03-07-2008, 04:38 AM
I know your question is specifically about building a wooden home on a slab. As a carpenter myself I simply came to the conclusion that the best way to deal with termites (and a host of other problems) was to just stop building with wood.
There are a variety of other methods to choose from.
But getting back to your original question:
After the EPA banned most all effective treatments the industry was left with Boric Acid as the primary termite preventative treatment. I consider it weak tea but it is what the wood industry uses here - HiBor it is called.
One fact with Hi-Bor is that it is a treatment "system" not just a label on the stack of lumber. The chemical does not fully penetrate the wood. This means that the directions for use must be followed to be effective. The directions include that when treated lumber is cut the freshly exposed wood must be also treated with Hi-Bor. This can be done by brushing the chemical on or dipping it in the chemical. Neglect this process and the system is compromised. The termites will find the weakest link and exploit it.
So it is not enough to just buy Hi-Bor treated lumber.
It is sad to note that in my years here I have yet to see a "professional" carpenter take this effort. I have however seen owner builders do so.
Another as yet unmentioned technique concerns slab construction. Termites can penetrate very small cracks and openings in concrete. Most often these will occur where plumbing pipes and other conduits come up through the slab. What is desirable is to take a fine stainless steel mesh and some hose clamps and, prior to pouring the slab, wrap the pipes with SS mesh and clap in place. The mesh will be tightly embedded on these penetrations. Once again trying to address the weakest link.
Very often in construction the difference between a good job and an excellent job is just a little more effort.
There are a variety of other methods to choose from.
But getting back to your original question:
After the EPA banned most all effective treatments the industry was left with Boric Acid as the primary termite preventative treatment. I consider it weak tea but it is what the wood industry uses here - HiBor it is called.
One fact with Hi-Bor is that it is a treatment "system" not just a label on the stack of lumber. The chemical does not fully penetrate the wood. This means that the directions for use must be followed to be effective. The directions include that when treated lumber is cut the freshly exposed wood must be also treated with Hi-Bor. This can be done by brushing the chemical on or dipping it in the chemical. Neglect this process and the system is compromised. The termites will find the weakest link and exploit it.
So it is not enough to just buy Hi-Bor treated lumber.
It is sad to note that in my years here I have yet to see a "professional" carpenter take this effort. I have however seen owner builders do so.
Another as yet unmentioned technique concerns slab construction. Termites can penetrate very small cracks and openings in concrete. Most often these will occur where plumbing pipes and other conduits come up through the slab. What is desirable is to take a fine stainless steel mesh and some hose clamps and, prior to pouring the slab, wrap the pipes with SS mesh and clap in place. The mesh will be tightly embedded on these penetrations. Once again trying to address the weakest link.
Very often in construction the difference between a good job and an excellent job is just a little more effort.
Assume the best and ask questions.
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Punaweb moderator