The efficacy of remedial treatments for controlling fungal decay in window millwork used in the United States
IRG/WP 3432
M G Dietz, E L Schmidt
Conventional window millwork was subjected to basidiomycete decay by inoculation and sampled for active growth of the decay fungus before and eight months after remedial preservative treatment with fused disodium octaborate rods (IMPEL) at boric acid levels of 1.5 and 4.0 kg/m³ or liquid bifluoride injections (IMPROSOL) at 1 kg/m³. The elimination of decay fungus after remedial treatment was nearly 100% effective in all treated material regardless of remedial treatment used or chemical loadings. By contrast, isolation of decay fungi in the control samples increased overall from 27 to 69%. Color reagent dye tests for diffusion indicated excellent distribution of chemicals in wood material where moisture contents exceeded 25%.