Wood is a natural building material. Moist wood is used by fungi and insects as a nutrient or habitat. However, what is desirable in the biological cycle can lead to damage in the case of wood used in construction. This can be prevented with wood preservatives. We conduct research in the field of chemical wood protection and test wood preservatives according to European standards. This data can serve as the basis for the effectiveness assessment according to BPV (EU 528/2012). Our practical tests help to assess the effectiveness in practice (noise barriers, railway sleepers, poles). In the interest of sustainability, wood must be protected with wood preservatives.
Wood preservative testing
The area of chemical wood preservation deals with the preservation of wood and wood products against damage caused by wood-destroying and wood-staining organisms, mainly by means of chemical substances.
The field of work includes the research and testing of wood preservatives using laboratory methods and practical field tests (exposure studies with model wood parts, field tests for freshly cut sawn timber). The results provide information about the effectiveness and can be used to estimate the service life. This data is also used by our customers as part of the approval process for wood preservatives BPV (EU 528/2012) by the approving authority.
Material protection, durability and harmful organisms
We also carry out tests for building materials other than wood that require proof of resistance against attacks by microorganisms. Standard processes are also available for determining the natural durability of wood and wood products.
If priorly unnoticed damage caused by fungi and/or insects is discovered during a renovation process, we determine the harmful organisms and make recommendations for remediation. We are often confronted with the problem of mould growth. Here, too, we help with our expertise and carry out determinations of total spore count as proof when mould infestation is suspected.
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Chemical wood preservation
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Effectiveness against wood-destroying fungi
Depending on the application method, testing is carried out in accordance with EN 113-1 (toxic values) or in accordance with EN 839 (surface treatment). Both standards are used in conjunction with aging processes (EN 73 and EN 84). The effectiveness against Soft rot fungi will be tested according to ENV 807.
Effectiveness against wood-staining fungi
Paint products are tested according to EN 152 (after natural or artificial weathering), the effectiveness of anti-sap stain preservatives for freshly sawn timber according to CEN TS 15082 in field trials.
Efficacy against dry wood insects
Preventive protection is tested according to EN 47 (toxic values) or EN 46 (surface treatment), eradicant action according to EN 1390. The former is used in conjunction with (EN 73 and EN 84). A house longhorn beetle breeding is available for this.
Testing the natural durability
This is tested according to EN 113-2 (use class 3) and according to CEN/TS 15083-2 (use class 4); if desired, according to EN 84. This enables the use of wood species without chemical wood protection.
Biocidal protection of building materials
Many building materials have to be protected against microbial infestation. We carry out numerous test procedures to assess the effectiveness of biocidal protection of building materials. Further information on request.
Exposure studies
To assess the suitability for use of impregnated wood, model wood parts (e.g. facade elements) can be tested using our own methods or standard procedures (NT Build 509 or CEN/TS 16663).
Available infrastructure:
- Microbiological laboratory equipment
- Microscopy laboratory (reflected and transmitted light microscopy)
- House longhorn beetle breeding
- Outdoor weathering stands
- Artificial weathering devices (QUV, wind tunnel according to EN 73)
