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Winter Timber Treatment: Essential Guidelines

As temperatures drop, the approach to timber treatment requires special attention.

The following guidelines are designed to ensure effective and safe treatment during the colder months.

• Avoid Treating Snow or Ice-Covered Timber: Timber blanketed with snow or ice is unsuitable for treatment. Ensure the wood is completely clear of these elements before proceeding.
• Beware of Moisture Freezing: In winter, meltwater or rain can freeze between timber layers, causing ‘white spots’ during treatment. This occurs because the treatment solution cannot penetrate the frozen surface. Treating timber only when it's free from such conditions is crucial.
• Moisture Content Measurement Challenges: Frozen timber makes it impossible to measure moisture content accurately. Only perform moisture assessments on fully thawed wood.
• Allow Time for Timber Thawing: Before treatment, allocate sufficient time for frozen or extremely cold timber to thaw. This process may take several days, depending on the conditions.
• Heating Treatment Solutions: Increasing the temperature of the treatment solution can improve its effectiveness in winter. However, always follow safety guidelines when heating chemicals.
• Preservative Fixation in Cold Conditions: The fixation of wood preservatives is less efficient and takes longer in cold weather. If the timber freezes, the process is further disrupted.
• Safety Reminder: Always read and follow the label and product information before using any wood preservatives and biocidal products. Your safety is our priority.

For more detailed guidance on fixation times and storing treated timber, refer to the technical data sheet of the wood preservative or contact a Koppers expert at KPC@koppers.eu.

We're committed to supporting and advising our customers and the wood treatment industry.

Have questions or concerns about weather impacts on your timber products? Reach out to us for personalised assistance.