Building A Termite Proof Home
There are several options available that can be incorporated into a home being built, but most can only be put in during the construction phase. When you're ready to build, give us a call - we are licensed termite specialists and licensed builders.
Slab penetration protection: termites can enter a home through a gap where a pipe goes through the house slab. As most pipes are going into the wet areas, this is the perfect environment for termites. There are several collars on the market that can create a seal bonding the pipe into the slab and forming a termite barrier.
Under slab protection: a barrier between the ground and the underside of the slab can be created by using chemically impregnated plastic sheeting that doubles as a damp proof membrane, or by installing a reticulation system under the slab. Reticulation systems are a series of perforated pipes similar to soaker hoses laid on top of the ground before pouring the concrete slab. Termite chemicals can be injected into the pipes as needed, treating the soil under the slab.
Framing: steel or timber species resistant to termites such as cyprus can be used, or boron salt treatments can be sprayed onto any timber to make it termite and borer proof. Boron treatments can be used on all the timber used in the house including skirtings, doors and windows. Even steel framed homes will have some timber in them somewhere.
Slab edge protection: there are many products on the market that can be used to form a barrier along the slab edge sealing the wall cavity. Meshes and plastic sheets create a physical barrier preventing termites from getting into the wall cavity unnoticed. There are also plastic sheets that are impregnated with pesticide and double as a damp proof coarse. Another option is a reticulation system installed around the external perimeter edge of the house, and this can be topped up as needed.
Reticulation systems: these pipe systems are versatile and can installed under house slabs, around the exterior of a house or shed, under driveways, pergola slabs or extensions. Like soaker hoses, they distribute an even amount of chemical over their entire length and are made of special plastics that last at least 50 years. Chemical types come and go but all have a limited life. The concept of treating the soil under and around a house to protect it hasn't changed and so the benefit of reticulation is that as new products are developed they can be used in existing systems. It is recommended that systems are topped up every 5 years, but it depends on the product used.
