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Spray foam and termite treatment

Posted on 6/20/21 at 6:25 am
Posted by TaderSalad
mudbug territory
Member since Jul 2014
24625 posts
Posted on 6/20/21 at 6:25 am
I live in a pier and beam house and there tends to be a good bit of moisture that collects under the house. I’m working on bringing in back fill, but would like to coat the under side of my house in closed cell foam. Talked to a buddy of mine an said companies down here will void termite protection warranty on your home if you apply spray foam to the subfloor.


Anyone have a company they know of that will treat and honor protection warranty? I’m in greater EBR area.

Thanks in advance!
Posted by Scoutjr21
Member since Dec 2020
125 posts
Posted on 6/20/21 at 9:35 am to
If you are determined to do it, 2 things strongly recommend you do: Borate under house before you do and leave a foot radius around all pipe penetrations through floor. Seen way too many times that foam is sprayed around plumbing penetrations and leaks went undetected until subfloor was completely rotted
Posted by GeauxldMember
Member since Nov 2003
4377 posts
Posted on 6/20/21 at 9:57 am to
In my estimation, you can generally wipe your arse with termite contracts when things go wrong, so I wouldn’t even account for that. Having said that, there is a very real problem of spray foam potentially masking termite activity, and, as the other poster mentioned, if you develop a leak, it’s potentially disastrous with closed cell foam (just ask me). But if you do nothing, you get moist air infiltration that can cause other problems in your subfloor, finished floor and wall cavities.

Unfortunately, high humidity environments present a host of issues when it comes to conditioned buildings. Educate yourself and pick your poison because there’s no fool proof decision…

Also, look into a moisture barrier under the back fill you’re bringing in, which can help. But if you’re still getting water under the house, that could also prevent drainage and add to your problem.
Posted by TaderSalad
mudbug territory
Member since Jul 2014
24625 posts
Posted on 6/20/21 at 1:38 pm to
Thanks for the replies.

It really is a lesser of evils. Good food for thought
Posted by Aristo
Colorado
Member since Jan 2007
13292 posts
Posted on 6/20/21 at 2:59 pm to
LSU Ag Center has some good free articles in reference to insulation with pier and beam houses that you should read.
Posted by ds_engineer
South Mississippi
Member since Dec 2014
386 posts
Posted on 6/21/21 at 3:52 pm to
My advice is to avoid spray foam (both closed and open cell) beneath your floors, additionally avoid any insulation beneath your floors.. Your crawlspace causes minimal heat transfer. However, there are seasonal moisture variations. Insulation reduces the moisture vapor transfer significantly.

Not only does it void termite coverage, but it also can cause long-term moisture retention/deterioration which is not covered by home insurance. Let the crawlspace drain and vent properly. Insulate the hell out of your walls and attic. Install a moisture vapor barrier on the crawlspace ground surface. Adding insulation into that space is asking for trouble.
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