Insul-Tarp

hot_rod

used the product. Of all the bubble type products this seems to be the most durable. Nicly jacketed to protect the layers. It also provides a great vapor barrier.

It comes in large rolls 50 X 12 foot and larger so it covers a lot of ground in one swipe. Fewer seams and it contours to uneaven groung much bette than ridgid boards.

True R-value is questionable as it is only 1/2" of air space.

I have a number of jobs in and it appears to perform as well as the 1" foamboard. Although I do not have hard data to support that:)

In my area the termite resistence is also a feature that needs to be considered. Bugs will attack the untreated foamboards, given a chance.

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Dennis Lee

Insul-Tarp

Gentlemen, Was wondering if anyone out there has used a product by the name of Insul-Tarp? Any commments,good or bad, are welcome.TIA.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Termites in Foam

Question?

What about the Styrofoam used in EIFS (Dryvitt-type) systems?

Or the Styrofoam "building blocks" that are filled with cement. I used such in a small addition to my house and ever since you posted those photos of termites in foam I've been wondering...

Has anyone seen such? Or is it a problem confined to underground where they use it as a nice temperature-controlled environment?

hot_rod

Some foams

including many of the ICFs and white "beadboads" are treated with a non toxic pesticide. Borax! It works fine but doesn't last very long, especially if moisture is present.

I, too, put in a 60 foot wall on my office with ICFs. I'm keeping a close eye on it! I know cows like to chew the forms

In a land down under, ICFs are very common. I saw a product at a local ICF dealer that is used down there for pest protection. Basically it was a large roll of stainless steel screen, not unlike window screen. It is also available with a sealer attached for water and pest protecton.

I'm told they wrap the entire foam block foundation with this product. As you can imagine a bit pricey.

I think keeping the area around the ICFs dry may be a key. Termites need a close sourse of moisture to be able to chew, tunnel, and digest, I'm told.

These foam samples were taken from a foundation wall on the wet side of a home with "gutter issues". I suspect the crittere would go after foam under slabs also. Hard to pass up a warm comfortable living space like that.

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hot_rod

Some foams

and ICFs are treated with Borax. An effective, but not long lasting product. Reapplications may be needed especially in wet areas.

In a "land down under" they wrap ICF foundations in a stainless steel mesh product. Expensive, but effective!

I think a key is to keep the area near buried foams, dry. This foam I removed was on a foudation wall that had been wet from gutter issues.

I put in about 60 feet of ICF on my office. I'm watching

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Mike T., Swampeast MO

ARGGH!!! That's truly scary!!!!!

As I understand borax it's great and permanent as long as there are no water "issues".

Good drainage away from the foundation but such relies partially on gutters and you know dear Murphy I'm sure.

I was careful with the pour and the rebar so the foam "doesn't matter", right?