Spray foam insulation and termites
So what’s the big deal?
Spray foam insulation and termites, there are two sides to every story and this is no exception. Like most subjects, you can pick a side and defend it to better your cause. In this case, we really aren’t on the side of termites OR spray foam insulation. Hang in there with me on this.
Spray foam insulation is a cost effective and highly effective way to insulate your home. The foam is sprayed on as a liquid and it hardens to fill in the spaces between the wood framing of your home. Your walls and ceilings have a hard, waterproof barrier that effectively keeps heat and cold in or out. Many builders prefer spray foam insulation for all of these reasons. But, (you had to know that was coming)…there are disadvantages to spray foam insulation.
The good part of spray foam insulation are also some of the worst parts when it comes to termite control. The hardened foam can trap moisture between the wood in your walls and frames. Moist wood is the preferred meal of all termites. That’s just the first problem. The second is, the foam between your framing is very easy for termites to travel through. Some sources even call spray foam insulation a “super highway”. Now before anyone misinterprets that… this audio link can answer more questions for you,
Termites are not drawn to, nor do they eat spray foam insulation.
The fact above is the defense for many lawsuits that have been filed against builders who use spray foam insulation. And it is true. Termites like to eat wood. Termites are drawn to moist wood. Termites are not attracted to spray foam and they don’t like to eat it. They DO use the foam as a way to move faster than ever between the wood framing of a home. It DOES make them much harder to detect.
Even the most trained and experienced technicians have a very hard time finding termites in a home insulated with spray foam. Sometimes by the time that termites are discovered, it is too late. This homeowner lost his entire newly built home to termites because by the time he saw evidence, they had infested his entire home and compromised the structural integrity of his home. For those in the business of building homes, Mississippi State University has put together this information.
It’s official.
The state of Georgia has released an official statement warning about the dangers and repercussions of spray foam insulation. It’s not just Georgia, termites are a fact of life for us in the South. If termites haven’t gotten into your house, it’s not because they aren’t trying. We know they are out there and we can fight them.
Termites are a fact of life for us, but they can be prevented. We have said it before and will say it again, homeowners insurance does not cover termite damage because it is considered to be preventable. Read that again. If you aren’t protecting your home or business from termites, they are eventually going to get you. Yes, even you with the metal buildings. We all have cabinets, sheetrock, flooring, papers, trim…wood to protect.
Termites are tiny little pests that eat just a little bit of wood at a time, but they never stop eating. Termites can destroy your home or business if left untreated. Termite damage is not covered by homeowners insurance. Termites can be stopped. If you are building a new home, there is a pre-treatment available through Lawn and Pest Solutions.
If you have a home that is not insulated with spray foam, Lawn and Pest Solutions can help you to stop current termite troubles, or to prevent inevitable termite troubles. We are located in New Albany, MS and cover a large area from Memphis over the entire North Mississippi area. Our licensed technicians can come and inspect your home for termites and advise you on a plan of treatment. Contact us here to get a very fast and efficient response to your needs.
