In-Wood Rot Preventer
When the threat of water is high, use Bor-8 rods to attack rot fungus before it can cause damage.
When repairing architectural elements that have suffered rot damage, the most important step is to address the issue that led to the rot. But sometimes, it’s just not possible to eliminate the threat of water. In those cases, Bor-8 Rods are a handy bit of insurance. Available in a variety of diameters and lengths, Bor-8 rods look like little sticks of cloudy glass. The rods are inserted into holes bored into wood at a prescribed spacing depending on the size of the wood, and are then covered with a treated wooden dowel, wood filler, or caulk before the wood is finished. There they lie in wait until exposed to moisture, at which point the rods diffuse boric acid into the surrounding wood, killing rot fungus before it can cause damage. Bor-8 is safe to use, is environmentally friendly, and effectively controls a variety of wood-boring insects. A 12-pack of 1/4-in.-dia., 1/2-in.-long rods sells for about $20.
—Justin Fink, builder-at-large
From Fine Homebuilding #294
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