Different Wood Preservative Products You Need to Know

Posted by CTA Products Group on August 30th, 2019

Wood preservation or timber treatment refers to any measure taken to extend the life of wood. Applying wood preservative products or chemical preservatives is one of the easiest ways to do this. You see, timber has a number of enemies that prevent it from keeping its integrity and beauty—including insects, mold, termites, fungi, water, moisture, and UV rays. Luckily, there are various wood preservative products available in the market. Here are some of them.

Chromated Arsenicals

This is one of the oldest types of heavy-duty chemical preservatives used to treat wood and prevent it from rotting. Wood preservatives that are classified as chromated arsenicals contain chromium, copper, and arsenic. Their product is effective in providing protection against insect, fungi, microbial agents, and marine invertebrates. However, because of the potential health risks caused by chromated arsenicals, they are not recommended by EPA for residential use.

Creosote

Creosote is considered to be a heavy-duty type of oil-borne preservative. This product is used to treat wood and protect it against various types of pests, fungi, and termites. Creosote is not registered in EPA as residential wood preservatives. It can only be used for exterior commercial applications such as railroad ties and bridgework.

Pentachlorophenol

Another type of oil-borne preservative is Pentachlorophenol or PCP, and it has been one of the most widely used methods of treating wood in the country until 1987. However, it is no longer recommended for residential uses. PCP is now only used for commercial applications.

Propiconazole

Propiconazole wood preservative products were approved by EPA in 1981. This chemical preservative is great for treating shingles and shakes, plywood, timbers, siding, millwork, and composites. Propiconazole can protect wood but on its own, it cannot make wood resistant to insects.

Triadimefon

This triazole fungicide is also a newer wood preservative approved by EPA. Like most chemical products, it is applied through pressure treatment. Triadimefon protects wood-based composite products, decks, patios, fences, millwork, and any wood product intended for above ground and in ground contact.

ACQ

ACQ or (alkaline copper quaternary) is a water-based wood preservative recommended for residential use. It is good at preventing decay caused by fungi and insects. Compared to heavy-duty chemical preservatives, ACQ posts lower health risks. You can use this water-based preservative on fence posts, landscape ties, sea walls, and decking.

About the Author

CTA Products Group specializes in Outlast® wood treatment products for log homes, exterior wood siding, fences, pressure treated lumber and decking. The company offer an EPA registered wood preservative and the only botanical insect repellent additive for exterior coatings. Our product line includes exterior finishes and cleaners, paint and coatings additives interior finishes and cleaners.