Shopsmith Forums

swampgator wrote:This is an intensely interesting thread. But, I have a couple of questions that I don't know the answer to.
First, are you where hurricane straps needed?
Second, back in the old days, they used to put a sheet of metal between the foundation and the sill/floor joists. I don't know if it was rodent control or insect control.

Think termites!

Think moisture.

swampgator wrote:This is an intensely interesting thread.

Thanks. I wasn't sure anybody was really getting anything out of it.

swampgator wrote:But, I have a couple of questions that I don't know the answer to.
First, are you where hurricane straps needed?

No. When Katrina hit it was a little windy, but no more than a typical thunderstorm. Same for Rita and Gustav after that.

swampgator wrote:Second, back in the old days, they used to put a sheet of metal between the foundation and the sill/floor joists. I don't know if it was rodent control or insect control.

Technically that is not a question. But I know nothing about what you are talking about.

heathicus wrote:Thanks. I wasn't sure anybody was really getting anything out of it.



No. When Katrina hit it was a little windy, but no more than a typical thunderstorm. Same for Rita and Gustav after that.



Technically that is not a question. But I know nothing about what you are talking about.

I am going to assume you are not kidding(a risky one to be sure!) and note that moisture will not pass through a metal barrier and the termites will not crawl over thenarrow edge of same.

JPG40504 wrote:I am going to assume you are not kidding(a risky one to be sure!) and note that moisture will not pass through a metal barrier and the termites will not crawl over thenarrow edge of same.

I meant I know nothing about the practice of putting metal sheeting under floor joists.

Moisture may not pass through metal, but it can be very effective at collecting moisture from the air under certain humidity and temperature conditions. How that would play in the given scenario, I'd have no idea.

heathicus wrote:I meant I know nothing about the practice of putting metal sheeting under floor joists.

Moisture may not pass through metal, but it can be very effective at collecting moisture from the air under certain humidity and temperature conditions. How that would play in the given scenario, I'd have no idea.

Reset! We be referring to placing small plates/sheets an inch or two larger than the block upon which the sill plate rests only between the sill plate and the block.. The joists and floor sheeting are 'open air'. Bending them slightly down for drainage a good idea.

The plate in question is commonly referred to as a termite shield. I don't think it would be of much help in preventing moisture damage.

https://www.google.com/#hl=en&cp=10&gs_ ... .osb&cad=b

mbcabinetmaker wrote:The plate in question is commonly referred to as a termite shield. I don't think it would be of much help in preventing moisture damage.

https://www.google.com/#hl=en&cp=10&gs_id=13&xhr=t&q=termite+shield&tok=xLK_Q3DIPKEFkFSKD7filw&pf=p&sclient=psy-ab&source=hp&pbx=1&oq=termite+sh&aq=0&aqi=g4&aql=&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&fp=1&biw=1440&bih=785&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&cad=b

Wood setting on masonry under load over time will eventually react to the moisture acquired by direct contact. How soon and how much will vary with the moisture content of the masonry.

Consider it a bonus of the 'termite shield'.

Curling the edges down prevents them becoming a catch basin.

Heath intends to support with spaced blocks.


"
Well, it depends a lot on

by DanH in reply to Alabama Backpacker [original] on Sun, 01/02/2011 - 15:25
Well, it depends a lot on your location. Your handle suggests you're in Alabama, but kinda hard to tell from here.
Certainly metal or rubber separators between masonry and wood framing are recommended in virtually all parts of the country, to prevent moisture transport as well as bug entry, but whether termite shields are needed depends on whether you're in "termite territory" and, to a degree, on the type of wood (treated?) and other factors.
I have seen several homes in coastal MS that appear to lack anything resembling a termite shield (and found a lack of any suitable shield material at the "big box" stores there), so it's not clear that it's a general necessity in the South.

This country will not be a permanently good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a reasonably good place for all of us to live in. --Theodore Roosevelt "

Thanks, JPG. That's the one piece I needed.

Heathicus, I wonder if you should consider straps in the event of a tornado. I don't know how effective they would be given a real tornado, but around here in Pensacola, all mobile homes and any portable type buildings must be strapped down. However, looking back at the pix of last years tornadoes, it didn't seem to make a difference since the buildings exploded anyway from the low pressure. Just hoping that building inspectors don't stop you with your project. Looks as if you are doing a super job. When you get that one done, I have a small project here in Pensacola, for storing paint and chemicals.

swampgator wrote:Thanks, JPG. That's the one piece I needed.

Heathicus, I wonder if you should consider straps in the event of a tornado. I don't know how effective they would be given a real tornado, but around here in Pensacola, all mobile homes and any portable type buildings must be strapped down. However, looking back at the pix of last years tornadoes, it didn't seem to make a difference since the buildings exploded anyway from the low pressure. Just hoping that building inspectors don't stop you with your project. Looks as if you are doing a super job. When you get that one done, I have a small project here in Pensacola, for storing paint and chemicals.

I do not think 'inspectors' are likely! That is a 'civilization' phenomenon!:D

They do not refer to rafter wall anchors as hurricane clips mindlessly. However they do help survive the high speed winds that usually surround/accompany a tornado. They keep the side winds from 'lifting; the roof.

A tornado is a triple whammy. Pressure, near vacuum, then pressure reversed direction from the first and shear forces from the sides as it passes.

'Good' thing re a tornado, is it doesn't last long. Not like a hurricane that takes hours to pass over.

I can do without either!:rolleyes:

swampgator wrote:Thanks, JPG. That's the one piece I needed.

Heathicus, I wonder if you should consider straps in the event of a tornado.

I could use straps for a tornado or hurricane. I could use rubber footings for an earthquake. Use pontoons for skids in case of a flood. Airbags in the walls in case a car crashes into it. Bulletproof walls and windows in case of a terrorist attack. But it is just a cheap workshop.

swampgator wrote:Just hoping that building inspectors don't stop you with your project.

Inspectors? We don't need no steenking inspectors! But seriously, I hate that Americans have given up so many of their liberties to inspectors and permits and regulations and rules. I could never live under an HOA telling me how to keep my yard and where to park my car and what kind of Christmas decorations I can't put up and what kind of signs I can't put in my yard. But that is really a rant for another time and place.

JPG40504 wrote:A tornado is a triple whammy. Pressure, near vacuum, then pressure reversed direction from the first and shear forces from the sides as it passes.

Don't forget about the debris those things throw around!