Wood processing is better. How to treat a tree from mold, fungus: how to choose a reliable means of protection. Why is it necessary to treat wood from decay and moisture

From ancient times to the present, people have used wood for construction, it is the only most environmentally friendly reliable building material. Wood can very easily be exposed to various negative influences, such as rotting, so it is important to know how to treat wood from rotting.

How to treat wood from rot?

Consider popular home protection methods, they are the most environmentally friendly and safe for health, and they are also cheaper.

• Propolis and sunflower oil in a ratio of 3:1. With a damp cloth, this composition impregnates the wood well. But after such impregnation, the tree ignites easily.
• A solution of copper sulfate is especially well suited for round logs, but it dries for a rather long time - the drying time can reach a month.
• Hot bitumen is effective in treating wood from decay, but heated bitumen can release toxic substances.
• Car oil can protect wood perfectly, but it is dangerous because it is highly flammable.
• The Finnish method is a product that includes water, iron sulfate, flour, salt and slaked lime. The mixture is slowly warmed up and warm, apply on a wooden surface in several layers.

Also, in the question of how to treat wood from decay, synthetic solutions will help:

1. Sodium and ammonium silicofluoride - also protects against fire;
2. Sodium fluoride, this agent does not lead to rusting of metal in a wooden product;
3. Import mixtures based on zinc, chlorine, potassium borax, sodium, etc.

All of these antiseptics are good protectors from water, but, unfortunately, they can be washed out quickly, so their application must be repeated regularly.

Pest protection

Above, the answers to the question of how to treat a tree from decay and moisture were considered. Next, it will be told how to treat a tree from pests.

As a traditional remedy, potassium bichromate or a solution of copper sulfate is used, that is, the wood is impregnated with them, and its color may change. It should be noted that these compounds are toxic to humans.

Antiseptic preparations for protecting wood from pests:

1. Pinotex, produced in Finland;
2. Lovin is a Russian drug;
3. Magnicum;
4. Phosphine.

Pest control can be carried out with the help of gas (fumigation) or with the help of a moist aerosol.

Fungus treatment

Also, many who are engaged in wood construction are concerned with the question of how to treat a tree from a fungus. Many of the means of combating decay are suitable for this purpose. In the initial stages, folk remedies can be used:

1. A mixture obtained by diluting silicate glue with water;
2. When combining sulfuric acid and potassium bichromate (5%);
3. Moldy parts of the tree can be sprinkled with baking soda and poured with vinegar;
4. Outdoor areas can be poured with hot resin;
5. Treat several times with a salt solution with boric acid. Boric acid (50 g) is mixed with a kilogram of salt, and diluted in 5 liters of boiling water.

Compositions for protecting a wooden house from fungi and insects

How to treat wood from fire?

Among the countless advantages of wood, there is a very big drawback - this material is highly flammable. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to fire-fighting treatment, and the means used for this purpose are flame retardants. They are:

1. Flame retardants that wrap wood like a film: such as paint and varnishes.
2. Mixtures that are absorbed into the wood.
3. Solid means: coatings, pastes.
4. Mixed compositions: antiseptic + flame retardant = bioprene.

It is recommended to process wood at air temperatures above 0 C 0 and in dry weather so that the water in the composition of the flame retardant does not freeze. When working with your own hands, you need to be very careful, because many of these products are highly acidic and can be dangerous for the skin. Fire protection can be active or passive. Active means do not allow the fire to burn, as they do not allow oxygen to pass through, and passive ones delay the ignition time.

Depending on how much weight the wood loses after fire retardant treatment, according to the Fire Safety Standards There are three protection classes:

1. means with maximum protection, in case of fire, wood can stand for up to 150 minutes without damage and 9% of the mass is lost (places of mass congestion of people);
2. means of group 2 in terms of efficiency, here wood under the influence of fire can last 90 minutes;
3. minimum fire protection - group 3, suitable for wood in private housing construction.

Fire and bioprotective compositions

Processing wood from decay

It is possible to increase the resistance of wood to the harmful effects of moisture, pests and rot by or by applying. Creating an integral protective layer of the product leaves the tree vulnerable in places of mechanical damage. The use of special impregnations and treatment with antiseptic agents increase the natural resistance of the wood surface, protecting the material along the depth of its penetration.

A large number of available antiseptics have been developed that are used for and have surface and deep action. Most often, inorganic, organic and combined antiseptics are distinguished:

• Inorganic mixtures are the least poisonous and are widely distributed in private households. These include sodium fluoride and fluorosilicon salts, alkali metal chromates and dichromates, copper sulfate, a mixture of boric acid and its sodium derivative - borax. The list of inorganic antiseptics is wide and depends on specific tasks, local characteristics and weather conditions.
• organic antiseptics are resins that are predominantly coke-chemical in nature, heavy insecticides (protection from insects) and fungicides (stop the growth of the fungus). Such mixtures are used for processing industrial structures and are not widely used in agriculture due to significant toxicity. Less harmful impregnations containing components of gasoline and turpentine can be used for external protection of residential buildings.
• Combined antiseptics- are mixtures of solvents and target components (resins, insecticides, fungicides). The resulting mixtures are often no less dangerous than their individual organic components, so they are rarely used in everyday life. More often in production with. The development of chemical and environmental industries has led to the emergence of new varieties of commercial drugs that are less harmful to humans and the environment.

In the photo - various types of antiseptics

Organic Inorganic Combined

Rating of wood preservatives - finding the right product

When choosing a product for home use, the following should be taken into account:

• Is it necessary to give the tree increased moisture resistance;
• the surfaces to be treated are inside the house or outside;
• whether it is planned to process the above-ground or part of the product placed in the ground.

A wide range of modern antiseptics is available for sale to protect wood from decay and insect pests. The vast majority of the mixtures are water-based and sold dry. Preparations must be dissolved or suspended in water before use.

Moisture protection combination formulations are designed for outdoor use and are formulated with a non-aqueous base. A separate place is occupied by coatings for structures buried in the ground (fences, fences, poles). They often contain heavy resins that create an extremely strong protective film and penetrate deep into the wood surface.

For specific treatments, such as the destruction of bark beetle larvae or targeted cleaning from rot, ready-made factory solutions are usually used. They are mixtures of water-soluble powders of insecticides and fungicides of narrowly targeted action.

Such drugs include Liquidator, Nortex, Senezh Insa, etc. The complex of substances contained in their composition affects most of the processes that destroy wood. It is necessary to decide how to process a tree from decay, taking into account the future exploited characteristics of a building or structure.

How to protect a wooden house from a bar from fungus and decay:

Features of antiseptic wood

When applying antiseptic coatings or impregnations, it is necessary to follow specific rules:

• processing of wood from rotting should be carried out after drying in air and removing paint and varnish residues. Traces of oil and other organic contaminants are removed with white spirit or a light gasoline thinner;
• most inorganic impregnations can be easily washed off with water after application. Try not to carry out outdoor work in rainy weather;
• some rotting impregnations contain table salt as an antiseptic component. It does have this useful property, however, the treated surfaces will absorb moisture strongly. Do not use sodium chloride preparations in regions with high air humidity;
• when using non-aqueous impregnations intended for internal processing, test them on a small area of ​​​​the surface. This will help to avoid persistent unpleasant odor after extensive use.

Moisture protection - compositions and features of impregnations

There is a significant range of substances that have a water-repellent effect. The need to stop the penetration of water into the tree is due to the increased rate of its destruction in a humid environment.

The principle of action of mixtures for protection against water is based on the treatment of a wooden product or semi-finished lumber with a hydrophobic composition. According to the mechanism of protection, such drugs are divided into penetrating and film-forming.

• Penetrating mixtures are oil-based formulations. They often have a complex effect, improve the appearance of the wood and eliminate the contact of the raw surface with air. Oil coatings only have maximum effect when applied to chemically untreated wood, free from external protective materials.
• Film-forming compounds- contain organic silicates dissolved in white spirit or kerosene. After the solvent dries, the silicone remains on the surface and fills the small pores in which moisture previously accumulated.

You can find out if a tree has been treated with a moisture-proof coating by applying a few drops of water to its surface. Without protective impregnation, they will be absorbed almost immediately, while on the treated surface, the drop will remain in the “collected” state (it will not spread).

How else can you process wood from rot, moisture and bark beetle

Expensive commercial formulations can sometimes be replaced with available materials.

Among such "folk" means include:

• blue vitriol- used in the form of an aqueous solution (5-10%), the consumption rate of which is from 40 to 80 g per 1 m2 of surface. The vitriol solution penetrates the tree by a maximum of 1-2 cm and is easily washed out. It can be used for periodic processing of fences and wooden parts of the exterior. The reagent is toxic if swallowed;
• slaked lime- used to create a dense layer of calcium hydroxide on the protected wood. The solution is prepared from quicklime and water (1:3 by volume) in a metal bucket (a plastic container may melt). The resulting mixture is mixed after cooling and applied with a brush or spray gun on a wooden surface. Pests and fungal layers do not appear in a whitewashed wall. The disadvantage of this method is the soiling of the whitewash after application and the need for repeated treatments as it is naturally washed out;
• linseed oil- allows you to protect wood from rot, moisture and pests. The coating is made by applying oil to the cleaned wood and keeping the wood until visually "drying". The oil penetrates deep into the material and is not washed out of it over time. The impregnated wood does not lose its ability to "breathe" and is much more resistant to the effects of microorganisms.

Processing wood from decay without chemicals and paint:

Do-it-yourself antiseptic

To increase the effectiveness of the impregnating composition, you can use a complex mixture with an improved antiseptic effect.

It consists of:

• 800 g flour, which gives the solution the consistency of a paste;
• 1.5 kg of iron or copper sulfate;
• 400 g of kitchen salt (can be excluded at high humidity);
• 1.6 kg of dried slaked lime.

10 liters of water are added to the initial dry mixture and mixed until a sticky substance appears, like wallpaper glue. The resulting viscous mass is applied with a brush and fills the existing pores and voids. The addition of flour after drying gives the layer viscosity, and lime prevents air from entering and provides mechanical strength.

When treating the surface with ready-made mixtures to protect against rot, insects and moisture, you should follow the instructions and use the preparations exclusively for their intended purpose. When working with antiseptic solutions, protective equipment for the face, hands and eyes are mandatory precautions. has an extended service life and increases the reliability of the entire structure.

1. Impregnation for wood: how to choose
2. Do-it-yourself wood processing with an antiseptic: tips
3. Harm of antiseptics

Wood is an affordable, beautiful, hygienic material for building and finishing houses. The disadvantage of wooden structures is low resistance to external influences. But this problem is solvable.

Why you need to fight rot and insects in wood

Factors contributing to the accelerated destruction of the tree:

• direct exposure to rain and snow;
• contact with melt water;
• strong wind with dust;
• appearance of insects and microorganisms.

A tree that is not protected from natural influences is destroyed imperceptibly for a long time. Rot leads to a decrease in the attractiveness, durability of the material. The process of decay, which occurs like an avalanche, is largely accompanied by moisture. It is worth the moisture to linger on the surface for a while, soak inward, as the first signs of the fungus appear. A little later, wood beetles can be seen in the tree, preferring low-strength cellulose fibers to healthy wood. Wind, abrasive columns of dust also contribute to the destruction of the material.

High humidity, rot are dangerous to humans. Spores of putrefactive layers growing in damp corners can enter the lungs and cause severe chronic diseases. Also, a rotting tree transmits an unpleasant smell to things, spoils them.

If the house is not located in a dry, desert area, its wooden surfaces will rot. The easiest way to reduce humidity and prevent the appearance of insects and fungi is to follow the recommendations for waterproofing and the quality of building materials. Improving the performance properties of wood is achieved by surface treatment with special chemical reagents - antiseptics.

How does protection against moisture and decay work?

Material protection is provided by a set of measures. Among them, an important place is occupied by the application of special chemical compositions. Wood antiseptics destroy insects, fungi, prevent their appearance.

Chemical substances of various nature and structure are used as antiseptics. Some antiseptics are effective on their own, others must be used in combination. Some pathogens of wood diseases are resistant; a special approach is required for their complete destruction.

The effectiveness of protecting wood from moisture and decay is shown in the photo. It depicts wooden fragments, one of which has been treated with the composition, the other has not.

The period of action of antiseptics is different, ranging from several days to 5-6 years or more. Chemical components penetrate deep into the wood or only briefly remain on its surface. The simplest antiseptics can be prepared with your own hands. The most effective compounds are complex synthetic mixtures, the operation of which requires compliance with the instructions.

Before use, study the rules of use. This helps to avoid poisoning.

How to choose an impregnation

Types of impregnations:

• According to the localization of processing - external and internal. Topical mixtures protect wood better, but are more toxic. Internal impregnations have a mild effect on microorganisms, do not affect human health;
• By the nature of the active substance - organic and inorganic. Organic compounds are most effective, but harmful. The danger of inorganic substances is leveled by the short duration of their presence on the treated object.
• By the nature of the solvent - aqueous and non-aqueous. Water mixtures are solutions of inorganic or organic salts that act superficially or penetrate the wood to a shallow depth. Non-aqueous formulations may contain an auxiliary complex of substances or one active ingredient.

Antiseptics are not always applied by themselves. They are often combined with fire-retardant and moisture-repellent mixtures, which give the wood additional durability and durability. The constituent components of drying oils and paints can also have disinfectant properties. Preparations based on oils have a complex effect on wood, preserve cellulose fibers, and have a detrimental effect on microorganisms.

Before using an antiseptic, further surface treatment is considered. One part of the compositions is designed to be combined with varnishes and paints, the other acts as a glazing coating that protects the wood, giving color to the structure.

Antiseptics for outdoor use: comparison of manufacturers

There are many manufacturers of protective compounds. A significant part of the obscure products available in Russia comes from China and is packaged by small sellers.

Official companies professionally engaged in the production and supply of antiseptics:

• Yaroslavl antiseptic. Produces a wide range of chemical mixtures, including outdoor products, universal antiseptics, combined fire and bioprotective preparations. The company's products are inexpensive, suitable for processing large surfaces.

• "Senezh". Offers a significant selection of antiseptics sold in large volumes. Some of the mixtures are multifunctional, designed for decorative finishes. The cost of antiseptics "Senezh" is slightly higher.

• OOO NPO NORTH. Implements a range of biopyrenes for combined bio- and fire protection. The company is engaged in the production of protective compounds for various surfaces. Prices for mixtures are high, but compensated by a large duration

• the name of the manufacturer, the address of its main facilities;
• contact details of the enterprise, website address (if any);
• precautionary measures during work, transportation;
• information about the hazard classes of the substances included in the composition.

The video tells which antiseptic to choose for outdoor work, why it is better not to use impregnations for outdoor work for residential premises, how a strong antiseptic works.

Plain prepackaged bags with a label containing only the name should not be purchased. This may be a fake or a highly toxic insecticide prohibited for circulation in Russia.

It is best to work with a tree in a dry, warm season. The application of mixtures is preceded by cleaning, mechanical surface treatment: dirt reduces adhesion, the depth of penetration of the solution. Mixtures are prepared in the proportions recommended by the manufacturer for maximum effect.

Features of applying an antiseptic and methods of work:

• Low-viscosity solutions (mainly aqueous) are applied by spraying. For thicker mixtures use brushes, rollers.
• Water-based solutions dry for several hours. Non-aqueous antiseptics can leave the surface sticky for up to 24 hours.
• A solution of copper sulfate does not affect the sense of smell, the smell of compositions based on white spirit is persistent and unpleasant.
• It is necessary to use means of protecting the skin and respiratory organs: a respirator, gloves, a mask, overalls, which should be washed after work.
• The negative impact of drugs on children and pets is stronger than on adults.
• Applies the required number of layers of antiseptic (no more than recommended). Excessive coating thickness leads to prolonged drying.

Carry out the treatment with an antiseptic no more often and no less than it is written in the instructions. For heavy resinous mixtures, the application period is several years or more (up to several tens of years). Weak saline solutions, gradually washed out, are applied more often - at least once a year.

Antiseptic consumption - from 100 to 400 g/m2 of wood surface. The increase in consumption is associated with the viscosity of the mixture, application technology. The most economical way is to spray an aqueous solution of an antiseptic with a spray gun.

Harm of antiseptics

Despite the tests and assurances of almost complete harmlessness, drugs can adversely affect the skin, lungs, and digestive system. The most common reaction of the body is the appearance of a rash, other allergy symptoms.

Toxic and at the same time effective substances are not sold for domestic use. They are limitedly used to cover sleepers, poles, and other structures buried in the ground.

Antiseptics cause maximum harm if they are partially absorbed, washed off by precipitation or covered with wallpaper. Care should be taken when working with protective compounds, but you should not be afraid of their harm after the smell disappears, hardens.

For the environment, wood preservatives are practically safe. They are destroyed in nature under the influence of oxygen and ultraviolet radiation.

Antiseptics for wood - an effective tool that extends the life of structures. When working, you must follow the instructions from the manufacturer to avoid negative consequences.

Wood is the most valuable material that is actively used in construction. The popularity of this natural foundation is due to its many advantages. Among them stand out:

The wood is quickly exposed to moisture and under its influence begins to rot, so it is necessary to treat the wood with protective moisture-resistant agents.

• ease of finishing;
• fortress;
• durability;
• absolute harmlessness;
• attractive external indicators;
• ease of installation work.

However, despite the large number of positive characteristics, wood is very capricious and can change under the influence of unfavorable external indicators. In order for this material to please with its beauty and practicality for many years, 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 rock. They will be discussed below.

It is worth noting that coniferous samples are the strongest tree that can actively resist the process of decay. There are a number of reasons that affect the ability of trees to withstand 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.

When talking about the moisture content of a tree, one separates the free and bound varieties. 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 noticeably slows down, it can stretch for several years. The use of a special drying technique noticeably speeds up this process.

Excess bound moisture 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. As a result, there is tension from the inside. However, rotting and cracked wood is not suitable for construction work.

Speaking of tree species, a distinction should be made in them in terms of hardness and softness. The following division has been adopted:

• rocks with a soft base (spruce, fir, aspen, linden, alder, cedar);
• hardwoods (elm, birch, maple, larch, elm, apple tree);
• especially hard materials (dogwood, hornbeam, boxwood).

What causes wood to rot?

The tree can be exposed to such influences as temperature fluctuations, dampness, hot 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 the destruction of the rock. Therefore, wood processing is required. Now we should talk about the factors that result in such phenomena.

Are all parts of any building equally affected by such influences? For the most part, these elements will be those that are most often in 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 rotting surfaces has always existed. In ancient times, this problem was solved by harvesting a tree in the fall and drying it before the onset of a warm period. Modern methods of surface drying are based on more diverse methods of exposure. What means help the tree to overcome negative external influences?

Design features of wood protection from moisture

Good protection against moisture conventional oil paint. The best means will be various antiseptic compounds and dyes of a porous base. The most common design methods include:

• isolation of wooden 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 carrier plan are open, well ventilated and provide open access for inspection. An indispensable requirement will be the arrangement of wood waterproofing, 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 are observed. The best environment for it will be a room with existing 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 the rain.

However, all these measures are not enough. To completely prevent rotting of the base, additional processing is needed, developed in the complex. It is very important to use various antiseptic compositions here.

Treatment with antiseptics

The application of antiseptics to the surface of the wood creates a reliable coating that protects against decay.

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 foundation, bearing positive fruit over a significant period of time.

How to choose the right antiseptic? For this, the following aspects must be taken into account:

• level of toxicity regarding interaction with fungi;
• foundation stability;
• the ability to go deep into the plane of the tree;
• Does it smell?
• harmlessness concerning 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, for processing they usually use:

• 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;
• organically soluble;
• pasty.

Water-soluble compounds protect the source from dampness and washing out with water. This includes:

1. sodium fluoride. This substance is white, odorless. Its characteristics are associated with excellent performance. It easily enters the cavity of the wood, but is also washed out in a short time. It has no effect on the strength of the foundation, does not cause it to warp. For a course of treatment of any structure, a mixture of 4% is used.
2. Sodium silicon fluoride. It has a similar consistency, but contains slight differences in color, with a greyish tint present. 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.
3. Ammonium silicofluoride is an odorless white substance. In practice, a solution of 5-10% is used. It can be washed out very easily. This substance does not affect the surface of the wood in any way. They treat any surface of natural rocks. After such actions, the base becomes incredibly resistant to burning, which is very important.
4. 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

Agents having an organosoluble value appear to be compounds produced from petroleum products such as pentachlorophenol. They actively and deeply penetrate into the wood. However, such treatment is associated with a sufficient risk of intoxication.

The drug NML is a solvent obtained from extracts of oil, copper naphthenate.

It is very 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 another substance is taken.

The presence of oily antiseptic substances is represented by various options: shale, coal, anthracene oil. These solutions perfectly disinfect the surface, but they smell strongly and unpleasantly. It turns out the color of dark shades of brown tones, a high degree of resistance to water washout, inability to warp. Sleepers, piles, parts of bridge structures, as well as various devices located under water are finished with similar solutions.

Such popularity is explained by the environmental friendliness of the material and its beautiful appearance, but, alas, the tree has many enemies - it is afraid of fire, moisture, insects, temperature extremes and sunlight. Previously, wood was protected with compounds based on salt and vinegar - today, the industry allows the production of more effective products that give the tree durability and resistance to negative environmental factors. There are so many of these compositions that it becomes difficult to choose the right means to protect wood from decay, fire and other influences. Let's look at the main aspects of a competent purchase.

No. 1. From what and in what cases to protect wood?

Wood protection products are directed against various negative impacts, and the choice depends on the conditions under which the material will be used. The main enemies of wood are:

• moisture(fog, rain, high humidity indoors). A tree is characterized by the ability to absorb moisture and swell with its high content in the environment and, conversely, dry out in dry times. Such fluctuations in volume lead, at a minimum, to cracks, and when building a building made of wood, the entire structure can be seriously damaged. Therefore, it is necessary to treat wood with products that reduce moisture absorption, but do not affect the ability to "breathe";
• mold, fungus, mosses and insects often affect wood at high humidity and limited air access. Rotting, the appearance of moss, the spread of bark beetles, termites, woodworms and other pests affect not only the appearance of wood, but also its structure;
• the fire. Wood is flammable and burns quickly. While there are no means that would be 100% protected from fire, but there are substances that affect the structure and increase the time of non-flammability;
• UV rays with prolonged and intense exposure, they destroy wood, most of all affecting lignin, a substance that provides rigidity and hardness.

To increase resistance to all these factors, there are a number of specific means - a complex composition does not yet exist, so if wood needs to be protected, for example, from both moisture and fire, the use of several means will be required.

No. 2. General principles for the selection of wood preservatives

Regardless of which factor the remedy is aimed at, when choosing, pay attention to such nuances:

• coating service life. The protective agent can last on the surface for about 2-5 years, and if the manufacturer indicates such figures on the packaging, then he probably does not lie, but the durability of 20-40 years should be treated with caution. Most likely, this is just a marketing ploy, and in small letters in an inconspicuous place on the package it will be indicated that such a protection period is possible only when the product is applied by deep impregnation (this is an industrial technique) or if the composition is washed out, which is impossible to achieve;
• composition consumption. Often, cheap products are unpleasantly surprised by the increased consumption of the composition, which is why all their profitability is reduced to nothing, so when buying, you should pay attention to the numbers indicated by the manufacturers. The average consumption of bioprotective agents is 200-250 g/m 2 , but by no means 500-600 g/m 2 , which can be seen on the packages of some inexpensive formulations. Such a large consumption is characteristic only of flame retardants;
  
• manufacturer's name. High-quality protective equipment can only be made on high-tech production lines that large enterprises with a well-known name can afford. For the sake of your peace of mind and guarantee of results, it is better to overpay a little;
• versatility. Some companies offer complex products that supposedly protect wood from both fire and decay, and the active ingredients, according to manufacturers, only enhance each other's effect. Experts, on the other hand, argue that even substances that can be in the same solution sometimes not only do not enhance each other's action, but also reduce protection;
• composition and certificate of conformity. The composition of protective equipment includes a lot of substances, each of which has its own role, but attention should be paid to the basis of the drug - it can be organic and inorganic substances. Inorganic substances, which include sodium and potassium dichromates, chloride, chromium and fluorine-containing compounds, copper and zinc salts, adversely affect humans, metals and wood color, and therefore are prohibited for use in Europe. Organic-based products are more effective and avoid negative health effects. Any protective equipment must have a certificate of conformity confirming its safety.
  

No. 3. Wood protection methods

To ensure the longest possible preservation of wood, a set of measures is used. These are constructive solutions, consisting in the correct placement and layout, as well as regular monitoring of the condition of the wood and the means for protecting the wood themselves.

Protective equipment can be applied in the following main ways:

No. 4. Means for protecting wood from moisture

An increased level of humidity is the main enemy of wood, as it not only worsens performance, but also causes the appearance of fungus. Moisture protection treatment begins with the harvesting of wood, and proper drying is of great importance. Even well-dried material will begin to absorb moisture over time, but in this parameter different types of wood differ considerably. , ash, pine, oak are more resistant to moisture, spruce, fir and beech are moderately resistant, and maple, birch and hornbeam are the most vulnerable. A number of tropical trees (Kumaru, Kusia, Ipe, Sisal) are practically not afraid of moisture and need only minimal protection.

The most important indicator of wood - intracellular moisture. For construction, you can use a material with an indicator of 5-20%, and wood with a moisture content of 9-15% is suitable for the construction of roof structures and interior decoration, and 12-18% for exterior cladding.

To reduce the ability of wood to absorb moisture from the environment, i.e. to reduce its hygroscopicity, use , oil impregnations and pastes, which are divided into two groups:

• compositions that form a film on the surface, do not differ in sufficient durability, so you will have to repeat the treatment quite often;
• penetrating compounds more durable and able to get into the pores of wood, are used to process fences, house walls,.

As a rule, water repellents do not change the color of the wood, and their effect is that water drops simply roll off the surface without penetrating into the structure. A number of such funds also have a frost-resistant effect.

No. 5. Means for protecting wood from decay, mold and insects

Constant high humidity, temperature fluctuations and intense exposure to sunlight make wood vulnerable to microorganisms and insects. As antiseptics are used to prevent mold- means that prevent, but do not kill bacteria. Already during the harvesting of wood, it is covered with antiseptics, re-treatment is carried out after installation and cleaning of the wood. Antiseptics are produced in the form of liquids and pastes, they also reliably protect against insect damage. There is primer type antiseptics, which are used under, but their penetration and service life are short. Antiseptics can be tinted, and experts say that in this way it is much easier to achieve uniform coloring of the walls than when using tinted varnish.

If there are already traces of rot on the wood, then treatment is necessary before using an antiseptic. fungicides- substances that kill fungal and mold spores. The basis in fungicidal solutions can be:

If traces of insects are found on the wood, treatment should be carried out. insecticidal impregnations which are issued:

• water based. They are mainly used for the annual protection of wood during transportation and storage;
• alkyd-based - these are more stable products that are suitable not only as therapeutic drugs, but also as prevention.

Regular monitoring of the state of wood for the smell of rot, the presence of white thin or bluish and brownish films will prevent rotting in time.

Sometimes you may need wood bleaching products and elimination of bluish, greenish and black spots. Such substances are applied with a brush to damaged areas, and after a few hours the original color returns.

When buying antiseptic formulations, please note that different breeds absorb compounds with different intensity. So, birch and beech have high absorbency, cedar, larch, oak, linden, hornbeam - medium, and spruce and fir - low. In addition, completely different compositions are used for different purposes. If, during transportation, wood needs only preventive treatment, then during the construction of the truss system, it is necessary to use hard-to-wash products that often stain the wood in brownish and grayish shades, reducing its decorative qualities, therefore, such products are not suitable.

No. 6. Means for protecting wood from fire

When exposed to fire, wood sooner or later ignites, however, large ones resist fire much longer than boards, since a charred layer forms on their surface, which slowly smolders. Any chips and cracks increase vulnerability to flames. Flame retardants are used to protect wood from fire., which are able to delay the ignition and spread of fire.

Flame retardants are available in the following forms:

• liquid formulations: varnishes, impregnations, enamels and;
• solid formulations: fillings and coatings.

Previously, flame retardants were widely produced in solid form, today the market offers mainly ready-made liquid solutions or concentrates. This form of release allows you to use the product more efficiently and at the same time increase safety, because when working with powders, toxic dust is inevitable in the body, and additional equipment is required, which complicates the processing process.

Flame retardants according to the principle of action are divided into:

The highest quality protection will be applied in an industrial environment, but you can also carry out such processing yourself with a brush, roller or aerosol. Processing wood with a moisture content of more than 15% is not recommended. For well-dried wood, compounds based on organic polymers are suitable, and for non-wood with a moisture content of 10-15%, it is better to use water-soluble flame retardants to guarantee. Small wooden elements can be dipped into the solution and left there for a period of 30 minutes to 24 hours.

By efficiency, all flame retardants are divided into groups:

• G1 - means, due to the processing of which the wood, after a two-minute exposure to the flame of a gas burner, loses up to 9% of the mass;
• G2 - products with weight loss up to 25%;
• G3 - means that do not provide adequate protection for the tree.

No. 7. Means for protecting wood from ultraviolet radiation

Under the constant influence of sunlight, the wood begins to darken and collapse, so if such an effect on the material is inevitable, negative consequences must be prevented. As a rule, special additives to prevent the harmful effects of sunlight are included in water-repellent impregnations and bioprotective agents, varnishes and paints, as indicated by the corresponding inscription on the package.

To ensure maximum safety of wood, it is treated with protective agents in the following sequence:

No. 9. Wood preservative manufacturers

Store shelves are filled with various wood preservatives, but not all of them are equally effective. When choosing, you should pay attention to the instructions on the packaging, incl. take into account the influence of the product on the color of the wood, its corrosiveness and the presence of a smell, as well as take into account the name of the manufacturer, which becomes a guarantee of quality. Among the abundance of funds, it is worth highlighting the products of such companies:

• Pinotex is an Estonian manufacturer of wood preservatives. Its products have gained immense popularity in the domestic market. It produces compositions for protecting wood inside and outside the house: primers, impregnations, paints and antiseptics. Antiseptics, tinted antiseptics, as well as antiseptics with an ultraviolet filter have proven themselves well. The company's protective products, designed for use on terraces and outdoor areas, are named among the best;
  
• Tikkurila- a concern with a 150-year history, whose factories are located in several countries. The name of this manufacturer is a guarantee of product quality, as all stages of production are carefully monitored here. There are a huge number of means of protection for wood, they are produced under the trademark Valtti;
• Belinka Belles is a Slovenian manufacturer that is rapidly gaining recognition among domestic buyers. It produces a wide range of protective equipment, incl. antiseptic primers, indelible antiseptic, special protective agent for saunas and a unique hybrid coating;
  
• "Senezh" is a domestic company that produces a full range of products to protect wood from any negative impacts. It produces tinting antiseptics with a UV filter, antiseptics for and saunas (these products, by the way, are considered one of the best of their kind), preservative antiseptics, fire-bioprotective agents, wood bleaching agents;
• - a brand of protective equipment from the company "Expertekologiya-Neohim". The domestic manufacturer relies on the production of concentrated preparations, which reduces their cost. Antiseptics for protecting wood in a humid environment and soil, antiseptics with UV protection, wood bleaching agents, fire protection, as well as substances for treating saunas and baths are popular.
  

In addition, protective equipment from the Belarusian company performed well. Sadolin, German Dufa, English Dulux, domestic companies Rogneda"(trademark "Aquatex") and " tree healer».

There are many folk remedies for protecting wood from decay and pests, but for best results it is better to give preference to professional preparations and apply them in accordance with the instructions.