Termite Protection in Florida Architecture

Florida requires that new construction include treating the soil with chemicals that destroy subterranean termites, but that treatment is not permanent. The best defense against termite infestation is regular attention by a termite control company.

Pre-planning for termite protection

If you are in the pre-planning stages of your house designs, a great time to consider termite protection is while developing your floor plans. Some house designs are more termite resistant than others. Keep in mind that subterranean termites prefer a direct soil to wood path, without exposure to the air and elements. Code requires that wood construction be raised 6 inches above grade, but termites are not necessarily deterred by that code. Termites are most likely to transfer from the earth into wood siding that is in contact with the ground or decking that allows for easy transference. In new construction, code also requires that the building pad (dirt before the slab and concrete foundation are poured) be poisoned for termites. That is, treatment of the soil to discourage subterranean termites is routinely done in new construction. This treatment is not permanent, however. Securing a termite control/ pest control company to monitor subterranean termite intrusion after year two is recommended.

Termites can invade a home at any time, even directly after the home has been certified termite free. A regular monitoring for termite infestation is, again, recommended.

As an architect, I remind people that are in the highest termite areas to consider termite protection when they are in the pre-planning stages for their new house designs. Termite deterrence and mold mitigation are the primary reason that most residential construction in Florida is now masonry based. SIP (structural insulated panel) construction is another great, albeit not well known construction product that performs well in resisting termites and mold. Refer to the SIP section of this web site for further information. Wood construction at a second or higher level is at a smaller risk for subterranean termite intrusion than wood stud construction at the ground level. Wood siding should be avoided, but many siding products that have an authentic wood appearance are made of termite resistant polymers. Brick, stone veneers, and vinyl siding make good sense for finishes/ termite prevention.

Termites thrive in wet and rotted wood because they need the moisture. For this reason, they are often found in trim pieces around exterior windows and doors, especially in older homes. You might consider using trim materials other than wood, such as metal, vinyl, or a polymer when possible. This and other fine details outlined in the design phase can make your home more efficient when it comes to maintenance and upkeep as well. It once was the case that little thought was given to termite prevention in the pre-planning stages, but termite damage can cost thousands of dollars to repair and make a home structurally unsound when left undetected.

Should you have an existing structure and renovation/ addition ideas, the same principles can be applied. Exterior materials that are close to the ground can be made of something other than wood for the best termite prevention. When you are considering house designs and floor plans for renovation or addition, it is equally important that you take these same factors into consideration. Your architect and builder are good sources for initial consultation in termite mitigation.  

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Give me a call at (813) 838-0425 with any questions or comments about your Florida residential project. Residential Architect Florida: Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Bradenton, Lutz, Tarpon Springs, Land O' Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Springhill.