Log Options, LLC

The Importance of Borate

After inspecting hundreds of log homes the two most common problems that result in expensive repairs are log decay and insect damage. There is a very cost effective step in the restoration process that is sometimes overlooked, Borate. If you are building a log home or having your existing log home finish removed, this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of borate. Borate is a fairly inexpensive and important step to maintaining and preserving your logs.

What is Borate?

Borate is an inorganic salt compound which is a combination of borax and boric acid. It is generally safe around humans but alters the enzyme systems of insects and fungus.

Types of Borate

There are several types of borate available. There are powdered and liquid forms as well as water based and glycol based. The important thing here is that glycol based borate is believed to penetrate deeper into the logs than water based. But this comes at a price. You have to wait 1-4 weeks before applying a finish. This can be a major concern for some but if time is not an issue then this may be the best choice for you. To get around the time issue, Permachink has a ready to use glycol based version that has a 24 hour drying time but will cost more. The water based glycol comes in powdered form that is mixed with water and is less expensive than glycol based. Drying times range from 1-3 days depending on the humidity in your area.

Applying Borate

Both water based and glycol based borate is applied with a pump sprayer or brush. Borate should only be applied to logs that are completely free of finish or mill glaze. Logs should also be dry (moisture meter reading of 19% or less) and free of mold and mildew. Please follow the manufacturer’s specifications closely. Plants should be covered or wetted before borates are applied then rinsed afterward.

Protection from Insects when Staining Logs

If you are not removing the existing finish and would like to protect your logs from flying and crawling insects, an additive to your stain can be used called Bug Juice. Bug Juice with the active ingredient Deltamethrin is safe both for inside or outside log walls, is odorless and will not affect the pigment of the stain. The ratio is 8 ounces of Bug Juice to a 5 gallon pail of stain or paint.

Conclusion

Because Borate is not considered a necessity, many home owners do not perform this important step to help preserve their logs or may not even know this option is available. If you are restoring your log home and the current finish is being removed or you are planning to build a new log home, please ask the log home professional you are working with to apply borate. This can be a very effective and inexpensive step to help prevent most wood destroying organisms and preserve your log home.

This article was written by Tom Tydeman, Owner of Log Options, LLC www.logoptions.com 08/2009

	The Importance of Borate After inspecting hundreds of log homes the two most common problems that result in expensive repairs are log decay and insect damage. There is a very cost effective step in the restoration process that is sometimes overlooked, Borate. If you are building a log home or having your existing log home finish removed, this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of borate. Borate is a fairly inexpensive and important step to maintaining and preserving your logs. What is Borate? Borate is an inorganic salt compound which is a combination of borax and boric acid. It is generally safe around humans but alters the enzyme systems of insects and fungus. Types of Borate There are several types of borate available. There are powdered and liquid forms as well as water based and glycol based. The important thing here is that glycol based borate is believed to penetrate deeper into the logs than water based. But this comes at a price. You have to wait 1-4 weeks before applying a finish. This can be a major concern for some but if time is not an issue then this may be the best choice for you. To get around the time issue, Permachink has a ready to use glycol based version that has a 24 hour drying time but will cost more. The water based glycol comes in powdered form that is mixed with water and is less expensive than glycol based. Drying times range from 1-3 days depending on the humidity in your area. Applying Borate Both water based and glycol based borate is applied with a pump sprayer or brush. Borate should only be applied to logs that are completely free of finish or mill glaze. Logs should also be dry (moisture meter reading of 19% or less) and free of mold and mildew. Please follow the manufacturer’s specifications closely. Plants should be covered or wetted before borates are applied then rinsed afterward. Protection from Insects when Staining Logs If you are not removing the existing finish and would like to protect your logs from flying and crawling insects, an additive to your stain can be used called Bug Juice. Bug Juice with the active ingredient Deltamethrin is safe both for inside or outside log walls, is odorless and will not affect the pigment of the stain. The ratio is 8 ounces of Bug Juice to a 5 gallon pail of stain or paint. Conclusion Because Borate is not considered a necessity, many home owners do not perform this important step to help preserve their logs or may not even know this option is available. If you are restoring your log home and the current finish is being removed or you are planning to build a new log home, please ask the log home professional you are working with to apply borate. This can be a very effective and inexpensive step to help prevent most wood destroying organisms and preserve your log home. This article was written by Tom Tydeman, Owner of Log Options, LLC www.logoptions.com 08/2009