Guaranteed Wood Protection without the Hefty Price Tag

Ensuring the Long-term Future of Wood

Due to the ever-changing wood preservative legislation and the growth in availability of products manufactured from alternative materials, post and pole producers face the ongoing challenge of ensuring the long-term future of wood as the material of choice for fencing and utility projects.

Fortunately, several solutions exist which extend the lifespan of treated posts and poles, ensuring that wood remains a competitively comparable product. After studying the options, the combination of water-based preservatives with Postsaver +PLUS emerges as the most economical and long-lasting solution.

Wood Protection Method Comparisons

The debate between oil-based and water-based preservatives should focus primarily on effectiveness and efficiency, taking into account lifespan (whether guaranteed or desired) and cost.

Copper in Oil Treatment

• On average, copper in oil costs 1.5 times more per kilogram than water-based preservatives

• A typical pole requires 100 kg of copper in oil, making it a significant material-intensive process

• With copper in oil costing approximately 450€ per cubic metre, the overall cost of treating a pole escalates quickly

• Comparatively, treating a pole with copper in oil is nearly five times more expensive than a water-based preservative, which uses just 30 kg per pole

Water-Based Preservatives

• Costing 95€ per cubic metre, water-based preservatives are significantly more affordable

• For an equivalent pole, just 30 kg of treatment is required, which drastically reduces both material usage and cost

• Based on these figures, the cost of using a copper in oil treatment is approximately four times higher than creosote and up to five times more expensive than water-based treatments when considering the volume required per pole

A Sustainable Future for Wooden Posts

With a growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility, companies are seeking a delicate balance of performance versus impact. The benefits of water-based preservatives are impressive.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Water-based preservatives offer a substantial reduction in treatment costs. With a lower price per cubic metre and less product required per pole, they are a good choice for companies and producers looking to manage long-term costs effectively. Post producers can also apply a water-based treatment within their current processes, without the need to upgrade or invest in a new treatment plant - a requirement for oil-based creosote alternatives.

• Environmental and Regulatory Compliance: Water-based preservative treatments are generally safer for the environment compared to oil-based alternatives. They meet the stringent requirements for environmental safety, making them a preferable choice for organisations conscious of sustainability and regulatory standards.

• Ease of Application: Water-based preservatives are easier to apply and absorb better into the wood, allowing for uniform coverage and reliable protection against decay, insects, and weathering. This streamlined application process can also lead to further labour savings.

Boosting the Durability of Water-Based Preservatives with Postsaver +PLUS

Pairing water-based preservative treatments with Postsaver +PLUS is a recommended solution to further enhance the longevity of wood used in ground contact. The combination of water-based preservatives with Postsaver +PLUS ensures maximum protection by sealing the treated pole from external damage and locking in the preservative, and reducing the risk of ground-level rot.

Postsaver +PLUS Benefits

• Extended Service Life: Provides a 40 year post-replacement guarantee

• Locks in Preservatives: Reduces leaching by up to 92% and seals in the preservatives maximising their effectiveness

• Independently Tested: Postsaver has 24 years of real-life test data with the BRE vs just 5 years for modern oil-based alternatives

• Cost Efficiency: The combination of water-based preservatives + Postsaver +PLUS is the most cost effective solution in the short and longer term.

Conclusion

To maximise durability, cost efficiency, and long term effectiveness, the ideal solution for post producers is water-based preservatives paired with Postsaver +PLUS sleeves. Not only are water-based treatments far more affordable than oil-based alternatives, they are also environmentally friendly, easy to apply, and highly effective when used in conjunction with the Postsaver +PLUS.

Get in Touch

Postsaver has been a leading manufacturer of products designed to extend the lifespan of wooden posts for over 30 years. Please get in touch to speak to one of our experts, or to arrange a short TEAMS meeting for you and your team.