Stabilising rot

[Zeeuw]

Hello all,

In the latest issue of CB I read (in the article about Sophie): "we set about stabilising the rot"
Can anyone tell me how I stabilise rot?

 

[alan006]

I assume they are talking about treating the wood with a product such as Cuprinol 5star which help stop the rot spreading. I think I've read on here that antifreeze contains a good anti-rot treatment.
As I say I have not read the article so I'm guessing.

 

[bazobeleza]

look at this from cfs supplies, a penetrating resin for unsound wood, reacts wih water in wood which cures the resin

http://www.cfsnet.co.uk/acatalog/CFS_Catalogue__Bonda_Wood_Hardener__526.html

 

[m1taylor]

Rot is basically a fungal attack on the wood, feeding on the starches in the fibres. So, once the fungus is there, with the spores, then it's there. Progressively the fungus weakens the integrity of the wood until its structure collapses. Products such as cuprinol 5 star simple arrest the attack by killing the fungi, and effectively making the wood poisonous to future attacks where treated. However, most treatments these days are water soluble, and will eventually wash out. So technically you can stabilise the situation. All rot fungi need water - but sometimes very little % moisture in the wood is necessary, and some nasties, such as dry rot, can fetch water via sending out very long strands to find it from a considerable distance away. Of course natural resins and oils help against rot because of repelling water. Rot is a whole subject in itself - just google dry rot and its an education!

 

[johnchampion]

I tried the Bonda product but for me at least it was not a resounding success.

 

[Niander]

Glycol antifreeze and stop the rainwater getting in if its the roof
and plenty of ventilation to keep the moisture level down.

 

[oldharry]

Glycol is claimed to be a succesful killer of rot spores, so preventing the rot from getting hold. It is also a reaswonable preservative. IIRC Mary Rose has been bathed in a specially formulated glycol based soltuion for the last 20 years to help stabilise her 400 year old timbers.

But they have been soaking her ever since she was raised 20+years ago, which highlights the point that it is virtually impossible to get any of the commercially available rot stabilisers far enough into the timber to actually do any good in na normal boat repair environment.

 

[Seagreen]

"If in doubt, cut it out".

I think various sources recommend 6" along the grain and 4" across it. Cut back to good wood, soak that in a fungicide, pref. not water based, then replace the wood, and cover in lots of paint - remember to not skimp on the undercoat. By using a petroleum spirit based fungicide, the enamel primers and top coat will bond into the new wood better.

 

[Zeeuw]

Great, thanks for your help! I think I'm going to use the Cuprinol 5 star.

 

[Captain Coochie]

I thought we worked out ages ago that Glycol was just a carrier for other agents and Borates where the rot killer . /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[oldharry]

Depends who is trying to sell it to you I think /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Captain Coochie]

No i just decided to pick the bones out of a myth set by some fella that put antifreeze on his feet and said it works so cover your pride and joy in it ( wooden boat ) and save yourself about £8 . /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Niander]

You talk crap!
theres loads on the web to say it works..
Kills F,sake

 

[Captain Coochie]

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif So you read it on the net did you , its the new bloke down the pub said ! You crack on mate and use antifreeze on you boat . Myself i will cut it out and use Borate on surrounding timbers .

 

[Captain Coochie]

P.S . I would love to be wrong !