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frequently asked questions

What is a borate treatment?

A borate treatment is a natural wood preservative treatment applied during construction to structural framing, to protect against termites, wood-boring insects, and decay fungi. It diffuses into the wood and remains there for long-term protection.

What are the benefits?

  • Protects against termites, carpenter ants, wood decay fungi, and more.

  • Eliminates the need for heavy chemical intervention from soil-applied termiticides or fumigations.

  • Long-lasting, sustainable protection that stays in the wood.

  • Helps meet green building standards like LEED or NAHB Green Building Program.

How do Field Applied Wood Treatments with borates work?

Borates are applied to the structural framing during construction, and diffuse into the cells of the wood.  When pests try to use the wood as a food source to grow their colonies, the borates disrupt pests’ ability to process food (the wood in your structure), causing starvation.

Are borate treatments safe?

Yes! While insects cannot process borates, animals and humans can easily excrete boron, which is a naturally occurring mineral found in our handsoaps, laundry detergents, etc. They don’t emit VOCs and don’t leach unless exposed to water. Boron is a micronutrient used to enhance soil in agriculture.

What happens if I don’t do it?

Skipping a borate treatment during construction means relying on more invasive chemical intervention methods such as fumigations, soil-based pesticide dependency, and structural repairs when you do get an infestation. Without protection, your home is vulnerable to wood decay and termites, leading to costly damage.

When should I do a Field Applied Wood Treatment, and how long does it take?

Field Applied Wood Treatments occur during the framing stage of construction, before insulation, windows, and doors are installed. The treatment for a single family home generally takes 1 day in the construction schedule, with a few call backs to treat additional detail as it’s added.

What is your process?

  1. Quote: We’ll send a quote based on square footage and plans

  2. Subfloors: If there are raised foundations, we’ll treat them before the subfloor joists and footings are covered

  3. Main Frame: We’ll need the jobsite to ourself to treat the entirety of the structural framing in 1 day

  4. Touch Up: We’ll come back for additional detail that has been added throughout the build cycle

  5. Warranty: We’ll send over our Limited Warranty 

How does this compare to other termite treatments?

  • Field Applied Wood Treatment with Borates: Long-term protection inside the wood. Green and safe.

  • Soil Termiticides: Short-term, requires periodic reapplication. Potential environmental concerns.

  • Physical Barriers or Stations: Effective but expensive and require precise installation and, sometimes, subscriptions.

  • Fumigation: Treats existing infestations but doesn’t prevent new ones.

Is it code compliant?

Yes! Field Applied Wood Treatments are recognized in the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) for wood protection. It’s also possible to get credits in Green Building Programs by NAHB or LEEDs. Sometimes they’re even required by HUD. Always check local requirements.

Will it affect my fasteners?

No, borates are non-corrosive.

Is it compatible with paint and stains?

Yes, but wood must be dry before applying finishes. A primer is recommended for best adhesion. p.s Don’t paint your eaves and fascia before your Field Applied Wood Treatment.

What are the environmental benefits?

  • Eliminates the need to pump pesticides into the ground.

  • Increases building material lifecycle.

  • Made from naturally occurring boron, safe for non-target animals and can be used as mulch at end of life.

If I’m remodeling, should I still fumigate?

If you already have termites, fumigation may be needed. However, borate treatments during remodeling can prevent future infestations, reducing the need for fumigation.

Is there a warranty?

Yes! We offer a 15-year Limited Warranty Program that renews annually.

Got questions about the safety, effectiveness, or long-term benefits of borate treatments for wood construction? We've got you covered. Our FAQs address common concerns and explain why this eco-friendly solution is the best choice for your project. Need more info? Give us a call at (760) 206-3730

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