building material / tools

[HADave]

HI-Bor pressure treated wood specifically treated for and by a Hawaii company in Honolulu and produced for sale by Honsador a dedicated distributor. Interestingly I have discovered that borate treatment is very environmentally friendly as well as user friendly in that no need for masks or gloves are required and scraps can be burned or disposed of regularly. The treatment also is backed by a lifetime limited warranty against termite damage when used in accordanced of the warranty. It is however not to be exposed to constant sources of water as leaching can occur and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. When used in these areas paint or stain is required to protect the wood's treatment. Also additional measures must be taken to assure no ground contact is made by the wood. It is noted that as simple as covering the wood with plastic in areas of ground contact should be sufficient protection.

I also found in the reading regarding termites that where cement is used in the form of slabs and mortar, cracks are a very big concern as these little creatures find their way to and through them and on to choice interior materials that not treated such as windows and doors cabinets and floors. So I believe with the use of the Basaltic Termite Barrier reccomended by the State of Hawaii and the use of Hi-Bor, Sodium borate treated lumber one should be as protected as one can be from these nasty little devils. I am still hoping someone in the forum has had experience with the size of this basaltic cinder that is to be used. It is supposed to be to large for them not to carry away and small enough to be sufficiently compacted.

Dave