[Basics of termite countermeasures] A new construction method that reduces termite damage using the solid foundation double pouring method
*Housing Device Co-Creation Organization Establishment Preparation Office* Press release: September 6, 2024
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[Basics of termite countermeasures] A new construction method that reduces termite damage using the solid foundation double pouring method
*~Low-cost termite countermeasures using conventional construction technology~* The Preparation Office for the Establishment of the Housing Device Co-Creation Organization has released a solid foundation double pouring method (S3) that reduces termite damage at low cost. The S3 construction method makes it difficult for termites to invade indoors, and also makes it easier to discover and remove the ant trails used by termites to move.
[Termite damage to housing]
We will introduce the main routes by which termites invade your home and the countermeasures for them, divided into two parts.
Termite invasion route – basic concept
Termite invasion routes 1-3
* 1. Starting the foundation*
Climb the rise of the foundation to reach the foundation. Especially in the case of external foundation insulation, the ant trails are hidden by the insulation material, making it difficult to detect them visually.
* 2. Pour joint between the first and second pouring of the foundation * It passes through the gaps in the concrete that occur when a separator is used during the second pouring, and the gaps that occur due to corrosion of the separator, and reaches the foundation.
* 3. Gap between underground pipes *
It passes through the gap between the foundation and the piping and reaches the inside of the foundation.
Measures based on termite countermeasure basics (S3)
Diagram showing how termite invasion routes are limited by
countermeasure basics (S3)
*Route 1.2.*
By pouring the foundation base to the outside of the rising edge of the foundation, termites will pass through the top plate of the base (light blue shaded area) before climbing up the rising edge of the foundation. The top plate is a flat surface that is easily exposed to sunlight, creating an environment that termites do not like. Additionally, if an ant trail begins to form on the top plate of the base, it can be easily seen and removed at an early stage.
Furthermore, if the area of the top plate of the base is wide, the top plate will catch rain, and you can expect that the ant trails will be washed away by the rain.
Finishing mortar will not be applied to the top plate (light blue shaded area) where termites will pass. When the mortar deteriorates and lifts up from the concrete, termites can pass through the gaps, reducing the termite prevention effect.
Similarly, if the base is covered with soil or gravel, the termite prevention effect will be lost as termites will pass through the ground. It is important that the top plate (light blue shaded area) is always exposed.
*Route 3.*
By exposing the piping rather than burying it underground, termites cannot directly enter from underground.
When the connection between the pipe and the foundation is installed at a high location, the connection will be exposed to sunlight and dry, which termites do not like, and it will be easier to detect termite trails extending from the ground.
Termite invasion route – around the entrance porch
Termite invasion routes 4-6
* 4. Under the tiles of the entrance porch *
It passes through the gaps between tiles and adhesive mortar to reach foundations and stiles.
* 5. Rising foundation and joining part of porch *
It passes through the gaps that occur when pouring the porch and reaches the foundation and stile.
* 6. Pour joint between first and second pouring of foundation * It passes through the gaps that occur when a separator is used during the second pouring, and the gaps that occur due to corrosion of the separator, and reaches the foundation. Then work your way under the tiles and through the insulation to reach the foundation and stile. Measures based on termite countermeasure basics (S3)
Diagram showing how termite invasion routes are limited by
countermeasure basics (S3)
*Route 4.*
When installing an entrance porch, in the same way as the foundation is built, by pouring the foundation base wider than the entrance porch pouring area, the top plate of the base (light blue diagonal line) should be poured before passing under the tiles. area). You will get the same effect as route 1.2.
* Route 5.6.*
By pouring the foundation base all the way to the entrance porch, there will be no joint between the foundation and the entrance porch. Therefore, like route 4, you will pass through the top plate (light blue shaded area).
[Termite countermeasure basics (S3 method)]
In general, it is said that one-piece construction without joints is suitable for termite prevention on solid foundations. The S3 construction method is a method that maintains the termite prevention effect even with the double pouring method by placing the joint in a location where termites cannot directly access it from underground. Example of pouring range of solid foundation base part
As shown in the area shown in red in the diagram above, install the base part to the outside of the rising edge of the foundation. Through this, we focus on preventing the progression of termite damage through regular visual inspections without using any special mechanisms or chemicals.
Since the construction itself is a double pouring of the solid foundation, it can be constructed using conventional construction methods and formwork, and there is no need to acquire new equipment or techniques.
In addition, by pouring the base up to the area where the entrance porch is planned to be installed, the entrance porch, which was previously difficult to prevent by integrally pouring the foundation, can also be termite-proofed. A base area of a few centimeters is effective, but if the area is larger (for example, the size of a typical dog run), the termites will have to travel a long distance on a bright, dry concrete surface, and the effectiveness is expected to improve. Masu.
As shown in the diagram above, by installing countermeasures for water supply and drainage pipes, etc., it is possible to narrow down the entry routes for termites.
Points to note
Since the outside temperature is transmitted through the base, it is difficult to insulate the building with just external foundation insulation. Providing insulation in the foundation reduces the risk of termites, making it a foundation that is compatible with internal foundation insulation.
The S3 construction method is effective by creating a bright, dry, termite-repellent environment around the perimeter of the house. Therefore, if the base is finished with tiles or mortar, or if a hot water tank or flower pot is placed in a place where there is not a sufficient flat surface, the effect will be reduced as it will create a shady or damp place. Therefore, it is important to provide sufficient explanation to the people living in the house and to check regularly.
House builders that carry out periodic inspections and warranties on homes after delivery are planning to link existing inspections with termite (ant trail) inspections.
On sloped land, it is difficult to expose the top plate of the foundation above the ground surface, so termite prevention using the S3 construction method is not possible.
About construction
The S3 construction method can be constructed and sold by certified partners of the Housing Device Co-Creation Organization Establishment Preparation Office.
About future activities
The Preparation Office for the Establishment of the Housing Device Co-Creation Organization is currently developing termite-proof foundations, including the S3 construction method. Currently, we are planning to develop the XS6 construction method, which is a superior to the S3 construction method.
In addition, even if the foundation looks the same as the S3 method, it may not be as effective as termite prevention. For example, even if a dog run-shaped concrete section is installed around the outer periphery of a building, if it was added after the foundation was built, the structure will be different from a foundation that is poured in one piece.
To prevent this from happening, the Housing Device Co-Creation Organization may check and certify S3 construction.
In addition to sponsors who can support our efforts, we are looking for partners to collaborate on development and certification. Housing Device Co-Creation Organization Establishment Preparation Office Name: Housing Device Co-Creation Organization Establishment Preparation Office Address: 464-1 Shimokurokoma, Misaka-cho, Fuefuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture 406-0812
Established: July 1, 2024
Website: https://www.rdcc-pre.org
Contact: info@rdcc-pre.org