3 Most Common Termite Protection Systems found in Modern Domestic Buildings
Termite Protection Systems are Determined by Australian Standard AS 3660.1:2014 (termite managment new buildings). It mandates the installation of physical and/or chemical barriers in new buildings to protect against 'undetected' Subterranean Termite attack
As explained in more detail on our other blog pages, Subterranean Termites pose a very real risk to all timber structures in Sydney.
All new structures must be built with some kind of termite protection system, in accordance with Australian Standard “AS3660.1:2014 Termite Management – New Structures”.
The main aim of the termite management system is to force termites to create their shelter tubes (mudding) in the open so they can be detected by the timber pest inspector during routine inspections. This ensures the structural integrity of the building is not at risk.
Termite management systems fall into 2 main categories, Chemical and Physical barriers, however they are commonly combined for increased effectiveness.
It is important to understand termite barriers don’t eliminate termites, they aid in the detection of the presence of termites in the building. It is important to highlight that once a building is occupied, the protection of any building from Subterranean Termites is very much the responsibility of the building owner, or strata organisation in strata titled properties.
We recommend obtaining a copy of the ‘Termite Protection Certificate’ with new dwellings when obtaining the relevant building certificates.
It is IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND it is the owner’s obligation to understand the limitations of the system and it’s maintenance requirements (such as inspections or chemical re-application).
The above image shows a typical ‘Chemical reticulation’ termite protection system – the service / recharge points are visible in the black container. These pipes form a ‘ring’ around the building, passing under pathways or paving, making updating the chemical a simple process.
Physical Barriers include common products like “Granitguard” and “Termimesh”. Installed in the lower walls and around floor penetrations and footings, these products work by preventing the termites from passing through the material.
In order to get to the upper sections of the structure, the termites must go around the barriers and make mud tubes in areas that are visible.
Chemical Barriers work in a similar way but can have the added benefit of killing the termites on contact and in some cases a chemical can be carried to the nest, destroying the colony. Chemical barriers are commonly installed below concrete slabs.
Another common (an in our opinion the best) form of chemical termite barrier is called a ‘chemical reticulation’ system. This includes a pipe that creates a ‘ring’ around the building, the pipe is then ‘injected’ with chemical, usually every 3 years.
One of the main disadvantages with chemical systems is the limited life expectancy of the chemicals.
This means they need re-application, usually every 7-8 years with barriers, 3 years with reticulation systems.
That is why the reticulation systems are preferable, due to the easy servicing / chemical reaplication via the fittings installed in the pipes.
3 Most Common Termite Protections Systems...
As for the 3 most common systems:
1) Chemical barrier (spray soil) below concrete slab.
2) Granitguard to lower wall cavity in brick veneer homes.
3) Chemical reticulation systems.
Check out our range of building consultancy and pest inspection services including our most common service: a Combined Building and Timber Pest Inspection, Pre-sale and Vendor Reports, Pre-Settlement or New Home Inspections, Strata Reports, Thermal Camera Inspections, Termite Inspections, Building Defect Report and Technical Reports which concentrate on matters of building compliance, we also offer Structural Appraisals, Dilapidation reports and Asbestos Material Appraisals.
