accumulation of water on the floor or walls does not affect the protective qualities of the compound. It is recommended to use moisture-repellent preparations for the treatment of sleepers, wooden posts and other products that are in direct contact with the ground or water.
Oil
They have a small penetration depth and form a thin, durable film on the surface. The downside is high toxicity and the fact that oil mixtures can only be applied to dry products.
Water soluble
Eco-friendly, easy to use and dry quickly. Ideal for rooms with moderate humidity. They can process not only wood, but also plywood, chipboard and other wood derivatives.
Volatile
They are made on the basis of varnishes or paints. Such antiseptics penetrate shallowly into the structure of the tree, but when dry on the surface, they form a thick, durable film. Well suited for outdoor use or for decorating non-residential premises. Toxic and take a long time to dry.
On the market of paints and varnishes in 2016, all these varieties are presented by different manufacturers in a wide range. Each master can choose an impregnating agent, taking into account the characteristics of the wood product used.
How to choose the right impregnation
When choosing a suitable antiseptic, the following parameters must be considered:
- Action against mold and mildew. If the impregnating composition is purchased for preventive treatment, then it is enough to take a standard composition. In the case when "treatment" of a tree already damaged by the fungus is required, it is recommended to choose a more active formula of active ingredients.
- Impact on wood. Some mixtures not only destroy mold and insects, but also damage the structure of the tree (more often this is a color change).
- Penetration rate. The deeper the solution penetrates into the wood fibers, the more effective the protection will be.
- Resistant to temperature extremes. This parameter is important for outdoor work.
- Validity. The time during which the antiseptic mixture retains its ability to resist microorganisms.
- Smell. Even a non-toxic composition with a pungent odor is not recommended for use in a residential building - an unpleasant smell will create discomfort.
- Security. In places where people live or there are pets, only non-toxic compounds should be used.
- Consumption. Usually, depending on the viscosity of the mixture, it ranges from 100 to 400 g / m2.
Protective impregnations can be produced as an independent solution or be part of primers, varnishes or pastes.
Home remedies
Despite the fact that manufacturers offer many options for impregnating compounds, some home craftsmen prefer to make protection for wood from fungus and rot with their own hands. The most commonly used for this purpose:
- Copper sulfate. 100 g of dry matter is diluted in 7-10 liters of water and used for outdoor work. Fences and external surfaces of various buildings are treated with vitriol.
- Waste oil. The oil drained from the machines and used up is used for wood in contact with the ground (the crowns of the house, piles and the lower part of the pillars before digging into the ground).
- Hot bitumen or tar. Coating with hot tar provides high protection of the tree from fungi and rot, well repels insects. Tar is used in wooden cellars and in other auxiliary rooms with high humidity.
- Slaked lime. Regular whitewashing allows you to create a calcium hydroxide film on the surface, which serves as an antiseptic and prevents the development of rot.
- Salt and boric acid. 50 g of dry acid and 1 kg of salt are poured with 5 liters of boiling water. The solution is used after cooling.
How to process wood
It does not matter what type of impregnation is used: a solution, a primer or a self-made mixture, to increase the effectiveness of the product, wood must first be prepared:
- Clean the surface from dirt and remnants of the old cladding (if reprocessing is carried out).
- Wash. Washing increases the penetration depth. Small areas can be washed with a brush and rag, but for larger areas a car wash (pressurized water machine) is recommended.
- Dry. Some formulations can be applied to a damp base, but most antiseptics are recommended to be used only after the wood has dried.
After preparing the product, it is recommended to dilute the mixture as indicated by the manufacturer in the instructions. Liquid solutions can be sprayed with a spray gun, and more viscous ones can be spread over the wood in an even layer using a roller or brush. When carrying out protective work, professionals advise:
- Use protective equipment. Impregnations are most toxic at the time of spraying, and it is recommended to work with them with a mask, goggles and gloves.
- Observe the specified drying times exactly if further decorative finishes are planned. Applying a primer or wallpaper glue to a wet antiseptic will cause it to “smear” and the protection will be uneven.
- During processing, even with non-toxic compounds, it is recommended to remove pets and children from the house. In addition to the fact that children and animals may be more susceptible to the components of the impregnating preparation, they can simply smear the wet layer and impair the quality of processing.
- It is not necessary to apply more layers for increased protection than the manufacturers recommend - the protective qualities will not increase, there will only be unnecessary material consumption.
If the treatment was carried out in accordance with all the rules, then the antiseptic will reliably protect the wood throughout the time specified by the manufacturer in the instructions.
When you want to extend the service life of a building, you should not neglect impregnation from rot and fungi, especially since the solutions are inexpensive. It is better to prevent the appearance of pests destroying the wood structure in a timely manner than to spend time and money on restoration.
The construction of houses, baths and various outbuildings made of wood is more popular today than ever. This material has a low cost in comparison with brick, excellent thermal insulation properties and allows you to implement almost any design ideas. Nevertheless, the tree has one drawback - with unscrupulous pre-construction processing, it is susceptible to rotting and mold. Today we will talk about how to process wood, so that even after several decades it retains its original characteristics.
Below we will offer several recipes for effective protective solutions. Whichever one you choose, the following rules will help you maximize the result:
Always wear a mask, gloves and goggles before proceeding to process to reduce the harmful effects of chemicals on the body!
Wood treatment compounds
In hardware stores today, a large assortment of products for protecting wood from decay and mold of domestic and foreign production is presented. Some of them not only prevent rotting and the formation of mold, but also protect against insect damage.
All antiseptic solutions are divided into:
- Water repellent... Their main advantage is that they are able to penetrate deep inside. That is why they are recommended to be used for processing elements in contact with earth and moisture. As a rule, they are most often purchased for processing basements, baths and saunas. The downside is a pungent smell.
- Water soluble... Before use, such antiseptics are dissolved in water. Among the advantages of these are: lack of unpleasant odor, quick drying, the ability to use indoors. The disadvantage is that they are quickly washed off.
- Oil... They are used to cover poles, sleepers and piles in soil and water. Cons: toxicity, strong unpleasant odor.
- Solvent based... Suitable for processing wooden structures both indoors and outdoors. Plus - efficiency, minus - dry for a long time.
When buying a drug, pay attention to the following data:
- Does it provoke metal corrosion (if the wooden structure includes metal elements);
- Validity;
- The depth of penetration into the surface (the deeper the better);
- Is it appropriate to use it for rooms with high humidity (sauna, bathroom, etc.) / with temperature extremes;
- Hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly;
- Does it prevent the appearance of fungus;
- Does it counteract the appearance of fungus;
- Does it emit an unpleasant odor under unfavorable conditions?
Buying a ready-made composition is the easiest solution, but not too cheap, so some people prepare an effective protective solution on their own. Right now, we will offer you several options.
Folk remedies
Among the benefits of home remedies that prevent rot and mold are:
- Availability... Compositions are prepared from cheap funds that will not be difficult to find.
- Security... The composition of home antiseptic preparations contains only harmless and hypoallergenic ingredients.
- Efficiency... In terms of effectiveness, homemade products are practically not inferior to purchased ones.
Copper sulfate
Copper sulfate has disinfecting properties, which is why it is often used to prepare antiseptic agents for wood processing.
To protect the surface, treat it with a 1% solution of copper sulphate (sold at hardware and garden stores). This technique has one drawback - it requires prolonged drying (up to a month).
At the same time, the tree should be dried in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, it may be wise to make a canopy.
Vegetable oil and propolis
Another effective remedy for protecting wood from rot and mold is made on the basis of sunflower oil (ordinary, which you or your wife use in the kitchen) and propolis.
Mix the ingredients in a 3: 1 ratio and treat the prepared wood surface with the prepared mixture. The downside of the composition is one - it reduces the fire resistance of wood.
By the way, some people also use waste oil for car engines for wood processing. This method is considered effective, but again flammable.
Bitumen
Some people treat wooden structures with hot bitumen.
There are no difficulties in the procedure. Nevertheless, we hasten to warn that bitumen is not the safest material, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons before processing.
Silicate glue
If traces of rot have just begun to appear on the surface, then after preliminary preparation with the already described method, it must be treated with silicate glue diluted with water.
Vinegar and soda
Another way, if you find a rotting spot on the boards, is to sprinkle it with baking soda and sprinkle with vinegar essence.
Salt and boric acid
A mixture of salt and boric acid helps in the prevention of decay and mold. To create a miracle remedy, dilute 50 g of boric acid and 1 kg of salt in a liter of water. The affected surface must be treated several times, taking a couple of hours between operations.
Slaked lime
Another variant of wood processing is known, this time a solution of slaked lime will be the main assistant in the fight against decay and mold. You can get the latter at a ridiculous price at the hardware store.
Clay and salt
An unusual, but no less effective, method of protecting wooden structures lies in covering them with a mixture prepared from clay, water and salt, taken in a ratio of 75: 20: 5.
Burning
Firing will allow preserving wooden structures in their original form. At the beginning of work, spray a small amount of water on the surface, and then burn it with a blowtorch. Remove carbon deposits with an iron brush and cover the wood with water-repellent varnish / paint.
Finnish method
The people call houses made of wood Finnish. That is why there was a method of protecting wood with the same name. What is its essence? The elements are treated with a heated mixture based on flour, water, salt, ferrous sulfate and dry slaked lime. Please note that the main part of the composition is water and flour, and the finished mass should resemble sour cream in consistency.
The main advantage of the Finnish recipe is that the product is resistant to moisture. That is why fences and roof structures are often treated with it.
Now you know how to treat wood from decay and mold. As you can see, most of the tools are simple and affordable.