Sapstain Control

 

Sapstain Control is the use of specially formulated wood treatment products that are used to protect peeled logs from mold and stain causing fungi. Mold, mildew, and sapstain increase the wood's ability to hold water, thus increasing chances of decay.

Tips for Applying Sapstain Control Logs should be decked at least two feet above ground level. Keep the area under the logs free of grass, weeds, or anything that would prevent air circulation. Leave space between logs to allow air circulation. Apply the sapstain control late in the day so there is less chance of evaporation before it has penetrated the log surface.

Note: Timber-Tec and TM-5 are compatible with borate based products like PeneTreat (see Tim-bor), however, Tim-bor should be applied FIRST. If the sapstain control has already been applied to the logs, the preferred method is to apply Tim-bor after the final rinse before applying finish to maximize the amount of material in the wood.

Why Use Sapstain Control? As house logs or timbers are peeled or sawn, their surfaces are susceptible to sapstain fungi. Fungi are tiny, threadlike organisms, which utilize wood, or carbohydrates stored in wood cells, for food. Besides food, fungi require the presence of air (oxygen), water and warm temperatures to survive and grow. These fungi, as they move through the wood, can leave behind a colored stain of blue, black, red or brown. It is most commonly known as Blue Stain. This enhanced cross section outlines the sapstain inside the wood. A sapstain control product was used to stop the sapstain from reaching the outer surface.   These are Permanent discolorations and can be either an asset or a detriment, depending on expectations. These stains do not affect the wood's strength, but it is nature´s first step at preparing wood for future rot. This sapstain occurs in the wood while mildew (black) or mold (white) grows on the surface of logs or timbers and aids in the absorption of water into the wood. To help prevent these fungi from entering wood, spray the wood within 24 hours after peeling with Timber-Tec, TM-5, or another sapstain control. Do not spray prior to rain, for the spray will be washed off or diluted. One last note is that species like Balsam Fir, Spruce, and Cedar are not as susceptible to sapstain as are the pines. Aspen and high moisture woods may need higher concentrations of sapstain control and more frequent applications.  Questions on maintaining the legacy of your wood structure? Give us a call- 1-800-359-6614 Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc. 1101 SE 7th Avenue Grand Rapids MN 55744 www.loghelp.com