Anti-termite infiltration system

Abstract

A method, a system and a device for insulating a conditioned crawlspace beneath a building and protecting the building from termite infestation.

1 . A method for insulating a conditioned crawlspace beneath a building and protecting the building from termite infestation, the method comprising:
 covering a crawlspace floor with coarse gravel; and   covering the coarse gravel with a polyethylene plastic sheeting, wherein the plastic sheet is brought up an interior side of a stem wall and around one or more piers in the foundation.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 bringing the plastic sheet behind a stud; and   fastening the stud and the plastic sheet to the concrete stem wall with fasteners at a predetermined height from the crawlspace floor.   
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the stem wall area between the crawlspace floor and the bottom of the stud comprises an inspection area where termites attempting to climb up the stem wall can be easily identified. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , further comprising:
 affixing an L-shaped flashing to the stem wall, the L-shaped flashing being configured to hang out to the crawlspace interior over the top of the stud and prevent termites from moving up the stem wall or pier.   
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , further comprising:
 attaching a Borate treated R-5 foam insulation board above the L-shaped flashing on the interior side of the stem wall, wherein the insulation board is configured to terminate at the top of the stem wall.   
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 , further comprising:
 installing a metal flashing above the insulation board, wherein the metal flashing is installed along the entire length of the stem wall, on top of the stem wall.   
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , further comprising:
 installing a pressure treated sill plate on the top of the metal roll flashing, wherein the sill plate and metal roll flashing are attached to the top of the stem wall with fasteners.   
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the insulation board and the sill plate with metal roll flashing may serve as a second and third precaution against termite infestation. 
     
     
         8 . A system for insulating a conditioned crawlspace beneath a building and protecting the building from termite infestation, the system comprising:
 a crawlspace floor covered with coarse gravel; and   a polyethylene plastic sheeting covering the coarse gravel, wherein the plastic sheet is brought up an interior side of a stem wall and around one or more piers in the foundation.   
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a stud fastened to the stem wall, wherein a portion of the plastic sheet is placed between the stem wall and stud.   
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 9 , further comprising:
 an L-shaped flashing provided over the top of the stud and configured to hang out to the crawlspace interior, thereby preventing termites from moving up the stem wall (or pier).   
     
     
         11 . The system according to  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a Borate treated R-5 foam insulation board positioned above the L-shaped flashing on the interior side of the stem wall and attached to the stem wall, wherein the insulation board is configured to terminate at the top of the stem wall.   
     
     
         12 . The system according to  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a metal flashing that is installed above the insulation board, along the entire length of the stem wall, on top of the stem wall.   
     
     
         13 . The system according to  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a pressure treated sill plate installed on the of the metal roll flashing, wherein the sill plate and metal roll flashing are attached to the top of the stem wall with fasteners.   
     
     
         14 . A device for preventing termite infiltration into a building, the device comprising:
 a plastic sheet that covers a crawlspace floor and a portion of a stem wall;   a stud that attaches to a portion of the plastic sheet and the stem wall; and   a termite shield provided along length of the stud.   
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein the device comprises an L-shaped metal flashing. 
     
     
         16 . The device according to  claim 15 , further comprising:
 an insulation board that is attached to the stem wall above the stud, wherein the insulation board may terminate at an edge of the stem wall.   
     
     
         17 . The device according to  claim 16 , further comprising:
 an upper termite shield, which may be positioned above the insulation board.