What is the best antiseptic for rafters? How to treat rafters and sheathing? What is the best way to protect against rotting and fire? How to treat roof rafters

The rafter system, being an important component of the structure of the roof and the entire house, is often made from lumber. Wood, as you know, is susceptible to biological decomposition, mold, mildew, and insects. Therefore, in order to protect the material of construction, it is necessary to carry out processing rafter system special compounds. And how to treat rafters is described in detail in this review.

Basic properties of protective compounds

Protective agents (antiseptics) used to treat rafters, sheathing and other wooden roof elements have the following important properties:

They penetrate deeply into the wood.
They are applied easily to the surface and dry quickly.
Do not interfere with normal ventilation of the processed material.
Safe for humans and animals, non-volatile, do not irritate the skin.
They do not lose their properties upon contact with water.
Create a reliable protective barrier from biological destruction and fire of wood.

Most protective agents can also improve decorative properties. wooden elements. This is achieved due to the alkyd resin contained in the composition, which changes the shade of the wood.

Unified characterization of properties requires more detailed consideration in the context of a specific composition. Therefore, on preparatory stage it is necessary to correctly prioritize and decide on the main processing task. For operation in humid climates, the following processing sequence will be optimal:

The first layer is a deeply penetrating antiseptic.
The next step is the application of fire retardants, which make the wood resistant to fire.

It is important to maintain consistency when processing rafters. The enhancement of specific properties - biological resistance or fire protection - depends on which composition is applied first.

Types of wood preservatives

Wood antiseptic is an impregnating composition that has special properties aimed at destroying mold, mildew and insects that destroy the integrity of lumber.

Types of wood antiseptics depending on the purpose:

Preventive - used for initial stages, immediately after purchasing lumber.
Medicinal - designed to eliminate existing problems when the wood has already rotted or been damaged by insects. Sometimes it is appropriate to use such compositions as a preventive treatment, when it is assumed that the structure will be operated in unfavorable conditions (high humidity).

Types of antiseptics depending on the composition:

Water-soluble ones are used for preventive purposes to treat surfaces that will not have direct contact with water in the future.
Oil paints are used in cases where it is necessary to protect wood from moisture. The disadvantage of such means is flammability, bad smell and the ability to change the color of the material.
Antiseptics based organic solvents used in wood processing to give it hydrophobic (water-repellent) and adhesive (improving adhesion) properties. Can be used for both outdoor and interior work. After drying, they form a protective film.
Combined - combine several properties (protect against insects, mold, mildew, and at the same time have fire-retardant properties).
Winter antiseptics are used at temperatures as low as -15°C.

When choosing antiseptics for treating the rafter system, pay attention to Special attention for instructions. Certain products can cause metal corrosion and react with adhesive compositions and sealants may be toxic.

Let's look at examples of antiseptics from various manufacturers:

	Antiseptic "Senezh Ecobio" is intended to protect wood from rotting, mold, blue stains and insects (wood borers) indoors and outdoors. outdoors(under a canopy) under conditions of hygroscopic and condensation moisture without contact with the ground, exposure atmospheric precipitation, soil moisture alone or as a bioprotective primer for paints and varnishes.
	"Pinotex Impra" (Pinotex Impra) is an antiseptic (impregnation) for treating wood with deep penetration, water-based with a high content of biocides. Protects hidden wooden structures from mold, blue stains and rot. Has a green indicator to ensure uniform application. It has excellent impregnating properties and prevents moisture from penetrating into wood. Easy to apply, without splashing or drips. Does not have a pungent odor.
	"Drevotex" is a remedy against the possible occurrence of rot, mold and insects inside wood. Designed for processing wooden structures that are located indoors or under a canopy. Suitable for use in moderate weather conditions. It practically does not wash out when moisture gets on it and does not interfere with the passage of air to the wood.

It is worth noting that there were particular examples of antiseptic compositions considered. If we study the entire range in more detail, we can highlight huge variety funds. So, for example, in the Senezh line of antiseptics there are the following positions:

“Senezh aquadecor” is a tinted antiseptic on an alkyd-acrylate base with a UV filter and wax for long-term protection and finishing of wood.
"Senezh ecobio" - economical colorless antisepticfor indoors and wooden structures under a canopy.
"Senezh Ultra" is an economical, hard-to-clean antiseptic for wood for external and internal use.
"Senezh" is a preservative, difficult-to-wash-out antiseptic for critical structures in harsh operating conditions.
"Senezh Bio" is a preservative, difficult-to-wash-out antiseptic for residential buildings in harsh operating conditions.
"Senezh impra" is a concentrated, non-washable antiseptic without chromium for deep impregnation wood

Fire retardants for rafter systems

Fire retardants are special compounds that increase wood's resistance to fire and reduce flammability.

In most cases, fire retardants are applied as a second layer after antiseptics. However, if there is a high risk of fire in the rafter system, then they must be used as the main impregnation.

Depending on the specific purpose, fire retardants are divided into:

Impregnations - salt solutions.
Coating agents are in paste form.
Varnishes are used as decorative coating.
Paints create a thin film on the surface of the wood, which provides protection from fire.

When using fire retardant as the main means of treating rafters, the best option there will be impregnation. Coating compounds are suitable if they are applied over an antiseptic.

Let's look at examples of compositions based on flame retardants from various manufacturers:

	The product "Senezh Ognebio" is intended for comprehensive protection of wood from fire, flame spread, rot, mold, blue stains and insects (woodworms) indoors and outdoors (under a canopy) under conditions of hygroscopic and condensation moisture without contact with the ground, exposure to precipitation , soil moisture.
	"Pirilax-Classic" (Pirilax Classic) is a fire- and bioprotective impregnating composition for wood and wood-based materials. For external and internal works. The product protects wood from fire and stops the spread of flames. Destroys mold and wood-staining fungi, algae and prevents their reappearance. Protects against woodworm beetles. Increases service life wooden buildings. Reduces wood cracking and preserves the surface. Compatible with most paints and varnishes.
	"Neomid 450-1" is a highly effective fire protection and antiseptic agent for wood for external and internal work under conditions that prevent the composition from being washed out from the treated surface. Converts wood into a low-flammability and low-combustibility material, providing Group I (first) fire-retardant efficiency, protects against rotting and mold. Designed for comprehensive protection against fire and biological damage to wooden structures and products (walls, beams, building systems, load-bearing beams, ceilings, joists, window and door blocks).

As you can see, most fire retardants for rafters and other structures, containing fire retardants, also perform antiseptic functions. In fact, these are universal products with a pronounced fire-resistant effect.

Methods for applying protective compounds to rafters and sheathing

Same. Wood protection measures can be carried out in several ways:

Immersion method. In this case, the rafters are treated by completely immersing them in an antiseptic. To work, you will need a large container (a bathtub or a regular pit covered with plastic film) filled with a protective compound.
Surface application - spraying, spraying or painting. This technology is less effective. Therefore, for high-quality treatment, the compositions must be applied to the rafters and sheathing in several layers with an interval for drying.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that soft wood absorbs more antiseptic than hard wood, and conifers In addition, they can release resin, which negatively affects the protective properties after processing. Also, as noted above, it is important to decide how to process the rafters, and in what order to do it. Thus, the first applied product affects the protective characteristics more than the subsequent layer of another product.

Treating rafters with special compounds that prevent biological destruction and reduce the risk of fire allows you to extend the service life of the rafter system.

Changing the properties of wood

For the construction of wooden structures, in particular, the rafter system of a house, wood of various species can be used, each of which has its own properties and degree of resistance to external influences. When choosing lumber, you need to pay attention to such characteristics as:

wood moisture level;
grade (presence of cracks, knots, etc.);
moisture resistance;
wood resistance to rot and pests.

To increase the resistance of the material to biological destruction, it is necessary to treat beams, rafters and other elements of the roof frame with special means. At the same time, we must not forget about fire retardants, which give wood an unusual resistance to fire.

At the pre-construction stage, it is important to decide on the means that will be used for processing. Today on the construction market there is wide choose antiseptics, fire retardants and universal fire-bioprotective agents that need to be used to treat elements of the rafter system.

Selection of means and order of processing of the rafter system

Biological destruction refers to wood rotting (infestation by fungi and microorganisms) and the impact of pests on wood fibers (primarily wood-boring beetles). To protect the rafters from biological destruction, antiseptic treatment is necessary. If the wood is already damaged, it must be impregnated with a disinfectant. Otherwise, in a humid climate, destruction of the rafter system will occur in short time. The danger of fire always remains, and fire-retardant treatment of wooden elements is relevant when constructing a rafter system in regions with any climate.

When using an antiseptic and fire retardant, you need to choose the right order of application: one composition (the main one) should be an impregnation that penetrates deep into the wood, the second should be a coating that creates a top protective layer.

If the area is not arid, it is recommended that you first take care of protecting the rafters from rotting. High-quality impregnation with an antiseptic will create a reliable barrier to fungus and pests. Coating with a fire retardant will help reduce the risk of fire.

In regions with arid climates, you should worry about fire protection and impregnate beams and rafters with fire retardants. To prevent wood from being damaged by rot or bugs, a bioprotective composition is applied to the surface of the wooden elements.

You can antisepticize the rafter system by various means. There are special compositions that destroy the larvae of pests - wood-boring beetles, drugs are offered that successfully combat common black rot, etc. When buying an antiseptic, you need to make the right choice based on the specifics of specific conditions. It is impossible to mix different preparations, as their combined effect on wood fibers can be destructive.

Rafter processing

To provide reliable protection wooden elements of the rafter system, it is not recommended to process the finished roof frame. In this case, the most problematic areas remain inaccessible: fastening points. Moisture can penetrate the joints and cause rotting of untreated wood. To eliminate this, you need to carefully process the rafters, beams and other parts of the structure before installing the rafter system.

It should be borne in mind that impregnation of finished structures with an antiseptic using a brush or spray is less effective than the immersion method, which can be applied to individual elements of the roof frame.

Full treatment of rafters involves deep impregnation of the wood with an antiseptic. The maximum effect can be achieved only in production conditions, since for better penetration protective composition, the wood should be heated and the solution should be supplied under pressure. Processing directly on the construction site is of lower quality, but with a careful approach it also gives a good result.

To use the immersion method, it is necessary to build a container of the required dimensions, taking into account the length of the rafters and the width of the beam. For this purpose, a ditch of a certain depth is dug, or a long box is knocked together from boards. In both cases, the surface of the improvised container is lined with plastic film, which is secured to the sides. Next, pour a diluted antiseptic into the container (the concentration of the composition is indicated by the manufacturer) and alternately immerse the beams, rafters and other wooden parts. Each structural element must be kept in the solution for 2-3 minutes.

Rafters and other parts of the roof frame should be dried for about a day, placing them in such a way that all sides are ventilated.

The ends of the rafters, grooves and cuts need to be treated especially carefully, since these places near the rafters are the most vulnerable. To do this, the rafters, already impregnated by immersion, are additionally treated with an antiseptic in problem areas using a paint brush.

If you have to process beams, rafters and other structural elements by applying surface impregnation using a roller, sprayer or brush, you need to carry out the work at least twice. Before the first and second treatments against pests and rot, the wooden parts must be completely dry..

Treatment of rafters should be carried out in the warm season. There is no point in treating frozen and damp wood - the fibers will not absorb the antiseptic. Antiseptic treatment should be carried out in compliance with safety precautions - protective equipment must be used. The compositions used can cause a chemical burn if they come into contact with unprotected skin.

After the antiseptic has penetrated into the wood fibers and the part has completely dried, it must be treated with a fire retardant. The coating composition is applied to the surface of the rafters with a brush or soft paint brush, you can use a small roller. The product is diluted in the concentration specified by the manufacturer.

Wooden rafters have been used in construction since ancient times. They have excellent performance characteristics and are easy to process. You should take care of the means for treating the rafters long before you begin assembling the roof frame.

Why do you need to treat rafters?

The fact that wood is susceptible to rot is well known. Microorganisms that appear in it destroy the fibers, as a result of which the material loses its quality characteristics.

The strength of the rafters is also determined by the type of wood. During construction roofing structure In most cases, coniferous wood is used, which easily ignites due to its high resin content.

For real evaluation negative factors, which can adversely affect the roof structure, an analysis of the characteristics of a particular region is necessary. In high humidity climates, the main danger is possible rotting of wooden elements. In hot climates, the first thing to think about is protecting the structure from fire.

Here you will find out what it looks like and learn about the features of its installation.

If you are interested in how much it costs to repair a house roof and how to choose the right materials, take a look.

Different tree species differ in their degree of susceptibility to rot. The application of special compounds can protect against both fungus and mold.

What product should be used to treat the rafters first, and which ones can be chosen as an addition? This issue must be resolved in advance, since it is impossible to impregnate the material twice: first antiseptic composition, then antipyretic for flame protection. This issue is also resolved depending on the climate. The impregnation should be the main composition, penetrating deep into the wood fiber. After this, coating is carried out with an additional composition.

What should I impregnate the material with?

So, impregnations can be antiseptic and antipyretic. You can purchase wood already processed, but in most cases it is still sawed directly on site, so new cuts need to be impregnated.

Antipyretics

This group includes substances of the first and second efficiency groups. They can provide a certain percentage of weight loss of the processed wood material(up to 9 and 30%). Regardless quality characteristics rafters require regular checking of their condition. In case of non-compliance with the standards, restoration work must be carried out.

Fire retardant materials are of the following types:

Impregnations– are solutions of salts, the application of which is carried out in three ways:

manual;
immersion method;
under pressure.

Coatings are mixtures of paste-like consistency.

Lucky used in cases where it is necessary to preserve the beautiful natural grain of wood.

Paints– when they are carried, an opaque thin film is formed on the surface.

It should be taken into account that fire retardant impregnations can be intended for both closed and open areas.

Antiseptics

The classification of antiseptics is somewhat different. They are purely protective and may have decorative effect.

The group of protective antiseptics is divided into the following types:

easy to wash;
difficult to wash out;
washable.

Antiseptic compositions can be dissolved in oil, water, light solvents, and petroleum products. For construction, as a rule, water-soluble antiseptics are used. They have a number of advantages:

dry very quickly;
form a durable film on wood;
allow the wood to “breathe”.

The basis of antibacterial impregnations with a decorative effect are alkyd resins. As a result of appropriate processing, ordinary pine can turn into a tree of any valuable species. The impregnation contains a solvent, which ensures good adhesion and penetration of substances to a sufficient depth.

Which composition to choose?

In non-arid areas, the tree suffers more from the effects of the fungus. Rafters are processed taking into account their initial condition. Mainly used aqueous solutions a certain means. But if the tree is already affected by fungus, it is necessary to use special disinfectant impregnations.

To protect wood from beetle larvae, special compounds must be used. It should be borne in mind that simultaneous treatment of rafters with several drugs is not entirely safe, since they can react with each other.

Today, hardware stores offer a large number of compounds that can be used for impregnation rafter beams gives excellent results. Drevotex, Senezh, Rogneda, Olympus have proven themselves well. They are distinguished by their environmental safety, non-toxicity and durability of the results obtained.

Some of these formulations are produced in series that are intended for various types disinfection and various purposes:

from mold development;
from fungus;
from a beetle;
for processing the end parts of the building.

Complex processing makes it possible full protection the entire rafter system.

The consumption of the substance in industry is approximately three kilograms per cubic meter wood When used at home there is no need for such large volumes. In these cases, the product is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:9. When applied in two layers, the consumption is no more than 200 ml of the finished product to treat one square meter surfaces. However, this approach is not justified from a professional point of view: experts say that for reliable processing it is necessary to apply at least 5-8 layers.

Impregnation requirements

The wood impregnation agent must be completely soluble in water and not contain chromium and arsenic compounds.
It is very important that the impregnation does not wash off, since fixing the components of the product in the thickness of the wood is extremely necessary.
A high-quality and correctly selected composition should reliably protect wood from destructive biological factors: fungi, microorganisms, insects.
If additional protection of the rafter system is necessary from possible exposure to fire after installation is completed roofing An antipyretic is applied to it by spraying.

Basic methods of wood processing

Impregnation (or surface impregnation) of wood can be done in two main ways:

immersion in a protective composition;
spraying with a spray bottle and applying with a roller or brush.

Features of the immersion method

Wooden elements are immersed in a special bath with a protective agent. Treatment can be carried out with a cold solution, the temperature of which corresponds to the temperature environment, or hot - from 50 to 60 degrees.

The third method of impregnation is contrast. When using it, the wood is first immersed in hot impregnation, after which it is quickly transferred to cold impregnation of a similar concentration. The sudden cooling method enhances capillary suction. In a similar way, wood can be impregnated to a 20 percent moisture level.

Duration of the procedure

Previously, impregnation methods were divided into two types: long and short - the wood could be kept from several days in a cold solution to 15-120 minutes inside a hot one.

Today, wood processing has lost its relevance within a few days. Offered by the construction market the latest tools are much more effective compared to previous generation products.

If it is necessary to process wood to the maximum depth, special devices are used, with the help of which the impregnation process is carried out under pressure.

Manufacturers of impregnation products must accurately indicate the method and duration of wood treatment in the instructions for use.

Material moisture

The moisture level of the wood has a significant impact on the duration of impregnation and its quality. The higher the moisture content of the material, the better it will be saturated. If it is necessary to process wood above the degree of natural fiber saturation (in the case of pine, this figure is 28-29%), it is recommended to use more concentrated solutions or increase the length of time the wood is in a bath filled with the composition.

The immersion method is successfully practiced by construction companies. The only limiting factor today is the parameters of the tank used for immersion, since the rafters are quite large structural elements.

Spraying, Spraying, Application Method

The distinctive properties of this method are simplicity and low cost. Its main advantage is the ability to impregnate ready-made structures. Disadvantages of this method:

in terms of efficiency, it is significantly inferior to the immersion method: the depth of penetration of the composition into the thickness of the wood is only a few millimeters;
the second significant disadvantage of spraying is that the hidden parts of an already erected structure cannot be processed properly.
When using a less concentrated solution or applying an insufficient number of layers (for example, to save money), it is not possible to achieve a sufficient level of protection for the wood, as a result of which it is subject to deterioration over time.
When using impregnation, you must follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the amount of solution and method of its application. You cannot limit yourself to applying two or three layers of a substance if five or six are needed.

Processing of the rafter system

The technology used in industry to preheat wood is quite complex. During the process of immersing a tree in a cold solution, it quickly cools down, which leads to the formation of reduced pressure in it. This ensures more deep penetration disinfectant composition. The elements are kept inside the container for several hours. A similar operation is also carried out in autoclaves under conditions high blood pressure, after which excess chemicals are removed using a vacuum method. When carrying out the procedure in a factory environment, the composition penetrates to a depth of 15 mm.

Processing can also be carried out independently. Very often there is a need to carry it out in an already constructed building. In this case, the solution is applied using a brush or roller. This surface coating lasts approximately 2-8 years. In such cases, deep impregnation is possible only with the help of special devices or under pressure.

It is for this reason that it is optimal to process parts before assembling the structure - by immersion.

Regardless of the chosen method the most important rules When processing rafters, care must be taken to handle the impregnating layer and maintain its integrity. Damage may be caused by being dropped from a significant height or coming into contact with sharp-edged instruments.

Universal remedies: to use or not to use?

Repeated processing and coating is a rather labor-intensive process. Of course, I would like to limit myself to a one-time treatment of the rafters with a universal solution, followed by drying and installation in place.

Similar impregnations are already commercially available. They contain not only an antiseptic component that protects against fungus and mold, but also an antipyretic in the form of a solution of certain salts, which protects the material from fire.

Despite its superficial appeal, this “universal” method has one significant drawback: when using it, it is not possible to determine whether the material has been properly impregnated or not. After the layer has dried, processing can no longer be continued, since the wood has already formed protective film.

In addition, the duration of exposure to the additives included in the product can vary significantly. For example, the effect of antiseptics lasts 2 years, and antipyretics – 10 years. In this case, the wood will be protected from fire, but fungus will appear in it or rot will begin. In this case, re-impregnation with the solution is impossible, since the protective film is still preserved. Conclusion: it is better to abandon the dubious versatility and choose a method that provides high-quality processing.

CONCLUSIONS:

Treatment of rafters is necessary to protect them from rotting and exposure to flame.
With high humidity, the main danger is possible rotting of wooden elements. In hot climates, the first thing to think about is protecting the structure from fire.
Fire retardants are produced in the form of impregnations, coatings, varnishes, and paints.
Antiseptics are purely protective and can have a decorative effect.
Simultaneous treatment of rafters with several drugs is unsafe, since they can react with each other.
Surface impregnation of wood is carried out by immersion in a protective composition or by spraying with a spray bottle and applying with a roller or brush.
The higher the moisture content of the material, the better it is impregnated.
When using impregnation, you must follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the amount of solution and method of its application.
The universal products offered to consumers cannot provide adequate protection of rafter elements.

Find out how to prepare wood impregnation with your own hands from the video.

Even if the roof structure is equipped with an ideal under-roof ventilation system, the roof always remains an element of the house exposed to moisture. Outside is precipitation, and inside is air vapor rising from warm rooms premises and condensation in the upper part of the house, in particular on load-bearing structures roofs - wooden rafters. Open areas are primarily exposed to constant exposure to moisture. wooden structures - lower crowns from logs and timber, frame elements. This is especially true for areas with a humid climate.

A humid environment promotes the proliferation of microorganisms and insects. Therefore, mold and fungi can form on wooden surfaces, contributing to wood rotting. In addition to these microorganisms, wood-boring insects can choose roof rafters as a favorable habitat. Therefore, first of all, wooden roof structures require bioprotection - a treatment that is safe for people and animals, but prevents the proliferation of insects and microorganisms chemical agent.

And of course, the second enemy that lies in wait for the roof rafters is fire. Wood is a flammable material. And this should not be forgotten, especially in areas with arid, hot climates. Therefore, for complete confidence in the fire safety of rafters, it is also recommended to treat them with fire retardants - fire protection agents.

Which product should I choose to treat rafters?

The modern market offers many effective means for bio- and fire protection of wooden structures. However, if you use them separately, the wood must be processed in several stages. First, an antiseptic is applied in several layers, and only then with fire retardants. As a result, the process becomes quite lengthy and labor-intensive. Therefore, the most modern scientific development in the field of protecting wooden surfaces are universal products that contain both surfactants that prevent the proliferation of microorganisms and insects, and salt solutions that, upon contact with fire, form a resistant fire-retardant film. As a result, wood changes its properties and becomes a highly flammable material.

One of the most modern universal products is TECHNONICOL Fire and Bioprotection of Wood (10 and 20 l). The impregnation contains a complex of highly effective biocides and fire retardants. The product is safe for people and animals, does not contain arsenic and chromium compounds.

It is ideal for protecting wooden structures used both indoors and outdoors. However, the external elements should not come into contact with the ground and be exposed to precipitation.

Advantages of TECHNONICOL wood fire protection

The product is applied once at a rate of at least 500 g/m². It is at this level of impregnation that wood becomes a material that is difficult to ignite and acquires the properties of substances that belong to group I of fire protection.
Impregnation provides fire protection for more than 7 years, and bioprotection for 20 years, which eliminates the process of rotting under the fire retardant film.
The structure and properties of wood do not change during processing; the impregnation is not subject to aging, leaching and salting out.
The product can be applied both for the first time and on previously treated surfaces. After this, the wooden surfaces can be glued together and covered with any paint and varnish materials.

Application rules

Wooden surfaces need to be cleared of shavings, sawdust, dust and old paint. If the wood has already been infected with mold, which has affected the color change, it is necessary to use wood bleach before applying the impregnation.
If the product is used on finished design roofing, then a roller, brush, or sprayer are used. At the same time, it is applied generously and evenly.
If the rafters have not yet been installed, it is better to immerse them in the solution for 30-60 minutes. This method is convenient for simultaneous processing large quantity wood parts.
Processing must be carried out at a temperature not lower than +5°C. In this case, it is necessary to prevent water and precipitation from coming into contact with the treated surfaces.
When using impregnation, you need to protect glass surfaces. It is mandatory to use personal protective equipment: goggles, mask, gloves. If the solution gets on your skin or eyes, you need to rinse these areas. big amount water.

Make sure your roof rafters serve you well long years. Applying a universal fire protection agent to wooden structures will help you significantly save on roof repairs during its long-term operation.

For the manufacture of rafter frame in most cases, wood is used, which is susceptible to moisture and is very flammable. These factors must be dealt with, since restoring a destroyed rafter system will require much more effort. About how to treat rafters and sheathing to protect against fire and moisture, and we'll talk In this article.

Requirements for protective compounds

All products used to process rafter systems must meet the following requirements:

Possibility of deep impregnation of wood;
Absence from the lineup copper sulfate, potassium bichromate, arsenic or chromium;
The ability to dissolve in water, but at the same time stick well to the surface of the wood even when it gets wet;
Ensuring reliable protection of rafters and sheathing from various biological factors and ignition.

When deciding what to impregnate the rafters with, you must first consider what affects the rafter system the most. If the region where the building is located is characterized by high air humidity, then antiseptics that need to be soaked into the wood will be most relevant. The sequence of processing is important - the composition applied first works much more efficiently than subsequent layers.

Types and characteristics of antiseptics - what is better to treat

Most antiseptics for rafter systems can increase the decorative properties of the structure when applied due to the alkyd resin included in the composition, which changes the shade of the wood.

The most popular antiseptics are water-soluble, which have the following advantages:

Deep penetration into the wood structure;
Easy to apply and quick to dry;
Possibility of normal ventilation of wood;
Creation of a moisture-proof film on the surface of wooden elements.

Regardless of the characteristics of the antiseptic, it should protect the wood well from germs, insects and fungi. In addition, any antiseptic for rafters must be harmless to human health.

Methods for applying antiseptic to rafters and sheathing

Treatment of the rafter system with an antiseptic is carried out by the impregnation method, which can be performed by completely immersing the elements of the rafter system in the composition or by surface application protective agent.

To process wood using the first method, you need any large container - a bathtub, a trough or a regular pit. The main thing is to completely cover it with plastic wrap before diving. The time required for deep impregnation of wood varies widely: thin wood can be impregnated in half an hour, while processing large structures can take up to four hours. When the impregnation of the rafter system is completed, you need to dry the part for 24 hours and process its edges.

All other methods - spraying, spraying or painting - are significantly less effective. But processing the rafter system using these methods will be somewhat simpler, and much less antiseptic will be required. In order for the treatment to be of high quality, the coating must be applied in several layers, allowing each of them to dry for at least half an hour.

The most popular antiseptics

One of the most common protective agents is the roof antiseptic Senezh, which has many advantages, including:

Long service life, reaching 30-35 years;
Reliable coating and good resistance to washing off;
Excellent penetration into wood;
Ensuring normal ventilation of the tree;
Good decorative properties.

The water-soluble composition Senezh is excellent for processing wooden elements of the rafter system and sheathing. Penetrating into the wood structure, this impregnation for rafters provides two-layer protection against fungus, mold, insects and various microorganisms. Senezh product is available in several series - Ultra, Thor, Bio and Sauna, each of which is suitable for use in specific situations.

Another good remedy, suitable for processing the rafter frame - Pinotex Impra (Estonia). This antiseptic is made on the basis of water, and an alkyd substance is used as a binder. Pinotex quite effectively protects wood from various biological damage. Main disadvantage– treating rafters with Pinotex antiseptic is not possible if they are already damaged.

A good alternative to foreign products is the domestic antiseptic Drevotex, which provides reliable protection of the wooden elements of the rafter frame from moisture and biological factors. This product is produced in several series: the Bio series is used to treat new boards, and the compositions of the Anti-Mold series are designed specifically for restoring wood that already has lesions.

Drevotex practically does not wash out when moisture gets on it and does not interfere with the passage of air to the wood. The service life of the applied coating can reach 30 years. If you approach the issue of choosing a series wisely, then this product is perfect for any situation. Before choosing, you should check the wood for humidity - many antiseptics are not suitable for treating wood with a humidity above 20%.

Types and characteristics of fire retardants for the rafter system

Fire retardants are agents that increase wood's resistance to fire and reduce flammability. When deciding whether to treat the rafters with a fire retardant, it is worth understanding which factors will have a stronger impact on the frame. Most often, these products are applied secondarily, but if there is a high risk of fire truss structure, then they should be used as the main impregnation.

All fire retardants are divided into two effectiveness groups. The first group is more efficient and durable - these products provide fire protection for about 5-7 years. The second group, accordingly, is somewhat less effective.

Depending on the individual characteristics Flame retardants are classified as follows:

Impregnations. These substances are salt solutions that are applied to the wood by immersion or manual processing.
Lubricants. This category of fire retardants is distinguished by its paste form.
Lucky. Varnishes are most often used as a decorative coating, so their use for treating rafters would be inappropriate.
Paints. These products create a thin film on the surface of the wood, which provides protection from fire.

If you plan to use a fire retardant as the main protective agent, then it is worth using impregnations. When applying a fire retardant over an antiseptic, coating compounds are best suited. The technology for treating wood with fire retardants is no different from the technology for applying antiseptics.

Fire retardant Neomid for treating wooden roofing elements

One of the most popular means used for fire protection is Neomid, suitable for processing all types of wood. There are many varieties of Neomid - in addition to increasing fire resistance, they can act as antiseptics, protecting wood from the most typical influences.

The list of advantages of this product looks very impressive and includes the following qualities:

Long service life (up to 10 years);
Presence of antiseptic properties;
No toxic or hazardous substances to human health in the composition;
If necessary, the wood can be treated over Neomid;
Wood after treatment does not change the degree of moisture absorption;
Protective composition Water-based neomid can be used immediately after purchase, without additional preparation.

Conclusion

Before processing the rafter frame, you must decide how to process the rafters first. The composition applied first affects the characteristics of the wood much more than the next layer of protection.