Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 17, 1999 03:29pm | #1

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   Live termites??? Call a pest conroller. They will most likely recommend drilling the slab and rodding in chemicals. They will also want to treat the soil under the bricked patio before you place the slab and relay the bricks. Call the pros.

2. 
   Dennis_Batson | Jul 17, 1999 05:49pm | #2

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   Steve--
   Thanks for your response. The advice about treating the soil prior to a new slab seems obvious, but a solution I had not yet realized. The problem is that I do have a termite contract on the building. Owing to the fact that the termites were in the building at the time of purchase and obviously prior to the termite contract, there is no warranty. Nor is the company having success. I still have termites.
   Right now I am removing sheet rock searching for termite tunnels and replacing studs where necessary. I even found termites in a roof cantiliver and replaced the cantilever with pressure treated wood.
   The contractor drilled holes on the sides of the building every 12 feet going under the slab. He claims that he can no longer use chloradane and chemicals of today are not that efficient for a colony like this. (Does this sound right?)
   If I drill into the slab for inserting the chemical I could plug the holes with cement to stop new infestation, but the slab is constantly cool and damp. If I seal it, will the mastic hold to a waterproof paint?
   Thanks.

   DB

1. 
   Dale_Lenz | Jul 22, 1999 09:57pm | #3

   *Call your State Dept. of Agriculture they can sent you information on termite control etc. To do the job yourself you need pumps, and equipment, a pro is the answer, finding the right pro is worth spenting a few hours on.12 feet apart for the drilled holes sounds a bit far

3. 
   Dennis_Batson | Jul 23, 1999 06:35am | #4

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   I have a 5 unit apartment building that had one inch oak parquet over a cement slab.
   Old-brick (placed in dirt) patios come off of each apartment The oak parquet goes to the threshold of french doors that leads to the outdoor patios. Problem is that I found live termites between the moist cement slab and the oak parquet. I plan to replace the old brick over a four inch slab and caulk between the patio and the building. Is there anything I can place over the inside cement slab prior to replacing the oak parquet that would eliminate the moisture (waterproof paint-sealer?) and an insecticide that would keep termites out? Any advice would be welcome.

4. 
   Guest_ | Jul 23, 1999 06:35am | #5

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   Dennis,

   I would never advise putting wood on top of a slab. It just doesn't last.

   A floor man I respect does this:

   Trowel on a layer of roofing cement (the thin stuff).

   Let that dry.

   Shoot or tapcon down a layer of plywood over six mil plastic. Then put down the wood.

   His and my advice.

   Termites?

   God help you......call the pros.

   Ed. Williams