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Termite Prevention
Physical Barriers
Termites are one of the most dangerous pests in Australian homes and cause millions of dollars damage every year. Applying a physical termite barrier to your new home will save you worry and potential heartache. All physical termite barriers are designed to prevent the hidden entry of termites into your home and to make termite inspections easier. Following are some of the physical barrier systems that are available.Granitgard
Granitgard uses a system that incorporates stone particles, strip shielding and Blockaid to achieve a system that protects the entire home against termites, including not just the structural components but all timber and even electrical wiring and plaster. Granitgard is an environmentally friendly alternative that uses no pesticides and is non-toxic.
The stone particles in Granitgard provide termite protection in three ways – they are too hard for termites to chew through, they are too large for termites to move and the gaps between the stone particles are too small for the termites to move through.
The strip shielding is available in two materials – unplasticised PVC and bitumen coated aluminium. The shielding is visible around the external walls and it extends into the stone barrier to ensure that the two barriers are linked and that termites cannot get through.
Blockaid is made up of rubber modified bitumen and natural plant extracts and is both water-based and non-toxic. It works by the bitumen providing adhesion and durability, the rubberised elements providing flexibility as well as strength, and the plant extracts making the Blockaid unpalatable to termites. Blockaid is either brushed on or spray gunned in depending on the situation.
These three elements working in combination with each other block concealed termite access, and force the termites out into the open, where they can be easily seen and treated. Granitgard comes with a full warranty of 10 years and can only be installed by trained and licensed professionals.
Kordon
Kordon makes a physical termite barrier – Kordon TB, as well as a waterproof termite system – Kordon TMB. These products are environmentally friendly, harmless and allergy-free.
Kordon TB is able to be installed as a perimeter barrier to all types of buildings as well as pipes and any other penetrations to the building. Kordon TMB can provide protection against termites and moisture and replaces the plastic in the slab. Kordon TMB is laid underneath the slab, on top of the bedding sand but below the steel reinforcing mesh. The concrete is then poured.
Kordon is a combined physical and chemical barrier, using laminated fibrous webbing that is impregnated with a synthetic pyrethroid known as deltamethrin. Deltamethrin kills termites upon contact and is also a strong termite repellent. This, combined with the physical barrier, ensures that termites cannot enter a building without detection.
Kordon systems can only be installed by an accredited professional and is expected to remain effective for up to 50 years.
Termimesh
Termimesh, as the name suggests, uses a mesh to prevent concealed termite entry. This mesh is made from ultra marine grade stainless steel mesh and is designed for flexibility so that it is able to mould to irregular shapes or contours without losing its effectiveness. Because there are no chemicals involved, Termimesh is completely non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
The mesh works because the holes are too small for termites to get through, the mesh is too hard to chew through and the mesh is also resistant to termite attacks. This system is installed across concealed potential entry points and can be used on all types of buildings. Because the mesh is the only component of the barrier system, it does not need to be re-treated in the future, making it a once-off cost.
Termimesh comes with a timber replacement warranty and is installed by licensed and accredited technicians.
Termguard
The Termguard prevention system targets termites at the source of entry and it uses termiticides inside perforated pipes. The termiticides that are used are environmentally friendly and are safe for both people and pets as there is no contact with the termiticide at any time.
Termguard systems can be installed under or around the building and once the building is constructed, the system is virtually inaccessible. The systems are modifiable to suit the building and the area. Termguard distributes the termiticide solution as evenly as possible and holes are located in the top twenty percent of the pipe and face upwards. The solution is emitted through these holes. To prevent blockages, a GeoFabric mat called Permecover is used.
The Termguard systems are injected or replenished using external injection points in a pathway, garden bed, or other landscaping feature. These points are protected by a locked child proof trap. If a section of the pipe should become damaged, it can be easily repaired and the system restored to full working condition and, if part of the system is disturbed, only the disturbed part needs to be re-treated.
TERM-seal
TERM-seal is a multi-functional termite barrier system that can be used in all types of buildings. As well as providing a termite barrier, it also provides a damp proofing solution. TERM-seal can be used on concrete slabs, cement render, concrete and masonry blocks as well as compressed fibrous cement sheeting.
The FRM, or Fibre Reinforced Membrane – is a specialized non-toxic termite resistant and damp proof barrier that is formed when a TERM-seal compound is applied to a specially designed medium. A bonding band is used to stick the FRM to concrete slabs and masonry constructions to form a full physical barrier and damp course. The TERM-seal multi-purpose compound is used with the FRM and TERM-seal penetration collars.
There are three TERM-seal systems – a perimeter, penetration and damp course management system, a multi-purpose passive system that is used on backfilled walls and external joints, and the multi-purpose passive for waterproofing system that is used in waterproofing kitchens and shower trays.
TERM-seal is quick and easy to install but is only able to be installed by fully trained professionals. It is also UV stable.
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References
Related Categories
Building Consultants
Inspections - Building
Pest Control