Building Materials that are Bug Resistant
When you’ve got a new home project in the works the materials that will be used are one of the first big decisions that have to be made. Here at Vulcan Termite and Pest Control, Inc. our minds always go first to pest management. There’s a lot that a homeowner or business owner can do to control bug issues by choosing materials that resist them rather than lure in bugs.
If you’re planning an interior or exterior project here’s a look at the building materials that will give you the most protection from bugs.
Concrete and Stone
It comes as no surprise that concrete is the most bug resistant building material out there. Brick has long been used for the exterior of buildings, chimneys and laid down as path pavers. Many stones like slate can also be used as flooring as well as decorative, bug-free finishes.
Fiber-cement siding is one of the most innovative building materials that stop termites and other bugs in their tracks. The panels are made of a mixture that includes cellulose fibers, sand and cement. It not only repels wood chomping insects, but it also has a longer lifespan than some other siding options.
Metals
Thanks to modern design metal is now used in home projects more than ever. Not only will bugs not be able to sink their teeth in, but because of metal’s slick, sometimes hot, surface it’s not as pleasant to cling to either. As with fiber-cement, metal building supplies, like roofing materials, may be a little more pricey up front, but they’ll last longer.
Woods that are Bug Resistant
It may sound risky, but building with wood is still an option. You just have to be careful to choose a wood that is either pressure-treated or naturally resistant to bugs. Pressure-treated wood is a good option for outdoor projects, foundations and framing. When lumber is pressure-treated that means a preservative is infused into the wood using various levels of pressure. This essentially creates a barrier that repels the bug destructors. Various preservatives are used including Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) and Copper Boron Azole (CBA).
Woods that are natural insect repellents include redwood and cedar. They have oils that protect them from getting gnawed on, and they can be used for indoor projects. It’s best to choose heartwood grades when using these woods because they are the hardiest and have the highest concentrations of the oil.
Super hardwoods like Ipe are also good at thwarting the wood boring attempts of termites, wasps and ants. Some woods are just so dense it’s more work than it’s worth to the bugs, and they’ll just move along to a wood that’s easier to chew through.
Composites
Plastic composites are one of the newest building materials that keep bugs at bay. It’s created by fusing recycled plastics with a wood fiber like sawdust. Composite materials are typically used for decking and other outdoor builds.
The help of a professional pest control company like Vulcan Termite and Pest Control can ensure that your home and yard are bug-free before the project begins no matter what type of materials you use!
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/home-improvement/building-materials-bug-resistant/