Backed by 21 years of interdisciplinary research with entomology scientists in southeastern universities
The most vulnerable part of structures to penetration by water and termites is the concrete slab. Slabs have joints, penetrations, and cracks. Since termites can penetrate openings larger than 1/50th of an inch, both water and termites enter here.
Since you can’t predict where cracks will appear in the concrete slab, the entire horizontal surface must be protected.
Full underslab waterproofing is used across the U.S., and Polyguard has produced millions of square feet of it. With TERM Barrier Sealant incorporated into underslab waterproofing, termite protection comes at little extra cost.
Section 07 13 26 Underslab Waterproofing with Non-chemical Termite Barrier
Waterproofing of underground foundation walls has become widespread since 1970, when Polyguard began manufacturing waterproofing membranes.
Concrete foundation walls are explored by subterranean termites, who search for openings in a crack, penetration, or seam.
Subterranean termites find their way blocked if TERM Waterproofing|Termite Barrier has been installed.
Since TERM is part of the foundation waterproofing. the cost of adding this termite protection is minimal.
TERM Water|Termite Barrier Data Sheet
TERM Water|Termite Barrier Guide Spec
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Self-Adhesive Sheet Waterproofing with Termite Barrier
Construction of Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) foundations has become a popular method of sustainable construction.
Unfortunately, ICF foundations are also popular with subterranean termites. ICF gives termites everything they look for in a nest. Here they find warmth, protection from predators, access to food (in the structure), and access to water (in the ground outside the wall).
The fact that termites nest in ICF foundation walls has caused many building code officials in the U.S. to require physical termite barrier protection for below-grade ICF waterproofing.
Polyguard TERM Waterproofing|Termite Barrier provides that barrier – built into the waterproofing.
TERM is the only waterproofing physical termite barrier with 19 years of testing, and an evaluation report by the ICC (international Code Council).
International Code Council
Termite Barrier System
TERM Water|Termite Barrier Data Sheet
TERM Water|Termite Barrier Guide Spec
Section 07 13 26
Self-Adhering Sheet Waterproofing with Termite Barrier
TERM Sill Moisture|Termite Barrier is not simply a physical termite barrier. It keeps moisture in the concrete slab from reaching the interior. And it acts as an energy seal, in conjunction with TERM Flashing|Moisture Termite Barrier.
Many structures now treat framing with sodium borate, installing during construction. TERM Sill Moisture|Termite Barrier supplements borate treatments, protecting the vulnerable underside of the wood sill.
TERM Flashing Moisture|Termite Barrier is another example of how protection which you already incorporate into construction can be upgraded with a new aspect of sustainability at low or no additional cost.
TERM Sill Moisture|Termite Barrier Data Sheet
TERM Sill|Flashing|Window Guide Spec
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Flashing and Sealing Framing with Non-Chemical Termite Barriers
TERM Flashing Moisture|Termite Barrier prevents moisture from entering underneath the base of exterior sheathing, and protects energy leaks as well.
Plus, the “peel and stick” TERM Flashing Moisture|Termite Barrier incorporates a non-chemical termite barrier.
TERM Flashing Moisture|Termite Barrier is another example of how protection which you already incorporate into construction can be upgraded with a new aspect of sustainability at low or no cost.
TERM Flashing Moisture|Termite Barrier Data Sheet
TERM Sill|Flashing|Window Guide Spec
Section 07 28 00
Flashing and Sealing Framing with Non-Chemical Termite Barriers
TERM Moisture|Air|Termite Barrier is a “peel and stick” non-chemical barrier membrane applied over joints of sheathing, and as a window flashing where both waterproofing and termite exclusion is desired.
Sheathing joints are potential entry points for termites which have accessed the exterior wall via the exterior foundation wall, and climbing over the TERM Moisture|Air|Termite Barrier installed at the base of exterior sheathing. Windows are a frequent entry point of both climbing and swarming termites.
TERM Moisture|Air|Termite Barrier Data Sheet
TERM Sill|Flashing|Window Guide Spec
Section 07 28 00
Flashing and Sealing Framing with Non-Chemical Termite Barriers
Plumbing penetrations through ground level concrete slab are a major termite entry point.
But subterranean termites can enter structures between the concrete and the penetration because they only need a 1/50th (0.02″) opening, which is too small to see.
Also, the insulation around the pipe can serve as a termite nesting area.
The blue and red plastic sleeves in the photo are used as a protective separator between the penetration and the concrete. They protect metal penetrations from the highly corrosive concrete. But few know that those sleeves are used by termites as an entry tunnel.
TERM Termite Sealant was used here to seal out termites when they reach the top of the slab penetration.
Treating penetrations is inexpensive, easy, and blocks a common termite entry point.
TERM Termite Sealant Data Sheet
TERM Termite and Pest Barriers for Slab Penetration and Blockouts
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Termite Barriers for Slab Penetrations and Blockouts
Termite shields are a long-established method of termite control. Properly installed, they can force the termites to build “mud tubes” and enter the structure from outside. Visual signs of mud tubes make it possible for a trained pest management professional to see that the structure needs termite treatment.
Termites are certainly blocked by the metal termite shield, but if gaps are left at seams and penetrations, the 0.020″ termite can get through.
This is why gaps in termite shields should be sealed with TERM Sealant. TERM Sealant is the only barrier proven by 18 years of university testing, and documented with an International Code Council evaluation report ESR-3632.
TERM Termite Sealant Data Sheet
Note: Guide Spec not available for this product
Slab blockouts are often used with concrete slab construction. An actual hole is left in the slab under bathtubs or mop sinks. In the event of water overflow, the water will drain away.
This opening is another frequent termite and pest entry point. TERM has two treatments for bath trap openings:
If you want “belt and suspenders” barriers, install both types of bath trap barriers.
TERM All Pest Bath Trap Barrier Data Sheet
TERM Particle Barrier Bath Trap Barrier Data Sheet
TERM Penetration and Bath Trap Guide Spec
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Physical termite barrier at slab penetration bath traps or blockouts and exterior perimeters.
Particle Barrier has been used for decades around the Pacific Rim as a non-chemical termite exclusion method.
Particle barriers have been researched by five US entomology laboratories as well as by CSIRO, the Australian national laboratory.
TERM Particle Barrier Data Sheet
Termite Control of Exposed Perimeter with Particle Barrier Guide Spec: Section 31 31 16 19
TERM Tile Underlayment Barrier has anti-fracture, termite and moisture barrier, and noise reduction properties
Installation: Flooring Contractor
TERM Wood Floor Underlayment Barrier has termite barrier, noise reduction, and waterproofing properties
Installation: Flooring Contractor
TERM Isolation Joint Barrier Blocks termites from penetrating isolation joints.