The potential for non-biocidal barriers to slow moisture sorption was investigated using butt treated western redcedar poles immersed in either water or moist soil over a 2 year period. Moisture sorption was initially slowed by the barriers, but openings at the bottoms of the barriers eventually allowed moisture to migrate upward. Moisture levels in wrapped poles eventually reached those found in non-wrapped poles. Despite the apparent lack of difference in moisture content, the barriers other useful attributes including limiting loss of preservative and restricting access of soil fungi to the wood surface may make them attractive in some applications.

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