Any SIP manufacturers in the US protecting the OSB from termites.  If so, how are they protecting the OSB?

I have heard of some adding borate to the EPS but what about protecting the OSB?

Posted By Alton on 27 Aug 2013 05:40 PM
Any SIP manufacturers in the US protecting the OSB from termites.  If so, how are they protecting the OSB?

I have heard of some adding borate to the EPS but what about protecting the OSB?

I haven't heard of any SIP manufacturer putting additives into the OSB. I was told by one SIP company the reason that they DON'T do it is because it would affect OSB panel adhesion to the EPS and it would cause the OSB to want to warp as it dried out from the chemical treatment.

Treating the EPS is easier than treating OSB. Do they even sell OSB green board? I've never seen it.

Green treated dimensional lumber always splits, bends, warps, twists and does everything but remain true and square.

I am wondering if a manufacturer of OSB could include a dry chemical during production that would deter termites.

Posted By Alton on 27 Aug 2013 05:40 PM
Any SIP manufacturers in the US protecting the OSB from termites.  If so, how are they protecting the OSB?

I have heard of some adding borate to the EPS but what about protecting the OSB?

Alton,
borate in our panels does not affect the adhesive

Alton;
a list of various borate related products/ uses:
1. BORA-CARE . A borate termiticide, insecticide and fungicide with glycol penetrants. This wood treatment is used to kill and prevent termites, wood-boring beetles and decay fungi. Bora-Care is approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a primary tool against termites in new home construction. In addition, it's specifically listed by the Southern Building Codes Congress International as a suitable alternative to soil treatments..
2. TIM-BOR A water-soluble borate powder that acts as a wood preservative, fungicide and insecticide to control and prevent wood-decay fungi, drywood termites and carpenter ants.
3. JECTA A concentrated borate gel for application to sealed, painted or moisture-laden wood. Jecta controls and prevents wood-decay fungi, termites and wood-destroying beetles..
4. NIBAN A weatherized granular borate bait used outdoors or indoors to kill and control cockroaches, ants, crickets and carpenter ants.
5. NIBAN-FG AND SNUFFER APPLICATOR Niban-FG is a moisture resistent, fine granular bait that can be used indoors and outdoors to kill and control cockroaches, ants, carpenter ants and silverfish. The easy-to-use Snuffer Applicator allows product application in the smallest cracks and crevices. Each squeeze dispenses the proper amount of Niban-FG for precise control.
6. NIBOR-D A borate powder used as a dust or liquid to kill and prevent infestation of cockroaches, ants, carpenter ants and silverfish. Nibor-D also controls mildew.
7. BAC-AZAP A blend of natural organisms and enzymes that consume decaying organic matter, eliminating the source of the odor. Bac-Azap is ideal for eliminating dead animal, urine and other organic odors commonly encountered by pest management professionals.

Posted By Alton on 27 Aug 2013 11:13 PM

Chris,

Do you know of any manufacturers of OSB SIPS that use any of the above to protect the OSB from termites?  I am concerned with termites destroying the wood part of the SIP.  For that very reason, I have specified only metal skin SIPs.

Alton,
I am not aware of any, but maybe someone else on the forum to speak to it.
Termites are also one of the reasons I switched to metal 15 years ago

R-Control SIPS use Frameguard which is supposed to deter termites, mold, and mildew.