BTB is a basaltic sand that when installed properly, keeps ground termites from getting into your home. BTB is more environmentally friendly because its use does not require any chemicals and can potentially last indefinitely. It also does not kill termites; it's only a barrier.However, proper installation is key.
Installed poorly, BTB will fail as a termite barrier and your home could potentially be worse off compared to spraying termiticide chemicals.
Video below was produced by Julian Yates of the Univ of Hawaii (photo at right).
- Evaluation of effectiveness and discusses common causes of BTB failure.
- Proper Installation, (detail at right from homeenergy.org) requires carefully placed BTB and accessory protective features. The BTB barrier can be easily compromised by tree roots growing into/through the BTB sand, BTB can be washed away at the surface and covered with topsoil, or a construction worker can step into the BTB layer during the initial concrete pour and compromise the barrier.
- Further BTB installation details and information are avail online from local supplier, Ameron Hawaii: http://www.ameronhawaii.com/plagg.html
- Compilation of Ameron's BTB installation details
Part 1:
Part2:
