Soil treatments for new construction are performed before the slab is poured. The label requires that either a vapor barrier be placed over the treated soil or concrete be poured immediately following the treatment. NMDA, the governing agent in NM, interprets this as follows. We can treat in the afternoon if concrete is scheduled to be poured the following morning without the need for a vapor barrier. A vapor barrier should be placed as soon as possible (the following morning would be adequate) if rebar/mesh work still needs to be done and you cannot pour concrete the next day.
Treatments should only be made after the pad is prepared, with plumbing in place and no other changes are to be made other than reinforcing mesh. Mesh work without a vapor barrier will cause damage to the treated soil and therefore the vapor barrier is recommended. Since the treatment is contained in the top 1/2" of soil, it takes very little activity to damage the treatment. Any alterations involving dirt work or changes to plumbing will require a return visit to re-treat any areas that are disturbed. Please inform us if this is the case, as we have to provide the warranty and we want to make sure the treatment is done properly.
The label also requires all workers to be off the area to be treated and remain off the treated area until all the termiticide is absorbed into the soil. Workers should remain up wind if at all possible during the treatment. All tools should be removed prior to treatment.
Some Termiticides require a vertical exterior barrier in additional to the horizontal treatment discussed thus far. This is done when the home is nearly complete and the final grade is established but before any landscaping cloth or plantings are put next to the foundation. At any time when porches or sidewalks need to be added, but before the remaining exterior grade can be established, we need to perform this treat before re-mesh is placed within the forms. Form boards do not need to be in place, but the grade must be at the correct level alongside the foundation. You will need to call us for us to make these treatments. Failure to do so may void your warranty and prevent a home loan through FHA.
Pier and beam construction, floating or supported slabs or structures consisting of mixed types of construction will require more visits in order to provide the proper treatment. Please give us a call when you have these types of situations so we can discuss the details.
All Wood Destroying Insect Treatments come with a standard one year warranty, with lifetime renewable option. We provide a FREE real estate inspection ($75 value) to the homebuyer when they sell their home.
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