Planning Can Reduce Termite Hassles
Question: What steps should be taken during construction of our 800-square-foot wood-frame room addition to provide long-term termite protection? Also, what sort of precautions should be taken to make sure that the floor doesn’t squeak after a few years--other than building on a slab?
Answer: Being concerned about termites is a good idea in California, where termite infestation is a constant concern (along with earthquakes, fires and high tides--for some beach folks!) You go on to ask about redwood and Wolmanized framing lumber, painting the wood and treating the soil.
Construction heart redwood, properly seasoned, is probably the best framing lumber around, according to a contractor I respect. It will cost about twice as much as the typical Douglas fir framing lumber used in most houses, but the peace of mind might be worth it. Many of the large old houses in Los Angeles and virtually all of the Victorian houses in places like San Francisco and Santa Cruz are framed in redwood.
The Wolmanizing method you mention in your letter is a proprietary treatment method from the Koppers Co. that preserves wood from rot and termites. It’s one of several processes available. Wolmanized framing members are typically used where the framing sits on the foundation. Wolmanized sills and joists should be used in conjunction with proper treatment of the soil to keep termites out.
It’s a toss-up whether or not a raised foundation is better or worse than slab-on-grade construction. Termites are determined buggers, with the ability to construct tubes or paths through material they can’t eat--like concrete--to the tasty timber they crave.
You might consider steel framing, the lightweight system that is often used in commercial buildings. There are systems available that are cost effective for residential use and you get the added advantage of having the straightest walls you’ll ever see, thanks to the dimensional stability of steel studs versus wood ones.
As to the problem of squeaky floors, reputable contractors will always glue and nail the plywood subfloor to the joists. Nailing alone isn’t good enough. The Trus Joist Corp. of Boise, Idaho, is currently marketing its high-tech wood products with the promise that they eliminate squeaky floors. You can ask your contractor about TJI joists and Micro=Lam laminated veneer lumber from this company, which has a Southland plant in Chino.
Dale Baldwin will answer remodeling questions of general interest on this page. Send your questions to Home Improvement, Real Estate Department, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053. Baldwin cannot answer questions individually. Snapshots of successful do-it-yourself projects may be submitted but cannot be returned.
