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Rot Protection

The Dual-Layer Difference

Unlike partial barriers that only stick to the surface, a total barrier bonds directly to the timber to form a complete, air and watertight seal.

Total protection At The most vulnerable Point

Not all rot protection systems protect timber in the same way.



Partial barrier approaches, including bags, tapes and surface-applied treatments, can leave areas of timber exposed or create potential pathways for moisture ingress.

Total barriers are designed to provide continuous protection around the critical ground-line zone, helping to remove these potential pathways and protect the timber where it is most vulnerable.

Barrier Options

Bag Type Barrier

TYPE
Partial
FORM
Pulled over base and taped at the top
NOTES
Bag seals the bottom of the post, adhesive backing tape sticks to the wood at the top of the barrier. Not compatible with damp/wet wood.

Plastic Sheet Barrier

TYPE
Partial
FORM
Wrapped and stapled
NOTES
Formed top bead designed to limit water ingress. Barrier is cut, wrapped and stapled into place.

Self-adhesive tape barrier

TYPE
Partial
FORM
Sticking tape which overlaps on seam
NOTES
Adhesive backing sticks to the wood but does not fully seal the surface. Not compatible with damp/wet wood.

Dual-Layer barrier

TYPE
Partial
FORM
Dual-layer thermoplastic barrier. Heat-applied
NOTES
Penetrates and seals the entire wood surface behind the barrier. The outer thermoplastic barrier heat shrinks to the wood.
Compatible with damp/wet wood.

Total VS Partial Barriers

TOTAL BARRIER PROTECTION

PARTIAL BARRIER PROTECTION

ICC Code Approved and specification-ready for all types of commercial projects 
No ICC approval
Meets the Requirements of the AWPA P20 Barrier System Standard 
Meets the Requirements of the AWPA P20 Barrier System Standard 
Seals the post surface at the critical ground-line zone, excluding moisture, oxygen, fungi and decay organisms
Absence of sealant may leave gaps at the critical ground-line zone for the ingress of moisture and decay organisms 
Installation creates a continuous barrier around the post
Installation often requires staples which penetrate the barrier, creating entry points for moisture
Independently validated through open access long-term field trials
Limited long-term performance data available
Testing follows internationally recognised standards including AWPA E14, E7 & E1-97
No standards-based performance data available
Creates a complete seal around the post and prevents leaching. Ideal for use in environmentally sensitive areas
Provides partial coverage and does not fully seal the post, limiting suitability in environmentally sensitive areas.
Manufactured pre-sized to suit all post sizes
Supplied on a large roll requiring cutting, overlapping and wastage

How do they compare On Test?

In ongoing accelerated fungal cellar testing, all partial barriers have failed to prevent moisture ingress into the posts, with moisture content exceeding the 25% threshold at which decay can initiate.
At the start of testing, all posts had a moisture content of 12–14%. To date, Postsaver’s total barrier sleeve is the only product to have maintained moisture at this level, demonstrating a higher level of protection than partial barriers and preservative treatment alone.

Tour The Fungal Cellar Test Facility

Test method used is based on AWPA E14-22 Standard: Laboratory method for rapidly evaluating the decay resistance of wood-based materials in ground contact: soil bed test.


  • 5 samples for each product were added to the test chamber.
  • All samples were cut from the same treated length of timber for comparability.
  • All samples, including controls, were preservative treated to BS8417-2022 specification with ACQ.
Postsaver

The Only Total Barrier

The ground line is where timber posts are most vulnerable to decay. 
It’s where moisture, oxygen and decay organisms combine to create the ideal conditions for rot, and once decay takes hold, the structural integrity of the post is compromised.

Postsaver rot protectors are engineered to protect this critical zone with a continuous, heat-applied dual-layer total barrier.


DUAL-LAYER PROTECTION

Postsaver combines two specially engineered layers to deliver long-lasting timber protection:
The inner sealant melts and bonds to the timber surface.
The outer thermoplastic shrinks tightly around the post.
The two layers create a continuous, sealed barrier around the critical ground-line zone.
This heat-activated process is what gives Postsaver its distinctive total barrier.
25+ Years
Proven Field Performance
IBC Approved
UC4B Ground Contact
20+ Years
Additional Service Life

READY TO SPECIFY

Postsaver rot protectors meet the requirements of a number of international standards such as BSI EN252 & A.W.P.A Barrier products
Postsaver’s dual-layer barrier technology is independently tested and proven by the BRE, Europe’s largest timber test organisation.

Rot protectors are compatible with all wood preservatives, including CCA, Creosote, water-based copper, copper in oil, copper naphthenate, Pentachlorophenol, or DCOI.
Postsaver Is a ISO 9001 Certified Company
ISO 9001:2015
Certified Company
Postsaver Meets AWPA Standards
Meets The Requirements Of A.W.P.A. P20-18 BP1 Barrier Products
Tested to BSI EN252:2014 Standards
Meets SABS standard SANS-1634-2021 Barrier Protection Systems
International Building Code® (IBC) approved for UC4B Ground Contact use
In accordance with the American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) U1 standard, Postaver is suitable for structural applications under UC4B Ground Contact use, making it appropriate for decking posts in areas subject to wood decay and insect attack.


Technical Evaluation Report No: 2507-101, prepared by Dr J

Simple to install. Built to last.

Field Application
Postsaver rot protectors can be applied in the field using a the Pro-Shrink GO, a gas blow torch.
Yard Application
For high-volume application, Postsaver’s Pro-Shrink machine provides fast and consistent application at scale.
What Do Our Customers Say?
Interested to find out more?

Contact Tony or Request a Free Sample

Tony Young

Postsaver – Global Head Of Sales
+44 1452 222365
Email Tony Young

Request a Product Sample & Further Information

Includes Regular/+PLUS protector sample and further information

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Postsaver manufactures and supplies guaranteed post rot protection that is proven to extend the life of wooden fence and gate posts. Our patented rot protection is independently tested and proven in volume use since 1994.
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Ask for our FSC® certified products. License No. FSC-C109654

*When applied to posts that meet the requirements of BS8417:2012 - UC4 (Use Class 4) or UC3 (Use Class 3). See guarantee for details
**Based on not having to replace your fence in 10 years time due to post failure.

Postsaver uses long term independent test data on the effectiveness of barrier sleeves and wraps to reach all the conclusions given on this website (test data available on request). Based on this data, Postsaver believes longer life, maintenance of strength over time, improved safety and reliability, extended inspection periods and reduced maintenance requirements are reasonable claims. This is subject to Postsaver products being correctly applied as per our instructions and used on correctly preservative-treated (use class 3 or higher – use class 4 recommended) wooden fence posts that are free of decay at the time of rot protection application. The claims made, real or implied are not warranties. It is the responsibility of the user to evaluate and satisfy themselves that the performance of the product meets their specific safety, reliability, extended inspection, repair and any other performance or cost-benefit criteria before using Postsaver rot protectors.
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