As Termites Spread Into Northern States, Termite-Resistant Products Become Crucial
Termites are migrating farther north. Researchers at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have predicted that the United States will see an annual average rise in temperature of 3 to more than 4 degrees Celsius over the next century. It’s believed this slow temperature climb is allowing termites to better survive the winters in more northern climates, such as parts of Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota. In fact, the only state where termites cannot survive is Alaska. In all but a handful of states, new construction financed by FHA or VA requires a termite treatment.
Termites Are No Match for LP Engineered Wood
If you are a builder or remodeler in an area where termites traditionally haven’t been a concern, it could be time to get ahead of their spread by considering building materials that are engineered to resist termite decay.
One of the most important advantages of LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding is that they are engineered to effectively resist damage from termites. During the proprietary SmartGuard® process, these engineered wood products are treated to the core with zinc borate. Zinc borate is made of naturally derived substances that have been proven to resist termites and fungal decay for decades. This treatment is applied throughout the substrate of all LP SmartSide products, which are then factory-primed to add yet another level of protection against moisture.
Tested in the Jungles of Hawaii
The termite resistance of LP SmartSide products has been proven with testing in the tropical rainforest of Hilo, Hawaii, home to thriving colonies of Formosan termites – the most aggressive species of termite. This environment also poses an average temperature of more than 70 degrees, high levels of humidity and almost 170 inches of annual rainfall. Even after years of exposure to termites in wet and humid conditions, LP SmartSide samples remained structurally sound.
Learn More About LP SmartSide Home Siding Options
Both homeowners and builders can be confident in the durability of LP SmartSide products. For more information on using these products for your next construction project, find a dealer near you.
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Business Advice6 min
Taping in Tricky Areas
No matter the product you’re installing, proper technique and a few useful hints help ensure the product performs well for years to come. As an integrated WRB system, LP WeatherLogic® Air & Water Barrier represents a premium solution for building professionals. The panels install like OSB, and when the joints are sealed with LP WeatherLogic Seam & Flashing Tape, the system helps seal against water intrusion to finish the job.
Continue ReadingBusiness Advice5 min
Selling STS to Homeowners
Your clients may not often see the bones of their home, so they may not be aware of the benefits that come from your choice of added-value framing and sheathing products. Furthermore, you may be used to discussing exterior options, such as siding and color, with your clients but not as practiced with sharing the features of the other products you choose.
Inspiration7 min
6 Must-Haves for Resilient Construction
There’s no question builders want their homes to endure. But times are changing, and the opportunities to look fondly upon a home you’ve built after another 30 years are being affected by climate change and the threat of increasingly more powerful storms.
Inspiration5 min
How to Choose Trim & Siding Widths
Have you ever been particularly enamored by one house and rather ambivalent toward another—even though they look practically the same? One reason for this could be the different combinations of lap siding and trim widths, which helps create a distinctive and more appealing aesthetic for the home. How does a builder choose siding width and exterior window trim width? Let’s take a look at trim and siding width options and how to choose both.