The efficacy of a range of preservative treatments in preventing colonisation by decay fungi has been assessed using a method developed at BRE and similar to that adopted by Working Group 9 of European Standards Committee CEN/TC 38. Assessment was made using baits inserted into the test blocks, in holes which had been drilled after treatment to within defined distances of the treated face exposed to the test fungus. Preliminary results are presented to show differences in the rate of colonisation caused by timber orientation, species of test fungus and the application rate and method of application of the test preservative. The results indicate that in the preventive test, Gloeophyllum trabeum is more tolerant of preservatives, in comparison with Coniophora puteana, than would be expected from results generated using the EN 113 test method. In addition, the data suggest that the critical value derived from EN 113 tests may not give a reliable indication of the amount of chemical required in the outer zones of the treated wood to provide effective protection in the preventive test.

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