Systems and methods are provided for treating products containing wood
fibers to provide protection against wood destroying organisms and fire,
and resistance against leaching of the preservative from the wood by
water in exposed environments such as exterior applications. The methods
involve applying to a substrate a first aqueous composition containing a
boron compound, a source of zinc, and ammonia, followed by application of
a second aqueous composition containing an alkali metal silicate. The
compositions may be applied by vacuum and/or pressure treatment or dip
treatment under atmospheric pressure.