Another in a long series of questions- maybe someone besides me will benefit also......
First building to go up will be the barn, wood-framed on a monolithic slab. I'm going to sheath it with T1-11 for starters. How do you put in a termite shield when building on a slab? I want my sheathing to over-lap the edge of the slab to keep water from driving underneath. I'm envisioning something like drip edge for a roof, that comes down a couple inches before flaring out. Could I use actual drip edge? I would seal it down to the slab, then put my PT sill on top of it. BTW- code in my area specifies that the slab has to be a minimum of 8" above grade (except for the driveway ramp) which will give me enough reveal to keep an eye out for termite mud tubes. Thanks for any input!
The termite shield doesn't stop them, it just makes them come out to the front with a visible tunnel for you to see. If drip edge was well enough sealed to the slab then the only way up and in is to tunnel over it... mission accomplished. The problem with shields is that there are almost always hiden areas and breaches in the shield they can sneak around. It helps but is not the only measure that can be taken.
Yes try to make sure you can see a few inches of the slab parameter so you can look for termite tubes. If any plumbing or electrical come up through the slab try to leave an access panel so you can inspect for them there.
As I said, the slab will be a minimum of 8". I think shields are code in SC, whether they work or not. We'll have the soil treated, and get a termite contract, like we do in FL. At least it will make the tubes obvious, like you said. An interesting treatment I've read about is a trough of very coarse sand around the perimeter. If the sand is big enough, they can't dig through it, but it's got to be small enough that they can't fit in between. I wonder if I can buy it somewhere?
This has the sand specs ! and other non chemical methods
http://nontoxictermite.sustainablesources.com/#SAND
Just sold my old home. Built in 1955 with good standard stick construction on a block perimeter foundation. Not ANY sign of termites when inspected. Treated once in 1993 and that is all that I know of. Other than me spraying around outside for pest control with the long lasting stuff you get at lowes. Realtor said that lack of termites was because it was on top of a ridge?? Don't buy that. Termites are BAD around here. Wonder why none there??
I'd put it 16" above grade. That's what they do around here to prevent termites.