All posts in “post tension”

Post Tension

Post Tension

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Post Tension

Post Tension slabs are the way to go if you want to avoid cracks and settling of your home. Its also conducive to preventing termite activity as there are generally only the outside foundation to worry about. These slabs are often used in bridges, elevated slabs, walls, and columns. Usually you will see rebar which helps to strengthen the concrete. More and more homes are being built with this feature.

Of course there are always exceptions to every situation, sometimes the cable dislodges or breaks. I don’t see it very often but termites can get through the pipes entry points but generally speaking the cables should pull the concrete tighter.

Arizona has a moderate to heavy activity of termites, generally due to warm weather and this year rain. I always recommend getting a termite inspection every few years and especially if you are buying a home. Don’t take the word of anyone unless they are a licensed termite company. Some realtors and home inspectors will tell you don’t worry but use caution when you’re spending a lot of money. They always say that your home is the biggest investment you will ever make, be wise and hire a Termite Professional. Call ProBest Pest Management 602-249-7378 or 623-414-0176

 

Generic versus Termidor

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Generic versus Termidor, so lets imagine if you will. BASF the original maker of Termidor bought the fipronil from their source and manufactured the original with inert ingredients. Then came at least 10 years of testing, we did 16 homes with none having issues in Arizona.

Now when the patent comes off companies come out of the woodwork to make something just as good. So they can’t get their hands on the inert ingredient list from BASF so they concoct their own – see the problem? So is there an issue with Generics versus Termidor, I believe there is. Choose the original.

  1. Not the same ingredients.
  2. No testing has to be done. They piggyback off the data from BASF, not fair but legal.
  3. Not all generics are the same, formulations are not the same. Stick with the real product from BASF fipronil Termidor.

Termite tube in my carpet?

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This picture is a termite tube coming up through the carpet, so termites work 24/7/365 and they won’t stop until they find food. Even if they find food, their search continues to the next food source. So occasionally they will enter through a crack in the concrete, so you need to look against the wall and inside the house. As always you can always call upon the best to look for these little girls. “Call A Pro… Call The Best. ProBest. 602-249-7378

By the way, now is a good time to look for termites in Arizona.

Look for tubes outside on the foundation.

Look for either drop tubes or tubes coming up from the soil or concrete carpet areas.

I see a lot of tubes in garages, so focus on garage along the outer walls.

Termite tube carpet

Termite tube carpet

 

A sure sign of a Post Tension Slab

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Normally I have noticed that they cut the extra cable and fill it in with cement. Post tension slabs, pull the concrete together by cables within the concrete. This helps to keep the concrete tight and prevent the concrete from cracking.

Access granted, into your home.

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Your home is your castle

Access into your home is your decision and seems to be in your court, right? Every home has penetrations from either the slab or flooring, I can’t think of a single exception. So if you have an example let me know about it. Every time a pipe comes through your slab or flooring there is a chance that termites might exploit the opportunity.

On top of this, there are often issues at the time of the pretreat. Construction proceeds and after we do that pretreat we never know what happens to that hole where the pipe comes up. Often times there is soil piled up and sometimes it is removed and guess where the termiticide is? Gone and there is no protection. So those are the areas where we all need to be vigilant and pay attention to walls and other fixtures.

 

Don’t drill here.

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We have mentioned before about these post tension slabs, but I wanted to show a different picture than the one posted awhile back.

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So before doing any major work at your home, investigate and use caution. I think it is important to know your property, monthly checks are crucial to understanding and preventing any big problems.

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