In areas of high termite hazard, clearance between beams or joists and soil should be 36 inches. Establish a minimum clearance of 18 inches between wood foundation components (beams or joists) and soil in crawlspaces.Maintain space between the ground and wood framing.Control rain runoff from roof assemblies with gutters that drain to a low point or drywell away from the house to prevent rainwater from saturating the ground adjacent to the foundation perimeters.Direct surface water away from foundation perimeters by sloping ground away from the house and installing footing drain pipe that drains away from the home. Do not over irrigate and do not let irrigation spray the house.Keep the house and ground around it dry.Most of these recommendations come from the report Pest Prevention by Design, written by Chris Geiger and Caroline Cox with input from a technical advisory panel of exterminators, agricultural extension offices, and government researchers and published by the San Francisco Department of the Environment and the International Code Council ( Geiger and Cox 2012). Many of those steps are summarized here and discussed in greater detail below or in other guides as linked. It is easier and cheaper to prevent termite infestations than to treat them once termites have taken up residence in a home. Steps to Reduce the Likelihood of Termite Infestations This window frame shows extensive termite damage (Source: University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 2021). This guide also includes sample foundation designs for basement, crawlspace, and slab-on-grade foundations that show how termite-resistant measures can integrate with thermal envelope control layers for water, air, thermal, and vapor control in building assemblies. There are many steps builders can take to reduce the likelihood of future termite entry and damage to homes. These recommendations are intended to minimize the need for chemical soil treatment however, some chemical soil treatment may still be necessary in some circumstances. The recommendations contained in this guide are directed toward subterranean termites, not dry wood termites which can fly. The termite design approach should be complimentary to approaches taken to increase the thermal efficiency of the home. Additionally, homes can be constructed and renovated with termite-resistant framing and insulation. New and existing homes need to be connected to their foundations in a manner that withstands termite activity. Termites are a major threat to the structural integrity of homes (Figure 1). See the Compliance Tab for related codes and standards requirements, and criteria to meet national programs such as DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home program, ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, and Indoor airPLUS. Install termite shields between the slab or stem wall and the sill plate.Use termite-resistant construction materials.Seal around all utilities that go through the slab.Install metal mesh or sand/basalt termite barriers around the foundation.Minimize the likelihood of cracks in the concrete.Minimize the need for joints and expansion joints when designing foundation slabs.Minimize attractants like food and water.Design foundation assemblies that reduce the likelihood of termite entry while maintaining the water, air, vapor, and thermal control layers of the home’s thermal envelope. Use termite-resistant design and materials when constructing new homes in areas at high risk for termites to minimize the threat of termite damage and to minimize the need for pesticides.
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