Replies

1. 
   user-1137156 | Jul 19, 2014 04:15pm | #1

   I would hope that you can convince "the powers that be" that a termite inspection gap is not needed with Foamglass. Foamglass is completely immune to attack by wood boring insects, from what I've read it is equivalent to concrete in this respect. The gap requirement is there for the plastic foams which are subject to attack but Foamglass is VERY different.. Since it's the slab edge and not subject to compressive stress you might see if mineral wool board stock, such as Roxul Drainboard would be approved without the inspection gap, even though it is actually slightly inferior in resisting termite attack it doesn't have foam in it's name.

2. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Jul 20, 2014 05:35am | #2

   Jerry,
   The reason that people who live in termite-infested areas want to have an inspection strip isn't to protect their insulation. It's to protect the wooden components of their house.

   You want an inspection strip so that it is easy to see whether the critters are munching on your rim joist, not because you suspect they are making tunnels in your insulation.

3. 
   user-1137156 | Jul 20, 2014 03:29pm | #3

   Martin,
   I agree with what you said BUT add that the "critters" often use tunnels through foam insulation as a pathway to the delicious wood. BUT that is plastic foam, NOT Foamglass which they simply can't get into, let alone through. For the purpose of identifying insect paths to and from wood Inspecting the outside of the Foamglass is as good as inspecting under it.
   Since Stacy is using a "slab on grade" there will be no rim joist but there will, no doubt, be other wood.

4. 
   yellowbrickroad | Jul 26, 2014 10:13pm | #4

   Thank you, Jerry and Martin, for your responses. Just to clarify, we already have the Foamglas and it has now been installed. We had to keep the inspection gap.

5. 
   user-1137156 | Jul 26, 2014 10:26pm | #5

   Stacey,
   Maybe you could get approval to insert cut strips of high density mineral wool in the gap(s). It would be easily removable for inspections but substantially close the thermal hole at other times. A variation of your "industrial strength Velcro".

6. 
   yellowbrickroad | Jul 26, 2014 10:36pm | #6

   Thanks, Jerry ~ I'll check! We are planning to use the Roxul ComfortBoard for exterior insulation so we will already have product on hand...