Hi folks,
I would like to eventually finish my basement to create another bedroom and a gameroom. The problem is that the basement has a history of termites. When I bought the place, there were some old wooden shelves and scraps down there that were chewed to splinters. The house has been professionally treated and they’re gone now. Pest inspectors told me that the way the house is currently configured it would be unlikely for them to get out of the basement and into the main structure of the house. Basically I don’t want to put up wooden studs and other materials that will give them a highway directly to my floor joists should they make their way in again. Other than using metal studs, does anyone have suggestions for termite resistant materials to use to minimize my risk? Would it be practical to use some of these artificial materials they’re using for decks for floor sleepers and such? I assume they wouldn’t eat the core of drywall, but would they eat the paper backing?
Thanks for any suggestions,
Larry
Replies
Don't use the composites that are designed as decking. They have no structural strength.
Use pressure treated wood for the bottom plates and the studs. There's enough copper in that stuff to kill any bug.
There's also enough caustic stuff to corrode the nails and screws, so be sure to use hot dip galvanized.
Unless you're the lead dog, the view just never changes.
Thanks for the suggestion. I don't know why I hadn't considered that option before. Someone on another forum had suggested treating the wood with borate, but I think your solution is probably more foolproof (and Lord knows I'm a fool!).Thanks again,
Larry
How are termites getting into the basement in the first place? Do you have a rubble-wall foundation, a dirt floor, or some other configuration that's allowing them to enter from the soil directing into the basement? If it's a standard concrete foundation with a poured concrete floor, then they probably came in over the top of the foundation wall.
I'm assuming you're talking about subterranean termites? If so, treating the soil would probably be your best bet, depending on your particular situation. Treating the perimeter of your foundation isn't too expensive and it lasts a long time. Drilling holes in your basement floor and treating underneath it is more expensive.
Unless you have some kind of special circumstances, I don't see a need to completely frame your basement with PT lumber. Using PT lumber brings in a whole set of other problems you'll have to deal with. The best bet is to keep them out of the structure altogether. Even with PT lumber, they can still climb up that and start eating your non-PT first floor joists.
Andy,Yes, they are subterranean. It is indeed a poured basement, but pretty old (built in the 20's). They seem to have been coming in where the wall meets the floor. It's been drilled and treated so it's clean now, I'm just concerned if they should come back in the future. What types of complications would be brought on by using PT?Thanks,
Larry
The new PT is very corrosive. I'd be worried about drywall screws, framing nails and anything else metal you put into it that isn't designed for PT wood. Unless you are able to get KD PT lumber, which you have to special order in quantity in my area, you'll have to let the PT dry out for a period of time before installing it.
Even with the PT, the termites can crawl right up it and start eating the non-PT wood on your first floor and above!
If you used a reputable pest company, there should be some sort of guarantee if the termites return. In my area of Florida, you can get a "termite bond" for about $150 a year, which covers an annual inspection and treating any infestations, should they occur. Well worth the money, and basically required for selling a house down here.
Good luck.
Edit: Sorry, just had a brain fart. There is another solution. In some areas, you can get PT wood that is treated with borates that is made for indoor use. If this isn't available, you can get a pest-control company, or possibly a DIY solution, to spray your wood with borates to treat it, though this isn't as effective. Even still, the best way to beat termites is close monitoring of your house, ensuring they don't get in the structure at all.
Edited 5/15/2005 5:35 pm ET by Andy