science

Termite shield

Termite shield is a science topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand Termite shield rather than just read about it. In short: A termite shield is a sheet metal fabrication used in light frame construction to reduce the movement of termites from the soil into wood framing members such as floor joists and studs. Although there are several types of non chemical termite barriers now in use, termite shields are the original.

Key takeaways

Termite shield belongs to science; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect Termite shield to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of Termite shield from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

A termite shield is a sheet metal fabrication used in light frame construction to reduce the movement of termites from the soil into wood framing members such as floor joists and studs. Although there are several types of non chemical termite barriers now in use, termite shields are the original.

Materials Termite shields can be made up of various materials. One type of termite shield is made from various sheet metals including galvanized steel, terne, copper, or aluminum. The metal is formed to fit between the top of the foundation wall and the bottom of the wood sill plate. The edges of the termite shield are typically hemmed, extended slightly beyond the face of the wall, and turned down to form a drip edge which diverts water running down the face of the wall and reduce the movement of subterranean termites from the soil up into the wood framing members. Termite shields will not protect a building from termite activity, but help make termite activity more visible. Lately, granite and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) shield can be installed into tiny brick open spaces where termites can enter the building surrounding the whole perimeter of the property. The termite shield is too thick for the termites to chew and penetrate the material forcing the termites to migrate into the open where they can be more easily eradicated. The benefits of using this type of material is that they are sustainable to the environment being awarded Environmental Choice Declaration from the Environmental Labelling Association. Other benefits include being cheaper than metals, and can be coupled with other shield protection systems.

Problems One problem with termite shields is the gaps which exist at seams and at openings where steel reinforcing bars penetrate the metal shield. Since many species of subterranean termites can enter through openings >1/20 Inch (1.27 mm), these gaps must be sealed with a sealant known to block termites. Additionally, termite barrier sealant should be used underneath the shield, so termites are forced to go to the exterior of the structures.

Other materials There are two other materials called "termite barriers" rather than "termite shields" which have been evaluated by the International Code Council. One is a waterproofing membrane with non-chemical termite barrier sealant, and the other is a wire mesh. (See Termite barriers)

References

Illustrations

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Termite shield

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Termite shield claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In science, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Termite shield before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Termite shield ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Termite shield

In research: Termite shield appears in science research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses Termite shield in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: Termite shield is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Building, Insect control, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for Termite shield outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

Affiliate

Preply — study more efficiently by working with a personal tutor. 50% off.

How to study Termite shield in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what Termite shield means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain Termite shield out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Termite shield in simple terms?

Why does Termite shield matter?

Because it connects several science ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Termite shield?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Termite shield.