[Shop-talk] termite inspection and insulation

[Brian Kemp]

John - The termite guy can check the poly on the floor for termite 
droppings as long as the poly isn't too dirty, so there should be no 
issues with his inspections.  If you have signs of active termites, 
maybe there is some justification for removing insulation, but 
otherwise, I'd say leave it.  If there is an area with a moisture 
problem, like under a bathroom, he can spot check by pushing the 
insulation away from the joist.

I've had mixed experiences with termite guys and construction.  When I 
bought my current house, I said no to almost all their "repairs" and did 
it myself before the tenting.  Some of what I said yes to I wish I 
didn't.  I had a good contractor over and he looked at my side porch and 
asked "termite repair?"  It was that bad.

I've seen things about sealing crawlspaces at the perimeter, but if you 
are in a mild area, I think what you have is probably just fine as long 
as the craft paper is on the correct side.  Before you remove anything, 
I'd seek a second opinion.

Brian - dealing with termite inspectors annually since 2000

On 8/3/2017 1:42 PM, john niolon wrote:
> insulation between floor joist... with craft paper backing... it was 
> installed by insulation company when house was built in 1992   there 
> is full cover of  poly on the dirt floor...  nothing on the block 
> walls...   exhaust fan at one end of house temp/hum controlled with 8” 
> x 16” vents around perimeter... about 25 total...   2500 sqft area  
> 24” to 48” high
> *From:* Jack Brooks <mailto:jibrooks at live.com>
> *Sent:* Thursday, August 03, 2017 3:13 PM
> *To:* shop-talk <mailto:shop-talk at autox.team.net>
> *Subject:* Re: [Shop-talk] termite inspection and insulation
> Is this insulation on the crawl ceiling or on the walls? There is no 
> question that any ceiling insulation should stay. I am not certain 
> about crawl walls.
>
> Also, does this insulation have a moisture barrier? If yes, the 
> barrier must be removed or at least slashed to allow moisture to move.
>
> Jack
>
> From: john niolon
> Sent: Thursday, August 3, 1:05 PM
> Subject: [Shop-talk] termite inspection and insulation
> To: shop-talk
>
>
> Just had my termite bond inspection today.  Found no signs of damage 
> but the guy recommended removing all the insulation from my crawl 
> space...seems I paid a lot of money
> 24 years ago to have it put in...  He claims it retains moisture and 
> he can’t inspect properly.   Anyone experienced this or heard of it... 
> ???   recommendations ???
>
> john
>