Cu-Bor Remedial Preservative Paste

Cu-Bor is a Copper/Boron wood preservative, used to treat the groundline area of standing wood structures such as utility poles. The highly effective active ingredients in Cu-Bor travel deep into the wood by diffusion (osmotic action). Cu-Bor's labeled uses include:

  • Brush-on
  • Spray
  • Dip/Diffusion
  • Pressure Treating

Cu-Bor is also a furnish treatment in engineered wood products and a railroad tie treatment. Cu-Bor is available in bulk and ready-to-use packaging.

Cu-Bor Documents

28 APR
2020

Synergy and Diffusion with a Borax–Copper Hydroxide Groundline Preservative: 20 Year Update

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A groundline remedial treatment containing 3.1% copper hydroxide (2% elemental copper) and 40% sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax) was applied to unseasoned pine posts prior to placement in a test site in southern Mississippi. The soundness of the posts was periodically evaluated using a push test. After 3.5, 6.5, 10, 15 and 20 years, sections were taken from two posts to determine retention of borax and copper hydroxide as a function of vertical position above ground and distance from the wood surface. Within 3.5 years of exposure all untreated control posts had failed. The upper portion of the treated posts became severely decayed after 6.5 – 10 years, but assay sections removed from posts were sound for 15 years. After 20 years one post remained sound through-out the assay area, while the other post was exhibiting some decay at groundline and above.
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Recommended Uses

 New Poles (especially those set in concrete)
 Used/Recycled Poles and Fence Posts
 Wood with Ground Contact
 Utility Poles with Disturbed Groundline or Grade Movement
 Utility Poles Stored for Extended Periods (6 months or more) Prior to Installation

Remedial Treatment

The principal cause of pole failure is decay, and the most common area for decay to occur is that portion of the pole from approximately 2 inches above groundline to approximately 18 inches below. The most accurate pole inspection method is to excavate this groundline area. For a marginal cost pole-owners can extend the service life of their poles by applying Cu-Bor externally and wrapping it with a moisture barrier before the excavation is closed.

Wood, however, is a biological commodity that can undergo deterioration by insects, decay fungi, termites, and mechanical destruction. In many ways wood poles, can outlast materials constructed of synthetic materials like concrete, fiberglass, steel and aluminum if well maintained and cared for in a consistent and timely manner.

 

Mike H. FreemanRemedial Treatment: Economic Benefits, Justification, and Auditing Techniques

Proven Performance

Ten year stake test in Hilo, HI proves Cu-Bor's efficacy A ten year stake test in Hilo, HI proves that our proprietary formula protects wood against fungal decay and termite attack, even in hostile environments.
Cu-Bor Brush-on Paste
Cu-Bor formulated as a brush-on paste protects wood in below ground installations like utility poles against decay. Cu-BorRemedial Paste Cu-Bor formulated as a brush-on paste protects wood in below ground installations like utility poles against decay. Easy to use it goes on fast and adheres to wood for minimal product waste.
Cu-Bor Ready-to-Use Pouches
Cu-Bor pouches are quickly and easily applied with no waste when used in accordance with labeled directions. Cu-BorPouch Bandages Cu-Bor pouches are quickly and easily applied with no waste when used in accordance with labeled directions. Our highly effective bandage design provides protection for wood against decay at the critical groundline area. The impermeable poly backing reduces non-target leaching and increases deep wood penetration.

Responsive to Today's Enviroment

 Cu-Bor has two active ingredients: copper hydroxide and sodium tetra borate decahydrate (Borax). The Copper and Boron in these two molecules have very low mammalian toxicity. Accidental or inadvertent worker exposure is unlikely to cause serious or irreversible injury. Cu-Bor is registered by United States Environmental Protection Agency as a pesticide against wood destroying insects and decay fungi. Cu-Bor exhibits volatile organic compound (VOC) content at less than one-sixth the limits defined by South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) for the wood preservative category of SCAQMD Rule 1113.Cu-Bor is fully compliant with all EPA and SCAQMD requirements.