| [Image: Scematic showing termites exposing themselves at bottom of cinderblock pier because of solid concrete pad below] |
| [Image: Photograph of brick pier with solid concrete pad above] |
| [Image: fix] |
Figure 4 shows that concrete pads are similar in that the termites need to tunnel around the concrete to get into a structure, thus giving you the opportunity to detect the infestation easily. Solid concrete pads also easier to treat since only the soil around the perimeter of the pad needs to be treated and not the interior of the pier. The concrete pad must be solid with no cracks or holes and extend above the level of the soil.
In figure 5, this brick pier sits on a solid concrete chain wall and has a solid concrete cap. Two thumbs way up!
Figure 6 represents the winner for best pier goes to solid concrete. For ease of inspection, treatment, and durability there is no better selection.
Treatment:
Trench and treat the soil around all four sides of each pier.
Inspection:
Examine all four sides of each pier for shelter tubes.
Given a choice I would build a pier and beam house with solid concrete piers with at least 2 feet of clearance underneath.