A contractor is installing termite protection for a post-and-pier foundation in Hawaii. The volcanic rock piers extend 18 inches above grade. What termite protection is required?
Correct Answer
C) Both termite shields and 8-inch clearance to untreated wood
Hawaii requires both termite shields on piers and minimum 8-inch clearance between untreated wood and ground/masonry surfaces to prevent concealed termite access.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Hawaii requires a dual approach for post-and-pier foundations: (1) termite shields installed on top of each pier to intercept termites attempting to travel from masonry up into wood framing, and (2) a minimum 8-inch clearance between untreated wood and any ground or masonry surface to prevent concealed termite access. Both requirements work together — shields block direct access while clearance ensures any termite activity remains visible for inspection. Meeting only one requirement is insufficient.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Pressure-treated lumber for all framing members
Pressure-treated lumber for all framing members alone does not eliminate termite risk at the critical pier-to-wood interface. Pressure treatment helps resist termite attack on wood surfaces but does not substitute for the physical shield and clearance requirements at the foundation connection.
Option B: Chemical soil treatment around each pier
Chemical soil treatment around each pier addresses subterranean termites in the soil but does not provide the physical barrier required at the point where termites transition from masonry to wood. Hawaii code requires the shield as a physical intercept at this junction.
Option D: Termite shields on top of each pier
Termite shields on top of each pier alone (without the required 8-inch clearance) is incomplete. The clearance requirement ensures that any termite tubes bridging the gap are visible during inspection and cannot be concealed within masonry or soil contact.
Memory Technique
Shield + Space = Safe. Shields on top of piers block the path. 8 inches of open space ensures you can see any termite activity. Two requirements, both required, both starting with 'S'.
More Hawaii Questions
A concrete mix design for coastal construction specifies a water-cement ratio of 0.40. If 650 lbs of cement is used per cubic yard, how many gallons of water should be added?
A contractor is installing hurricane straps rated at 1,500 pounds each. If the calculated uplift force on a rafter is 3,200 pounds, how many straps are required with a 2.0 safety factor?
Hawaii Building Code requires special inspection for concrete placement in seismic design categories. What is the minimum frequency for concrete strength testing?
What is the maximum allowable deflection for roof rafters under design wind loads in Hawaii's hurricane zones?
Which roofing attachment method is specifically required in Hawaii's hurricane zones for asphalt shingles on residential construction?
A building in Maui requires hurricane straps rated for 175 mph winds. If each strap must resist 1,200 lbs of uplift force and you have 48 roof-to-wall connections, what is the total uplift resistance provided?
During construction of a beachfront property, you notice white crystalline deposits forming on the concrete surface. This indicates:
You discover expansive clay soil conditions during excavation for a residential foundation in Kona. The plasticity index is 28. What foundation system is most appropriate?
According to Hawaii building requirements, hurricane straps connecting roof trusses to wall plates must be rated for what minimum uplift force in high wind zones?
A concrete slab foundation in Hawaii requires a vapor barrier. Due to high humidity and frequent rainfall, what type of vapor barrier is most appropriate?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass
Related Study Resources
Previous Question
A concrete mix design for coastal construction specifies a water-cement ratio of 0.40. If 650 lbs of cement is used per cubic yard, how many gallons of water should be added?
Next Question
A residential roof replacement project in Lahaina requires hurricane-rated shingles. Calculate the required nail penetration depth for 7/16-inch OSB sheathing with architectural shingles.