Bluwood Wood Framing Avoids Termites and Mold

Boron-Treated Material for Siding, Basement Remodeling, Studs, More

Jul 21, 2009

Bluwood is a home construction lumber treated to resist insect damage, wood rot, fungus, and mold. This green building practice was Brad Pitt's choice in New Orleans.

Blue wood is green construction? It might sound like an oxymoron, but it's true. The blue color in Bluwood home-building lumber comes from using a proprietary process that incorporates boron.

What is the Lumber Treating Procedure?

According to WoodSmart Solutions, the producer of Bluwood, this is a 2-part process, the first of which, “is an Infusion-Film that forms a water-repellent semi vapor permeable film interlocking with the wood fibers to provide controlled topical and subsurface moisture absorption. The Infusion Film is also specially formulated to resist mold growth on the cured surface of the film.”

The second part of the process is to apply what WoodSmart calls Perfect Barrier DOT Wood Preservative to the wood. DOT stands for Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate. DOT is more commonly known as borate, and this is what imparts the blue color to the treated wood.

This part of the process protects the structural parts of the home from insects such as the notorious Formosan Termite. It is also listed as a wood preservative, protecting against fungal decay.

Where Should Bluwood be Used?

Building codes that call for treated lumber to be used at all in residential wood framing generally only specify the lower parts of the structure, as well as projects such as basement framing. That's where damage resulting from termites and other pests is likely to occur, as well as water damage from moderate flooding.

But it's beneficial to use Bluwood higher up as well. The home's framing members may be subjected to moisture damage for a long time without giving any indication. For example, when the roof leaks, damaging trusses and rafters, but evaporating before giving evidence on the drywall ceiling in the living space.

Caulking failure around building components such as window trim, home siding, and flashing can also admit rain without giving evidence before it's too late. Extensive damage and costly repair can be minimized by spending a little more money up front (approximately $1.50 USD/square foot).

Is Bluwood Toxic?

No, boron is the active ingredient in the process and is non-toxic. In the past, wood was treated with many deadly materials or chemicals, such as arsenic, which is a poison, and creosote, which is a powerful carcinogen.

As an added health benefit, EcoBluProducts, Inc. states, “Building with BLUWOOD will provide for a mold free environment within the cavities of your home. Mold starts its growth in the moist cavities of the home and by the time you notice, it is too late. “

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The copyright of the article Bluwood Wood Framing Avoids Termites and Mold in Home Interiors is owned by Kelly Smith. Permission to republish Bluwood Wood Framing Avoids Termites and Mold in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.