We are delighted to showcase Protek ESP in this issue of Building & Construction Review with our Commitment to Excellence.
Combating water damage in the plywood industry is paramount for increased product longevity. Back in 2022, Protek designed a new product ‘ESP Panels’ (Edge Sealant Protection) for Gloucester Timber Company (GTC): following a R&D brief to prevent delamination. Joint Managing Director: Harriet Farquhar has a BSc in Biology and was delighted when the positive initial test results came in, “ESP Panel seals plywood edges to prevent delamination, a common cause of structural and safety issues. Tested by BM TRADA, it protects plywood in extreme wet conditions, with one litre covering 200 meters of 18mm plywood edges, enough for 21 full sheets. We are committed to protecting the planet by extending the lifespan of timber, which helps reduce deforestation and maximize carbon capture for greater sustainability. We are thrilled that ESP Panels is now enhancing the durability of plywood in the built environment and is readily available through builders’ merchants and timber companies.”
One of the standout features of Protek ESP is its red colour, which provides a clear visual indication of treated areas. This helps building professionals and inspectors easily verify that edges have been protected, ensuring compliance with water-resistance standards and regulations.
The ESP Panels range now includes additional colour options, featuring white and clear choices, specifically designed for sole traders and DIY enthusiasts. Additionally, we are offering a wider variety of sizes.
ESP Panel is essentially an eco-friendly, non-toxic, odourless sealant, precision-designed and verified to prevent water ingress to the edges of plywood and all other sheet materials to protect and stop delamination. Tests have proven that ESP Panels makes plywood stronger along the glue-line and last longer.
The Plywood Sealant works its magic by applying to the bare edges (including freshly cut edges) of the plywood boards. It is specifically designed to target plywood, OSB, MDF and Sterling Board. It is loved by traders for its quick-drying, easy-application features and equally loved by Sustainability Officers for making plywood stronger, stopping water ingress and delamination and reducing the risk of mould and rot.
ESP Timber (End Seal Preservative) is a water-based preservative designed for the retreatment of cut or bored pressure-treated timber. Remarkably, it requires no topcoat. Its specially formulated fungicide offers protection against wood-rotting fungi, algae, lichen, mould, and other growths. This makes it ideal for use on decking boards and joists, fence posts, top rails, gravel boards, and all cut ends of pressure-treated timber.
In other news, we are excited to announce our partnership with a local sixth form college. We are challenging new A-level students to design an innovative, all-in-one non-plastic applicator for the construction industry. This applicator will need to adapt to various plywood thicknesses and provide the correct sealant thickness. As these students begin their Year 12 studies, we hope that, with access to advanced college materials, they will develop a sustainable design that we can bring to market over the next two years. Stay tuned!
Find out more about Protek ESP (Edge Sealant Panels) and ESP (End Seal Preservative) below:
Sales Office +44 (0)1749 344697
sales@esp-timbertreatments.com
https://www.esp-timbertreatments.com
Protek is an independent, family-owned woodcare manufacturing business located in Somerset, UK. Since its establishment in 1983, the company has aimed to produce high-quality, water-based wood stains, paints, decorative timber coatings, and preservatives.
Find out about Protek here:
www.protekwoodstain.co.uk