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- Eliminate all contact between the soil and all wood members that are part of the building. This is a highly labour intensive task with very little material costs involved.
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- Remove all scrap wood from the premises. Provide access (if necessary) under porches and clear out any debris. Avoid storing firewood on the ground. Pile logs away from the building on a raised platform made of concrete or other suitable material.
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- Basements and underfloor crawlspaces should be ventilated to control dampness. Spaces under decks and orches should also be ventilated.
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- Eliminate any contact with wood members and the concrete basement floor. Any water penetration through the foundation where there are wood floors or partitions nearby should be rectified immediately.
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- Ensure that surface water is channeled away from the foundation wall. This is achieved by sloping ground/walkways/patios, etc. away from the house for the first four feet.
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- Maintain eavestroughs and down spouts. If down spouts discharge on grade, extensions should be added to divert rain water away from the house.
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- Review roof coverings and flashings annually. Plastic roofing cement should be used to repair any minor faults that have developed.
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- The exterior wall assembly should be inspected annually. Any faults in the wall covering should be repaired immediately. Caulking should be used at all joints of dissimilar materials.
Copyright (2003) CBCG – Reprinted with permission