Waterproofing + Physical Termite Barriers
Polyguard's history began with corrosion protective coatings in 1951, In 1970 structural waterproofing was added.
Now we add TERM non-chemical termite barrier which is integrated into waterproofing. This results from 20+ years of work with entomology scientists.
Water and termites “leak" into the structure through the building envelope. Around most of the envelope, both types of leaks can now be stopped.
Concrete floors and walls have joints; through which water and termites enter. Concrete slabs crack, creating new entry points. It cannot be predicted where cracks will appear in the slab, so full protection should include 100% underslab and foundation wall coverage with TERM® Barriers.
The objective is first to block water, and second to block termites trying to find gaps as small as 1/50th of an inch. Since keeping termites out means keeping virtually all other insects out, you will see a variety of health, comfort, and environmental benefits.
Above the slab, TERM Sill Barrier is installed and tied into flashing at the base of the exterior sheathing, providing protection from moisture, termite, and air leaks.
Several non-waterproofing TERM barriers, which protect against termites at points of drainage, ventilation, and exposed perimeters, are also part of the TERM System. These protect areas where TERM Barrier waterproofing cannot be installed.
TERM Waterproofing Termite Barrier
TERM Underslab Water|Termite Barrier excludes both water, Formosan termites, and all other pests. Here is a quote from ASTM E 1643 committee members:
X2.3.2.4 Protection Theory- “Polyethylene films and reinforced polyethylene films are seldom capable of surviving normal jobsite traffic and abuse….
X.2.3.3.1…….Even with a cushion of sand or granular fill, these products can still be easily damaged.
Slab construction is the most destructive construction process. Strong and abuse resistant underslab barriers and needed. Class A vapor barriers of 15 mil thickness only require 2000 grams (4.41 lbs) of puncture resistance. TERM Underslab Water|Termite Barrier is designed with over 100,000 grams (224 lbs.) pounds of puncture resistance. Moreover the 69 mil thickness of TERM Sealant Barrier in the middle of TERM's 95 mil thickness is designed to self-seal small punctures. Termites , with a width of 0.02", can work their way through extremely tiny punctures.
On top of all this abuse resistance, TERM Underslab Water|Termite Barrier waterproofs and excludes Formosan termites and all other pests, barriers are needed.
Since 1970, close to 1,000,000,000 sf of Polyguard waterproofing has been installed worldwide. TERM Foundation Barrier is a “peel and stick" barrier membrane used on concrete and furnished in 3' x 66.67' rolls.
Research and testing of Formosan termite exclusion began in 1999,, in collaboration with scientists at Texas A&M's Urban and Structural Entomology Laboratory and five other universities. . TERM Foundation Water|Termite Barrier is the only code approved Formosan termite barrier, with zero termite penetration after five years of controlled field trials at multiple Formosan infested test sites.
Today TERM Foundation Barrier is a key part of a building envelope system, providing both waterproofing termite exclusion.. and exclusion of all other insects.
Many states require that a code approved termite barrier be applied to all ICF below grade foundations. TERM Foundation Water|Termite Barrier is the only code approved Formosan termite barrier. Here is Section 1.0 found in ESR 3632 report:
TERM Barriers are an upgrade of Polyguard's widely used waterproofing building envelope products, so the barriers provide waterproofing as well.
Note that in order to be considered a termite barrier, the product must provide a report showing 5 years of controlled field trials in multiple Formosan infested areas. For acceptance all samples from test sites must be “wood not attacked".
Termites climb up the exposed vertical concrete perimeter and enter the structure at the base of the exterior sheathing.
TERM Sill Barrier, in combination with TERM Base Flashing Barrier, will block entry at that point.
TERM Sill Moisture|Termite Barrier is a “peel and stick" supplemental non-chemical termite barrier. It is installed directly on the concrete underneath the sill plate. It blocks entry of subterranean termites at this common entry point. It also acts as a barrier to moisture and energy leaks.
TERM Sill Barrier, recommended in combination with TERM Base Flashing Barrier, can block entry at the base of exterior sheathing. TERM Flashing Barrier comes in 75′ rolls. Roll widths are 12″ and 18."
Product Coverage
Each roll of TERM Sill Barrier protects 61″ of sill plate. Add 5-10% for overlaps and waste. Roll widths are 5", 6", 7", 8", 9", 10", 12", and 14".
The sealant in TERM Sill Moisture|Termite Barrier is formulated from polymer asphalt which has been upgraded to incorporate a nonchemical termite and insect barrier. The sealant is laminated to a high strength and puncture resistant polyethylene backing
In combination with TERM Sill Barrier, TERM Flashing Barrier blocks termites, moisture, and energy leaks around the perimeter.
TERM Flashing Moisture|Termite Barrier is a “peel and stick" supplemental non-chemical termite barrier. It is installed at the intersection of the exterior sheathing and the concrete slab. It blocks entry of subterranean termites at this common entry point. It also acts as a barrier to moisture and energy leaks.
TERM Flashing Moisture|Termite Barrier is recommended to be used in combination with TERM Sill Barrier for maximum protection.
The sealant in TERM Flashing Moisture|Termite Barrier is formulated from polymer asphalt which has been upgraded to incorporate a non-chemical termite and insect barrier. The sealant is laminated to a high strength and puncture resistant polyethylene backing, with a peel-off release liner for easier application.
All rolls are 75' long and 0.40" thick.
Product Coverage
Each roll of TERM Flashing Moisture|Termite Barrier covers about 75' of building perimeter. You should add at least 5% for overlaps and waste.
The penetrations where plumbing and electrical pipes and conduits come through the top of the slab doesn't look like a termite entry point. But it is - termites can get through a 1/50" opening.
Seal penetrations easily with TERM Sealant Barrier.
TERM Termite Sealant is a waterproofing sealant plus a termite barrier. It is formulated from polymer asphalt which has been upgraded to incorporate a non-chemical termite and insect barrier.
TERM Termite Sealant is used to seal slab penetrations (a common termite entry point). It also seals overlaps, gaps, and penetrations where TERM membrane barriers are installed.
TERM Termite Sealant comes in a 1 qt. can and a 1 gallon pail and can be installed using a putty knife.
Product Coverage
One quart can of TERM Termite Sealant covers about 150 – ½" diameter penetrations or 43 – 2" diameter penetrations.
When sealing membrane terminations with a ½" face bead, one quart will cover about 50 LF.
Sustainability
There are several interesting sidelights when you consider TERM's termite barrier system.
The first is that termites are of considerable ecological importance. They mostly feed on dead plant material and cellulose (usually in the form of wood), as well as leaf litter, soil, and dung, termites are major detritivores. This means that termites contribute to decomposition and the nutrient cycle.
Of course, if termites are decomposing wood inside our structures, they are doing ecological damage. So it is best to keep them outside of the structure and cause them to go someplace else.
Termiticides are unsustainable in several ways. They pollute the environment, disrupt the cycle of nature, hurt people, and reduce the quality of living inside the structure.
Another sustainability consideration has been pointed out by Dr. John Wargo, Professor of Environmental Policy, Risk Analysis, and Political Science at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. Dr. Wargo, makes a good point about indoor air quality:
