In-Wood Rot Preventer - Fine Homebuilding FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Main Menu
Subscribe

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Main Menu Subscribe
SPEC

In-Wood Rot Preventer

When the threat of water is high, use Bor-8 rods to attack rot fungus before it can cause damage.

By Justin Fink Issue 294 - Oct/Nov 2020
Article Image

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.

www.systemthree.com

—Justin Fink, builder-at-large

From Fine Homebuilding #294

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Sign Up

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

×
X
X

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Comments are closed.

More SPEC

View All
  • Old-World Craftsmanship

  • wood post sleeves

    Longer-Lasting Wood Posts

  • steel-framed windows

    Phenomenal Fenestration

  • lime paint

    Luxurious Lime Paint

View All

Up Next

Featured Story

FHB Podcast 317

Podcast 317: Natural Air Changes, Flashing Windows in Brick Walls, and Cleaning Construction Messes

Rob, Kiley, and Patrick hear from listeners about going all-electric and air-sealing adventures before taking listener questions about natural air changes, flashing windows in brick openings, and how clean a job site should be.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

In this episode of Shop Class, learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Protecting Foundations From Frost

  • Wet-Room Drainage

  • Make a Copper Flashing Boot

  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Sealing Penetrations

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

  • Fine Homebuilding All Access
  • Fine Homebuilding Podcast
  • Tool Tech

    Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

  • "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

    Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

    Sign Up See all newsletters

Video

View All
  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Penetrations

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Sealing Penetrations

  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Sheathing to Foundation Connection

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Sheathing-to-Foundation Connection

  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Taping Seams and Corners

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Taping Seams and Corners

  • 2019 FHB HOUSE VIDEO: Prepping for Tile

View All

Water and Moisture Control

View All
  • make a copper pipe flashing boot

    Make a Copper Flashing Boot

  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Penetrations

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Sealing Penetrations

  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Sheathing to Foundation Connection

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Sheathing-to-Foundation Connection

  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Taping Seams and Corners

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Taping Seams and Corners

View All

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • 2020 Fine Homebuilding Archive

    Buy Now
  • Musings of an Energy Nerd

    Buy Now
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition

    Buy Now
  • Fine Homebuilding Magazine Slipcase

    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 297 - February/March 2021

    • Foundations for Success
    • Staircase Renovation
    • Ditch the Hose
  • Issue 296 - Dec 2020/Jan 2021

    • Insulating Glass Keeps Getting Better
    • Simple Way to Make Old Walls Straight and Plumb
    • Making Sense of Minisplits
  • Issue 295 - Kitchens & Baths

    • Condo Kitchen Reimagined
    • Row-House Remodel
    • Rise of the IAQ Monitor
  • Issue 294 - Oct/Nov 2020

    • Schoolhouse Reimagined
    • Tool Test: Folding Sawhorses
    • A Better Way to Build Tall Walls
  • Issue 293 - Aug/Sept 2020

    • A Practical Guide to Fall Protection
    • Installing Frameless Cabinets
    • Make Any Tablesaw Safer

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Manage Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility

© 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Account

  • Log In
  • Join

    Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

    Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

    All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

    Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

    More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • Customer Support

    Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Follow

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 52%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in