Polesaver-PF Sleeves are designed for long-term durability, backed by proven materials and extensive testing. The outer thermoplastic sleeve material has demonstrated a successful track record of over 50 years in severe ground contact barrier applications.
The inner meltable sealant is a highly developed, complex blend of over 20 specialised materials and additives that is engineered to create a strong, lasting seal to the post surface. This sophisticated formula ensures the sleeve’s ability to protect the post for decades, maintaining its effectiveness even in challenging environmental conditions.
With this combination of high-quality materials and advanced engineering, Polesaver-PF Sleeves are designed to provide reliable protection and a service life of 50 years or more.
Polesaver-PF Sleeves are a cost-effective solution that offers excellent value for the protection they provide. For an accurate quote tailored to your needs, please contact us directly, and we will be happy to prepare detailed pricing information.
Yes, Polesaver-PF Sleeves are fully compatible with creosote-treated posts. The sleeves not only provide effective protection against rot but also help to lock in the creosote, supporting a reduction in leaching over time. This enhances the longevity of the preservative treatment, ensuring long-lasting durability and protection against rot.
Based on independent test data, the use of Polesaver Polesaver-PF Sleeves on treated wooden posts can significantly extend the service life of the post, with expectations of 50 years or more. The sleeves provide superior protection against decay, ensuring long-term durability and reducing the need for frequent replacements. This makes Polesaver-PF a highly effective solution for maximising the lifespan of treated wooden posts. Test data is available on request.
Polesaver-PF sleeves are available in a range of sizes to fit all sizes of posts. The product is designed to protect posts with base diameters ranging from 20cm/7.9" up to 60cm/23.6", ensuring comprehensive ground-line protection for all posts. Specifically, Polesaver offers nine different sleeve sizes to accommodate differing infrastructure needs, ensuring a perfect fit for a wide range of applications.
Not at all. In a typical post, water enters from the ground, increasing the moisture content of the wood to a level at which decay can start (>25%). When a Polesaver-PF Sleeve is applied, it seals the critical ground-line surface of the post, significantly lowering the entry point of moisture from the ground.
While moisture can still evaporate from the above-ground section, the moisture content in the upper-sleeved part of the post is kept much lower than in an unsleeved post. This reduction in moisture helps prevent decay and rot, ensuring that the post remains protected and durable for many years.
Yes, Polesaver-PF Sleeves have been shown to significantly reduce termite attacks. In an independent test, wooden blocks encapsulated with the sleeve material were not subject to termite attack. Termites are typically attracted to decaying wood, as it is easier for them to digest. By preventing decay, Polesaver-PF Sleeves effectively reduce the likelihood of termite infestation in posts.
In addition to this, independent field testing of posts in service showed Polesaver-PF Sleeves to be highly effective at inhibiting termite attacks when compared to unprotected, treated posts.
However, for areas where termite activity is a major concern, we also offer Termi-Guard™, a product specifically developed and engineered to provide total protection against termites. Termi-Guard™ can be used in conjunction with Polesaver-PF Sleeves for enhanced protection, offering a comprehensive solution against both decay and termite damage.
No, Polesaver-PF Sleeves cannot be retrospectively fitted to posts that are already in service. These sleeves are designed as a preventative measure for new wood posts, providing long-term protection against rot and decay before the post is installed in the ground.
To ensure maximum effectiveness, sleeves should be applied to preservative-treated posts prior to installation. Once the post is in the ground and in use, it is no longer feasible to apply the sleeves without disrupting the post's integrity and performance.
As an ISO 9001 registered manufacturer, we adhere to stringent quality control procedures during the production of Polesaver-PF Sleeves. Sleeves are rigorously inspected against a comprehensive set of quality standards, including size, weight, film thickness, softening point, shrink ratios, and print quality. This ensures that every sleeve meets our high standards for performance and durability.
We offer a range of equipment to suit different application needs:
This variety of tools ensures that you have the right equipment for any application scenario, whether in the field or at a production facility.
The blowtorch is powered by propane, which provides reliable performance for applying Polesaver-PF Sleeves. While a propane/butane mix can also be used, it may occasionally cause issues with lighting. For best results, we recommend using pure propane to ensure smooth and consistent operation.
Yes, we offer specialised machinery for high-volume applications to streamline the process and increase efficiency.
For large-scale operations, we can provide a rail-mounted application machine designed for fast and precise sleeve application. Additionally, for smaller posts, we can supply a high-throughput conveyor feed machine capable of sleeving up to 150 posts per hour. These solutions are ideal for post producers and utility companies looking to maximise productivity while maintaining consistent application quality.
If you'd like more information about these machines or assistance in selecting the right option for your needs, please get in touch.
The cost of the gas required to apply a Polesaver-PF Sleeve is typically around £0.08 per sleeve. This low cost is based on the minimal amount of gas needed for proper application. Polesaver-PF is designed to be quick and efficient to apply, ensuring that the process remains cost-effective while delivering long-lasting protection for your posts.
If you’d like further details on application techniques, visit our Knowledge Base.
Polesaver-PF Sleeves can be stored and handled within a temperature range of -10°C to 40°C.
It is essential to avoid storing the sleeves in direct sunlight. Additionally, we recommend applying them to post in shaded conditions, out of direct sunlight, to ensure a perfect application.
Polesaver-PF Sleeves are highly durable, thanks to their dual-layer construction. Even if the outer sleeve is damaged, the inner bituminous liner maintains a secure seal on the post surface, ensuring continued protection.
Based on our experience with existing customers, issues are rare when posts are handled sensibly (e.g. avoiding dragging them off lorries or gripping the sleeves with mechanical grabs). For added assurance, we offer patch tape to repair any minor damage, although very little of this has been needed to date.
We tested the durability of our Polesaver-PF Sleeves, see the results...
Under normal conditions, the above-ground section of the sleeve has a service life of over 40 years. The film is UV-stabilised and highly resistant to weathering, ensuring long-lasting protection even when exposed to the elements. This durability makes it an excellent choice for long-term post preservation.
Yes, the sleeve is flammable; however, its ignition temperature is very high. When used properly and with appropriate precautions, the risk of ignition during application is minimal. Always follow safety guidelines to ensure safe handling and application.
If cracks form, the moisture content in the upper part of the sleeved section of the post is normally below the 20% level necessary for decay and rot to occur, so decay does not occur.
There are two main reasons why coatings are not a viable alternative to Polesaver-PF Sleeves:
In contrast, the outer layer of the Polesaver-PF Sleeves is designed to bridge cracks of up to 25mm, preventing decaying organisms from reaching the core of the post. This ensures long-term protection, maximising post life. Independent test data shows that life extension from liquid coatings on posts is effectively zero (independent test data is available to substantiate this).
Polesaver-PF Sleeves provide superior, long-lasting protection for wood posts.
