Re: SB: termites, Earth floor

[Athena and Bill Steen <absteen@dakotacom.net>]

> From: "Leanne" <motorinn@caliph.net.au>

> hi all

 until i start
> talking with the 'termi-mesh' guy, and he says termi mesh will have to be
> under the entire floor space, because the earth floor isn't a termite
> barrier, as a cement slab would be. i don't think i'm in a financial
> position to pay him for all that termi mesh.

> perhaps there are some people on this list who have had experience with
> earthern floors and termite proofing d-i-y? or any bright ideas ??
> our local building inspector is open to alternative ways, and i feel sure
> if something makes logical sense to him, even if it isn't "in the text
> book"(so to speak) he would pass it anyway.


Leanne,

As for termites with earthen floors and other critters for that matter such
as gophers, we found it sufficient in Mexico to lay down a layer of concrete
that was much less than a completed slab.  On average these were about an
inch in thickness and seemed to do the trick for the interior of the
building.  Making sure that you have good drainage around the perimeter of
the foundation will also help a great deal in that termites love moisture
and will seek it wherever and whenever.

Bill

The Canelo Project
Athena & Bill Steen
HC1 Box 324
Canelo/Elgin, AZ 85611
520 455 5548
absteen@dakotacom.net
www.caneloproject.com




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