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The Post Newsletter - November 2023

Posted By  Leila Blackmore  On October 12, 2023

Welcome to The Post Newsletter - November Edition

In The Post Newsletter this month we compare the Postsaver Full Barrier option to Partial Barrier options such as tape, paint and bags. Additionally, we discuss the product testing that helped form the basis of the Postsaver guarantee. Finally, we answer a few of the most common questions received.


Full Barrier vs Partial Barrier Options

What causes wood rot and decay

Before looking at the product testing carried out, let's briefly discuss why wood rots and what stops wooden posts rotting straightaway.

What Causes Rot?

Wood naturally decays in the ground over time, when the following factors are present:

  • Fungi (wood decaying organisms)
  • Oxygen-rich air
  • Moisture
  • Warmth
Wood Rot & Decay - Cause & Prevention (Postsaver Problem - Solution Image)

UC4 treated wood is essential for all wooden posts in ground contact. Initially, good quality UC4 wood has a high enough concentration of wood preservative within the post to prevent decay. Over time, preservative leeches out into the surrounding soil.

The WPA Make Sure it's 4 Campaign highlights the importance of using the correct Class of wood for the job. To ensure safety and best practice, visit the WPA website, view their guidelines and download free assets for you and your customers.

WPA Logo - The WPA Make Sure it's 4 Campaign

Creating Longer Lasting UC4 Wooden Posts

The addition of partial or total barriers to a UC4 post can create longer-lasting posts, but some are more effective than others. A truly effective barrier excludes rot-causing factors, whilst retaining high levels of wood preservative within the post.

Available Barrier Options
  • Partial Barrier: Examples of partial barriers include tape, flashband, paint and bags.

  • Full Barrier: Postsaver post rot protectors are the only full barrier currently available.


Product Testing

Full Barrier vs Partial Barrier Testing - 6 month Submersion Test

In this test, three UC4 wooden posts were submerged to ground line level in blue ink saturated water for 6 months, in order to determine where water was able to saturate the post.

Post 1 was a standard control post with no barrier applied, Post 2 had a partial barrier applied and Post 3 had a Postsaver full barrier sleeve applied.

Postsaver Full Barrier vs Partial Barrier - Testing - 6 month Submersion Test Results

After 6 months, as can be seen from the above image, all posts were sawn in half lengthways from the ground line to base, to show where the blue dye had travelled into the post. The blue dye shows where the barrier has failed.

The standard post, as expected, was fully saturated with blue dye above the ground line level, proving the test worked correctly as water was able to travel into the post.

Partial Barrier Sleeve
  • The blue dye shows that the partial barrier has begun to fail and water has seeped in behind into the post.
  • As partial barriers cannot create an air and watertight seal to the post surface, water is trapped inside the barrier.
  • The post remains wet.
  • Wood preservative is able to leech out.
Postsaver Full Barrier vs Partial Barrier - Partial Barrier Sleeve Result
Postsaver Full Barrier vs Partial Barrier - Full Barrier Sleeve (Postsaver) Result
Full Barrier Sleeve (Postsaver)
  • There are no signs of failure with the Postsaver full barrier as there is no dye/water ingress above the base section of the sleeve.
  • Postsaver full barriers can create a true air and watertight seal to the post surface.
  • Water is unable to enter the post.
  • The post retains the wood preservative.

Independent Testing Since 2000

In addition to the submersion test, Postsaver rot protectors have undergone real-life field testing for over 20 yrs at BRE - one of Europe's largest independent testing laboratories. This produced real-life independent data to use as the basis of the Postsaver guarantee.

Find full details on the BRE testing carried out and the results on our webpage.

Independent BRE Test

Postsaver is the Solution

Postsaver rot protectors offer Total Protection against ground line rot, and are the only full barrier option available.

Postsaver Rot Protector Sleeve - Postsaver rot protectors offer Total Protection against ground line rot, and are the only Full Barrier option available.

Unlike partial barriers, Postsaver rot protectors are able to form a true air and watertight seal against the causes of rot, and are able to retain the wood preservative inside the post.

Due to long-term investment into independent testing, Postsaver can confidently offer a guarantee backed by scientific evidence.


Postsaver FAQs

Answers to some common Postsaver questions

"Can I install my Postsaver post using concrete?" - The answer, is yes!

Provided that a Postsaver rot protector has been correctly applied to a post, the post can be safely installed using any of the usual methods, including concrete, back-fill or pile driving, and will be covered by the Postsaver guarantee.

Just be careful not to damage the sleeve with any tamping tools or spades.

Post Installation for the FAQ Section

"Why don't Postsaver sleeves cover the base of the post?"

Below 6 inches or 15 cm in the ground, there is not enough oxygen for the fungi required for decay to survive; this means there is no need to protect the post below this point. 

"How Does Postsaver Work?"

Play the short animation to briefly demonstrate how Postsaver works.

For more information, click the button below.

Postsaver FAQ Page

The Postsaver website has an FAQ page which should help answer most of your questions, and can be accessed using the buttons below. Get in touch with Tony or Claire to clarify any of the questions, or for further information.

That's it for this months edition of The Post Newsletter. To get in touch with Tony or Claire, simply drop them an email: trade@postsaver.co.uk

Learn more about Postsaver below

Pro-Wrap

Postsaver Post Rot Protection

Installing post rot protectors is a smart investment that saves time, money, and hassle by guaranteeing posts against rot. Independently tested and proven, with millions sold worldwide.
Learn About Post Rot Protection
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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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*When applied to posts that meet the requirements of BS8417:2012 - UC4 (Use Class 4). 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 (for long term in-ground use - use class 4 or higher) 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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