My ICF blocks have been sitting on the ground for about a month or so now, on the cardboard packaging. I was startled to find termite damage in every block on the ground side! I know termites like cardboard, but I was surprised that they tunneled into the foam as well. Not sure what they thought they were going to find in there. The damage is minor, but I was shocked how fast they got in there. I'm located in South Carolina, so this is a heads-up for builders in the South. My blocks are sitting there because I'm one old guy, working alone. Also, it has decided to rain just about every day this summer!

I now need to figure out a way to make SURE that there are no termites in the blocks, or kill them if there are. I'm thinking that a few days in the hot sun with no access to the ground or moisture should take care of them. I'm also going to take great pains to make it hard for termites to ever reach my house.

Posted By jdebree on 12 Aug 2012 04:55 PM
My ICF blocks have been sitting on the ground for about a month or so now, on the cardboard packaging. I was startled to find termite damage in every block on the ground side! I know termites like cardboard, but I was surprised that they tunneled into the foam as well. Not sure what they thought they were going to find in there. The damage is minor, but I was shocked how fast they got in there. I'm located in South Carolina, so this is a heads-up for builders in the South. My blocks are sitting there because I'm one old guy, working alone. Also, it has decided to rain just about every day this summer!

I now need to figure out a way to make SURE that there are no termites in the blocks, or kill them if there are. I'm thinking that a few days in the hot sun with no access to the ground or moisture should take care of them. I'm also going to take great pains to make it hard for termites to ever reach my house.

What ICF block manufacturer are you using?

Can you post a picture for us to see here on this site?

There is no nutritional value for the termites in the EPS but like you mentioned, termites can and do tunnel through it in search of food/cellulose. You can treat the ICF/EPS with "Preventol" or "borate" which kills and repels the termites if they attempt to consume the EPS.

One thing is for sure, you are definitely in heavy termite country. With ICF/Concrete you will build a structure that termites will not be able to penetrate the concrete portion. Just make sure you treat the EPS and detail the exterior properly. Leave the concrete foundational slab visible to where it transitions to the homes exterior wall surface so you can watch for termite tubes. 

I'm using Fox, which I'm very impressed with otherwise. True, the termites can't get through the concrete, but they can travel to the roof structure, and I imagine there are likely to be gaps in the concrete between the basement pour and the main floor pour. It doesn't take much of a gap for a termite. We are treating the ground, and will keep the house under an annual contract, just like we do in FL. I'll post a pic in the next day or so.

If this will be a basement, what type of waterproofing are you using? The 60 or 65 mil thick peel-and-stick rubberized asphalt wrapped over the footing and up to above grade with all seams sealed with mastic is supposed to be a pretty good termite deterrent.

arkie- That's exactly what I'm using, plus dimple board to protect the membrane.

Where in SC are you located? I'm just outside of Columbia and had three termite companies say they wouldn't bond for termites if the eps was underground. They will treat before and yearly, but they will not bond against damage due to the risk. Since the majority of my builds are in the Lowcountry of the state, I may be an exception.

Posted By jdebree on 13 Aug 2012 10:04 AM
arkie- That's exactly what I'm using, plus dimple board to protect the membrane.

The 60 mil TAMKO peel-and-stick waterproofing membrane is what I used.  Rather than dimple board for protection of the membrane, I used Polyguard LowFlow. 

http://www.polyguardproducts.com/pr...owflow.pdf

I'm in the upstate, close to the NC border. I'll have to check into the termite bonding. Not much I can do about it now other than be vigilant.

I believe it's Nudura that recommends leaving a small horizontal strip missing from the exterior foam just above grade and attach osb strips in this area. Just let the concrete flow into this section. Since termites hate daylight, they'd have to create mud tunnels, which would then be visable during inspection. If you haven't poured yet, this could be a good option for you.

When you get above grade, run the outside of the form through the table saw and insert a galvanized 'Z' bar or something similar to a drip ledge.

WE have ICF COATINGS that are Termite Resistant, our StuccoMax, might want to consider it for your location!