hi, has anyone information about the toxicity and chemical reaction of used engine oil when applied to roof beams (chestnut). Does it for instance off-gas when heated? And will it damage the integrity of the wood? Phil
tony
12 Jul 2010, 12:20 PM
Not all oil is the same but most contain heavy metals It wont damage the integrity of the wood
It is smelly but that is temporary but some of the smells may be carcinogenic, it is also yucky, dirty and black nasty stuff.
Wood is generally OK untreated so long as it is kept dry (No roof leaks).
I once say a thousand year old wood lintel and that was exposed and untreated.
heinbloed
12 Jul 2010, 10:22 PM
If it is sweet chestnut timber it won't need any preservative. Wine barrels and piers are made from sweet chestnut. It's different with horse chestnut (conkers).
The health and safety authorities will have the necessary information about the risks involved when using uncertified timber preservatives. Think about the self ignition risk, the fire risk as such. I would say no insurance would cover such a building, be it the building's cover on it's own or the owner's personal liability insurance.
The EU demands waste oil to be collected at special sites, allowed to handle hazardous waste.
