Foundation Nailers Help

[John Evans]

Vertical wood nailers set in poured concrete foundation. The nailers were placed for vinyl siding installation, but are extended too close to grade. Looking at attached images, any opinions for recommended repair? The wood appears to be treated, termite entry concerns. Very poor construction.

[mnahrgang]

The nailing strips in the foundation on the west side of the home are touching the grade. Any time wood touches the ground it is an opportunity for a number of future concerns. The wood will wick moisture from the ground and decay prematurely. This is also a situation that provides access to the home for wood destroying insects such as termites or carpenter ants. While there does not appear to be any current damage that has been caused by this, it is recommended to improve the grading on this side of the home. The landscaping (sod, mulch, etc.) should be a minimum distance of 4 or 5 inches below the wood. The grading should be away from the home as well, to promote the drainage of water away from the foundation. Maintenance concern.

[Neil Brown ACE]

From a termite control perspective, this is a big bad no-no. Any large pest control company that offers repair warranty TC services would not contract this home. They would do a termite treatment, but only on a re-treatment warranty.

As a TC professional, I would suggest breaking the wood to ground contact at a minimum of six inches from grade level. Also, see the crack in the foundation above the board in the first pic? That is a highway for sub termites, as well as moisture concerns for the (assuming) basement. Termites will find their way through that crack, eventually.

Also, from a termite treater's perspective, that crack will cause issues when treating, possibly putting chemical material in non-target areas. (Leaking into the crawl or basement)

Hope this was helpful.