Wood surfaces and edges exposed to the weather will usually be surface treated to make them more weather resistant. Wood that is not naturally rot resistant and that will come in contact with moisture must be treated for rot and mold resistance. Creosote and pentachlorophenol are two commonly used wood preservatives that are quite toxic. Creosote is a dark-colored, oily tar that will outgas harmful vapors long after it has been applied.
Pentachlorophenol has been shown to cause liver damage in adults and fetal death and has been banned in some European countries. These substances should be prohibited for use in a healthy home. The wood treatment products discussed below do not contain these harmful ingredients.
Wood Treatment to Prevent Insect and Mold Infestation
• BioShield: Wood preservative oils
• Bora-Care: Low toxicity, borate-based, penetrating preservative containing glycol, used for protection against powder post beetles and subterranean termites
• Livos Donnos Wood Pitch Impregnation: Penetrating preservative for wood that is in contact with moisture
• PureColor: Two-stage stain formulation of pure mineral ions and oxygen catalyst for wood; no solvents, oils, VOCs, odors, acids, or bleaches; has antimicrobial and antifungal properties
• Shellguard and Armor-Guard: Borate- based wood preservatives for protection against wood-boring insects
• Timber Pro UV: Natural, plant-based, oil — based, waterborne breathable stain that seals and protects and is available in five standard and 40 custom colors with optional low-toxicity fungicide/algaecide (1 percent solution) providing mildew and algae resistance
• Timbor: Low toxicity, borate-based wood preservative that protects against drywood termites and wood decay fungi
• Weather-Bos’ The Boss: Four different formulas for protection of exterior wood surfaces
Wood Treatment to Provide Weather and UV Protection
Many wood treatment products for exterior use are solvent-based and highly volatile. They can continue to outgas for several days or even weeks. Although exterior applications will have far less impact on indoor air quality than products used inside the home, they will still affect the applicator and sensitive people who are in the vicinity. This problem can be completely avoided thanks to the wide range of more benign products now available. Some of these lower-impact products are:
• 9400 W Impregnant: Solvent-free, water — repellent, ultraviolet protective coating for interior/exterior wood; also effective in minimizing mold and mildew growth
• AFM Safecoat Durostain: Seven different earth pigment, semi-transparent wood stains for interior and exterior use
• BioShield: Wood preservative oils
• Hydrocote Polyshield: Interior and exterior polyurethane wood protection
• LifeTime Wood Treatment: Protects, stains, and beautifies wood products
• Livos Donnos Wood Pitch Impregnation: Penetrating preservative for wood in contact with moisture
• Livos Dubno Primer Oil: Undercoat for exterior wood
• OS Wood Protector: Preserves against water damage, mold, mildew, and fungus
• PureColor: Two-stage stain formulation of pure mineral ions and oxygen catalyst for wood; no solvents, oils, VOCs, odors, acids, or bleaches
• Timber Pro UV: Natural, plant-based, oil-based, waterborne breathable stain that seals and protects; available in five
standard and 40 custom colors with optional low-toxicity fungicide/algaecide (1 percent solution) providing mildew and algae resistance
• Weatherall UV Guard: Exterior acrylic wood finish that penetrates and seals, forming a protective shield against UV, rot, and decay; comes in clear and semitransparent finishes
• Weather-Bos’ The Boss: Four different formulas for protection of exterior wood surfaces
• Weather Pro: A water-based, water-repellent wood stain
Common products for stripping, cleaning, and brightening wood often contain harsh solvents. The following product is safer:
• Dekswood: Cleaner and brightener for exterior wood.
Wood adhesives commonly contain harmful solvents. However, solvent-free solutions are readily available and may be specified. The following adhesives are healthier choices for various wood related applications.
• 100% pure silicone caulk: Can be used as a subfloor adhesive; specify aquarium-grade caulk without additives
• Chapco 244: Acrylic urethane latex wood floor adhesive
• DAP/Dow Corning: 100% silicone sealant
• DriTac 7500: Solvent-free, zero-VOC wood flooring adhesive
• Elmer’s Carpenter’s Glue: Low-о dor, nontoxic, water-based glue for porous materials
. GE Silicone II: 100% silicone sealant for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications
• Roo Glue: Waterborne, environmentally safe adhesive for cabinetry, flooring, and most other construction materials
• Taylor Meta-Tec 2086 Tuff Lok-Link: GreenGuard certified solvent-free, low — odor polymer-based wood flooring adhesive
• Timberline 2051 Wood Flooring Adhesive: For laminated plank and parquet flooring
• Titebond Solvent Free Construction Adhesive: For plywood, paneling, and hard — board
• Titebond Solvent Free Subfloor Adhesive: For subfloors
