Termite Behavior and Habitat

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the mud tube constructed by subterranean termites?

To protect themselves from the sun

To create a nesting site

To store their food

To provide a route to the wood (correct)

Where are non-subterranean termites typically found in the United States?

The southern part of the country (correct)

The eastern part of the country

The northern part of the country

The western part of the country

What is a sign that indicates the presence of non-subterranean termites inside wood structural members?

The presence of mud tubes

The presence of discarded wings

The presence of sawdust-like pellets (correct)

All of the above

When are discarded wings typically found in wood infested with non-subterranean termites?

In late spring or early summer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of vegetable glues?

For structural joining and manufacturing of glu-lam and plywood Signup and view all the answers

Why should lumber be inspected for evidence of infestation before it is used in construction?

To ensure it is free of non-subterranean termites Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a physical barrier in termite prevention?

To provide a space between the ground and the wood Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between box nails, common nails, and spikes?

Their diameter Signup and view all the answers

What happens when unseasoned wood is nailed and then seasoned?

The nails loosen Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of animal glues?

They are made from animal parts Signup and view all the answers

What affects the resistance to withdrawal of a nail?

The nail's diameter and length driven into the wood Signup and view all the answers

Why are nails sometimes coated with cement or rosin?

To make them more resistant to withdrawal Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of wax in wood finishing?

To protect against minor scratches and moisture Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a Semi-Transparent Stain?

It alters the color of the wood while allowing the texture and grain to show Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of Glue-Lam construction?

It enables the creation of longer and larger wood members Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between Varnish and Sealer?

Varnish provides a clear coat, while Sealer is a water-repellent substance Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical use of Creosote and creosote–coal tar mixtures?

For exterior wood finishing in more demanding conditions, such as saltwater Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of Glue-Lam Timbers?

They are made of Douglas fir or southern pine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of OSB APA-rated Sturd-I-Floor?

Single-layer floor systems under pad and carpet Signup and view all the answers

What are the criteria for meeting the OSB panel performance standard?

Structural adequacy, dimensional stability, and bond durability Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Casein Glue?

Dulling tools excessively Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary application of Casein Glue?

Furniture, millwork, and cabinet work Signup and view all the answers

Which type of glue is used when waterproof glues are needed?

Melamine resin Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of Melamine resin, phenol resin, resorcinol resin, and resorcinol resin–phenol resin combinations?

High strength development Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern for shear wall systems in terms of connection to other structural elements?

Positive connection to headers and other structural elements Signup and view all the answers

What is a major advantage of using wood composites for outdoor deck and railing systems?

Resistance to moisture and insects Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of wood composites that sets them apart from natural wood?

Lower maintenance requirements Signup and view all the answers

What is not a typical application of wood composites?

Posts Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of using wood composites in outdoor applications?

Lack of splintering Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

OSB Panels and Performance Standards

OSB panels adhere to Voluntary Product Standard PS-2 or APA PRP-108, emphasizing structural adequacy, dimensional stability, and bond durability.
Performance criteria include tests for uniform/concentrated loading, impact loading, racking, and fastener strength.

Applications of OSB

Commonly used for wall and roof sheathing, as well as subflooring.
OSB APA-rated Sturd-I-Floor is designed for single-layer floor systems with tongue and groove edges.

Adhesives Used in Wood Construction

Casein Glue:
- Derived from milk, sets quickly, and is effective in damp conditions.
- Used in structural joining and glued-laminated timber.
Waterproof Resins:
- Includes melamine, phenol, and resorcinol resins, often requiring high curing temperatures.
- Show minimal staining, are strong, and tend to be expensive.
Wax Coatings:
- Made from beeswax or carnauba, offering a protective finish against scratches and moisture.
- Prone to cracking and chipping due to expansion and contraction.
Varnish and Sealers:
- Varnish applies a clear coat to showcase wood grain.
- Sealers are water-repellent, preventing moisture penetration while allowing grain visibility.

Glue-Laminated Wood (Glu-Lam)

Limited by the size and characteristics of available trees; lumber over 24 ft (7.2 m) or greater than 12 in. x 12 in. is challenging to source.
Glue-Lam members are essential for heavy timber construction, typically made from Douglas fir or southern pine.

Paint and Coating Classifications

Paints categorized as exterior or interior, with solvent types classified as water-based or oil-based.
Important for providing structural integrity under extreme loading conditions, ensuring system flexibility and shear wall effectiveness.

Wood Composites

Wood fibers can blend with plastics for outdoor applications like decking and railing.
Composites resist moisture and insects, require less maintenance, and are less prone to splintering compared to traditional wood.

Termite Identification and Control

Subterranean Termites:
- Construct mud tubes for moisture access, revealing their presence.
Non-Subterranean Termites:
- Can thrive in damp or dry wood without returning to the ground, detectable by tiny pellet droppings and shed wings.
- Infestation signs may be present in lumber delivered at construction sites.

Physical Barriers in Construction

Comprise concrete or steel supports creating space between wood and ground, with optional metal shields for extra protection.

Fasteners and Nails

Nails come in various types: box nails (thinnest), common nails, and spikes (thickest).
Unseasoned wood can cause nails to loosen; best to use dry wood to avoid shrinkage issues.

Glue Types in Wood Manufacturing

Animal Glue: Traditionally used for wood bonding, made from animal byproducts and utilized heated.
Vegetable Glue: Made from starch, offers high strength and is used in plywood manufacturing.

Mechanical Fastener Considerations

Withdrawal resistance of nails varies based on diameter, length, and wood specific gravity.
Nails may be treated to improve withdrawal resistance.

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Description

Learn about the unique habits of termites, including how they build mud tubes to access wood and protect themselves from the sun. This quiz covers the behavior of non-subterranean termites found in the southern United States.