BluWood Frequently Asked Questions
What is BluWood?
BluWood is the name given a two component factory application protecting wood framing materials from mold fungus growth, moisture, rot fungi decay and termite damage. The first component, Perfect Barrier DOT Wood Preservative, is an EPA registered fungicide/termiticide. The second component is a water repellent, vapor permeable sub-surface film that conditions wood, and will not support mold fungus growth on the applied film. BluWood provides a much needed service available to all of the wood framing components used in a structure: the roof system, wall system and floor system.
Where is BluWood used?
BluWood is approved for most all wood framing components used in residential and approved commercial structures. These Covered Structure components include structural lumber, plywood, OSB, subfloor panel products, engineered wood products, lumber for structural components (truss products), moldings and trim boards.
How is BluWood different from the many competitive products?
The most effective method of preventing mold fungus growth is to prevent water/moisture absorption. This is difficult to achieve. Unlike other mold preventive products that are available by job-site application, BluWood is applied to lumber, panel products and EWP by closely monitored quality assurance guidelines. Licensed factory application insures complete and consistent coverage that doesn't interfere with the construction of the building, and provides a Limited Life-Time Warranty.
Can BluWood be used in exterior applications?
Yes, this is an excellent primer, even for waterborne preservative treated wood, and will accept most exterior finish systems. It will continue to provide these unique features and compliment top coat products.
How long does BluWood last?
BluWood forms a unique bond with wood at the cellular level and is supported by a Limited Life-Time Warranty, transferable to qualified successors for 30 years.
How long does it take for BluWood to be effective?
The reaction with wood is immediate. Once the treatment is dry, all components can be exposed to the weather for up to six months.
Will BluWood be effective if mold is already present on the surface of the materials to be treated?
Yes, a powdery dust and stain may still remain, but the surface will have insignificant levels of microbial organisms and the warranty will be in affect.
Can BluWood be applied to pressure treated wood?
Yes, BluWood applied to waterborne preservative treated wood, will provide the same benefits of protection with no adverse affects.
Does this system have any affect on the structural properties of wood?
No, there are no adverse changes in the structural properties of wood when coated with BluWood.
Will the moisture controlling properties of BluWood have any affect on splitting, checking, warp, bow and other "natural" wood properties?
Yes, the water repellent property greatly reduces the intake of water into the surface of BluWood. The vapor permeable quality slows the moisture vapor transfer from the environment AND from within wood. Builders often experience more "usable" wood on the job-site, especially after the framing package has been delivered to the job-site and been exposed to rainfall or high moisture. Stabilizing building components with BluWood reduces unusable lumber left over on the job-site by as much as 25% or more.
Are there any other job-site benefits of the moisture controlling properties of BluWood with wood framing materials?
Yes, by controlling the water AND moisture absorption into the surface, inclement weather can be less of a delay during the framing stages of construction. Multi-family builders have reported fewer delays in construction due to the ability to work in safe, but high moisture, even light rain conditions. Using BluWood coated building components allows the contractor to continue after such events without the concern of trapping moisture within structural members and eventual mold growth.
Will BluWood react with truss plates, hangers and connectors?
Industry recognized third party testing was performed for corrosion on metal plates used for structural components. Results were confirmed that this treatment is non-reactive, and within 2% of the affects of water. In addition, major truss plate manufacturers have performed lateral resistance tests and similarly concluded that BluWood lumber has no adverse affects when used with plates, hangers or connectors.
Is BluWood effective when used with lumber that has moisture content above 19%?
Yes, BluWood forms a vapor permeable film within the cellular structure fiber of wood. This unique stabilizing affect helps control season checks, splits, cracks and excessive brittleness by allowing a more controlled and consistent seasoning. Our process is equally effective on unseasoned, green lumber, as well as kiln dried or air dried lumber.
Do job-site end cuts, electrical and mechanical cut-outs need to be treated?
Normal job-site exposed surfaces do not require treating for the warranty on mold fungus growth. We DO require that all end cuts and cut-outs be treated in those areas of known FORMOSAN termite infestation.
Does BluWood replace code required termite treatment programs (Primary Termite Treatment)?
No, you will still need to comply with local code requirements for approved termite protection provided by a professional Pest Control Operator. However, our warranty will be in force once the primary termite warranty claim provision is exhausted.
Are there environmental, toxicological or regulatory concerns with the use or disposal of BluWood building components?
BluWood can be recycled and has the same disposal requirements as non-treated wood. There are virtually no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) that can be released into the environment, and meets the EPA requirements for non-hazardous, non-polluting and non-carcinogenic materials. BluWood has no odor, will not emit gases, or create any other toxicological or environmental issues when used in the interior of a home.
What does the warranty cover?
In the highly unlikely event of a failure, the Limited Life-Time Warranty covers the actual cost of remedial repair, replacement, repair or re-installation of BluWood treated products. The affected area will then be re-certified. The Limited Life-Time Warranty to the initial building owner is transferable to qualified successors for 10 years, and can be transferred an unlimited number of times within 30 years of initial warranty registration.
How can I get BluWood wood framing components?
BluWood is licensed for factory application to BluWood Northeast. We supply major building material suppliers in the home building industry. For more information, please email us.