Chemotherapy for Wood Rot

[Solittle]

Wood rot is one of the biggest problems many, if not most, boaters have to contend with. A few years ago I ran accross an article about using automotive anti freeze to kill rot. At the time I had some rot developing in a counter top on the patio. The guy who layed the formica on top of the 3/4" ply did not do a good job where the top surface and the edge came together and water had seeped in and - - - rot started. Sounds like what we run into with boats right? Anyway I tried injecting anti freeze into the seam with a hypo of the size used for horses. That was four years ago. And the rot has not spread!!

Here is an article on it:

http://boatbuilding.com/article.php/ChemotherapyforRot

 

[tmh]

Re: Chemotherapy for Wood Rot

I had read about antifreeze killing rot also. In replacing my floor and some stringers, after I cut the worst out, I soaked the remaining slightly rotting wood with antifreeze. That was only at the end of summer so I have no info as to whether it made a difference. It only took a few minutes so I figured I'd give it a try.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Chemotherapy for Wood Rot

I read that article years ago, back when I'd just found the Web......

Thuogh I don't have any Test Results,......
I have been spraying both Antifreeze,+ Bleach on some Issues like that.......
Buildings instead of Boats.....

I laughed when I got to the part about his Athletes Foot Problems,+ Results........

 

[ted655]

Re: Chemotherapy for Wood Rot

oStopping the rot is one step. Restoring the strength is also a problem. This brings the job back to Epoxy products. In addition, IF the cause of the rot is not removed from the area, then the remaining good wood will fall victim. Even a needle can only inject into a relativly narrow layer of healthy wood.
Boron/borax solutions are also fairly effective alternative treatments for wood preseravation.
In the end, treating & encapsulating with a epoxy penetrate (Dr Rot, etc.), is still a better method for anything we wish to keep for extended use.
If you plan to peddle it, then a cheap fix and a coat of paint and buyer beware, I guess.

 

[tmh]

Re: Chemotherapy for Wood Rot

Although I agree that treating it with resin (thinned like Dr. Rot) and re-building any lost structural strength is important, one can also use side-by-side support to bridge rotted areas. I used the antifreeze to try and stop/slow the rot after tearing out the really rotted stuff. I'm letting it dry out completely in storage for the winter. I plan to use some penetrating resin to "finish off" those areas. Then, I will use PT deck boards or 2 x 6's to replace lost stringer support. I'll just screw it into the "good" wood as a bridge for what I took out.

I may or may not resin over it, some say PT holds the resin fine, some say not. Either way, that PT support structure will long outlive the rest of the boat I figure.

 

[ted655]

Re: Chemotherapy for Wood Rot

dPressure treated wood. There's a whole new thread. I just finished a big barge built of PT woods.
Research the subject. I must have called 10-12 suppliers of epoxys, glues & coatings. None would reccomend their products to "stick". Shrewdly, none would say it wouldn't. Actually a few did say absolutely NO. I tested some joints and laminations where Titebond II had been used. They all failed. The new ACQ PTs use parrifin in their formula. Nothing sticks to wax (for long) IF "weathered" for 2 yrs. They give a "maybe"
Fasteners are another problem. SS or hot dipped galv. (which you can't find anymore) screws are the only safe screws. Some "plated/coated" screws SAY they work. read the small print on the boxs! It says "not for use in a marine enviorment"
Metals are another problem with ACQ trated woods. It EATS aluminium & plated ferrios metals.
The upside is... your right! that sucker will last well beyond our lifetimes.
8)