Text Box: Key to Figure 4.23
1. Cracks in foundation permit hidden points of entry from soil to sill.
2. Posts through concrete in contact with substructural soil. Watch door frames and intermediate supporting posts.
3. Wood-framing members in contact with earthfill under concrete slab.
4. Form boards left in place contribute to termite food supply.
5. Leaking pipes and dripping faucets sustain soil moisture. Excess irrigation has same effect.
6. Shrubbery blocking air flow through vents.
7. Debris supports termite colony until large population attacks superstructure.
8. Heating unit accelerates termite development by maintaining warmth of colony on a year-round basis.
9. Foundation wall too low permits wood to contact soil. Adding topsoil often builds exterior grade up to sill level.
10. Footing too low or soil thrown against it causes wood-soil contact. There should be 8 inches of clean concrete between soil and pier block.
11. Stucco carried down over concrete foundation permits hidden entrance between stucco and foundation if bond fails.
12. Insufficient clearance for inspection also permits easy construction of termite shelter tubes from soil to wood.
13. Wood framing of crawl hole forming wood–soil contact.
14. Mud sill and/or posts in contact with soil.
15. Wood siding and skirting form soil contact. There should be a minimum of 3 inches clearance between skirting and soil.
16. Porch steps in contact with soil. Also watch for ladders and other wooden materials.
17. Downspouts should carry water away from the building.
18. Improper maintenance of soil piled against pier footing. Also makes careful inspection impossible.
19. Wall girder entering recess and foundation wall. Should have a 1-inch free air space on both sides and end and be protected with a moisture-impervious seal.
20. Vents placed between joists tunnel air through space without providing good substructural aeration. Vents placed in foundation wall give better air circulation.