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Does expanding foam attract termites?

MYTH 1: TERMITES ARE ATTRACTED TO SPRAY FOAM Spray foam is neither a food source nor attractant for termites. Cellulose, termite's main appeal, is not an ingredient present in spray foam of any kind. Termites consume the wood components of homes, so their damage lies below the surface of spray foam, not within it.

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Do ramps smell like onions?

Pungent and sweet, ramps smell similar to onion, but not quite. It's a very distinct aroma that you won't soon forget once you've identified it....

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How heavy should my anchor be?
How heavy should my anchor be?

As a general rule, a holding power of 90 pounds is sufficient for safely anchoring a 20' boat in winds up to 20 mph. For the same wind speed a...

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The Myths of Spray Foam Insulation and Termites

Hot, humid climates are ideal for spray foam and termites alike. One is a great asset and the other is a burden we can certainly do with out. Pest management companies have been on a rampage spreading misinformation regarding the relationship between spray foam and termites. We’re here to debunk these myths to arm you with the facts you need to make an informed decision. Spray foam is neither a food source nor attractant for termites. Cellulose, termite’s main appeal, is not an ingredient present in spray foam of any kind. Termites consume the wood components of homes, so their damage lies below the surface of spray foam, not within it. Treat the framing of your home with a termite pretreatment and these issues are less likely to creep up. Termite warranties on homes with spray foam are voided at a pest control company’s discretion, sometimes leaving homeowners they’ve provided service to for ages without coverage. Spray foam provides no more visual blocking during the termite inspection process than does drywall, paint slabs, or cladding. Energy One America adheres to building code requirements that call for a 3″ termite inspection gap in all crawlspace environments to allow for regular inspections. Although we will inform you if we see termite damage prior to installing spray foam insulation, it is up to pest control companies, not insulation contractors, to regularly and accurately inspect for termite intrusion.

This isn’t supported by various manufacturers of alternative detection devices (sonar, infrared, canine, etc) which aid termite management companies in detection where visual inspection is not possible. Isn’t it more likely that spray foam is used as a scapegoat here because alternative detection devices are more costly, time consuming, and require a skilled professional to detect termites? The spray foam industry continues to adapt the continual need to make homes tighter and more energy efficient. Isn’t it only fair that the pest control industry should be expected to do the same?

Inspections occur at various points of the home; they’re not limited to areas with spray foam and much of the inspection occurs outside the home. Any good inspector will be able to visually detect intrusion. Activity can also be found in areas with spray foam insulation using a sharp poking tool to find affected areas—no removal needed. Only once termite invasion is apparent would the discussion of spray foam removal be necessary. Spray foam contractors and pest management companies can coexist and even benefit from each other in the construction industry as long as we look at each other as partners, not competitors. Should you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Energy One America—we always strive to provide the resources you need to make an informed decision.

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

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Is shiplap better than tongue and groove for a shed?

Generally considered to be the best type of cladding, shiplap panels interlock with each other – just like tongue and groove – but with an additional lip on each panel for extra protection from rainwater. The lip acts as a barrier to prevent water infiltration, allowing it to run off more easily.

If you’re wondering which type of garden shed to buy, or perhaps which type of gate or garden building, you’ll most likely come across different cladding types. But what is the difference between shiplap, tongue and groove, and overlap? In a nutshell, they’re different styles of construction which tell you how the wooden slats fit together. These styles give wood sheds and other buildings different levels of durability, strength and structural integrity. With each type offering different benefits and the price varying significantly between the three, it’s important to know how exactly they differ so you can buy the right product for your needs. Read on to find out which is best for you.

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Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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