The new edition of this comprehensive study of national and international research and application into wood preservation is both well detailed and broad in coverage.

The text covers the history of preservation: the anatomy of timbers and their breakdown, preservation principles, materials and methods.

Contents

Preface.

Preservation technology.
Introduction.
Preservation principles.
Wood structure.
Wood degradation.
Biodegradation.
Moisture content fluctuations.
Fire.
Preservation systems.
Preservation mechanisms.
Application techniques.
Evaluating preservative systems.
Preservation chemicals.
Preservative types.
Tar oils. Inorganic compounds.
Organic compounds.
Organometal compounds.
Water repellents, stabilizers and decorative systems.
Fire retardants.
Stain control. Remedial treatments.
Practical preservation.
General principles.
Uses of preserved wood.
Health and the environment.
Further reading.
Appendices.
Index.