It’s a requirement of the Building Code of Australia, in relevance with the Australian Standards AS 3660, that all properties must be in compliance with the protection options utilised for protection in the form of physical barriers or resistant materials against termites.Individuals have two basic options and these are as follows:
- Protect the entirety of the building by providing physical barriers against the infestation of termites.
- Considered only as a partial solution, individuals may combine the first option with the use of termite resistant materials on all residential or commercial properties.
Building Protection Solutions Against Termite Infestations
CHEMICAL BARRIERS
The use of chemical barriers for termite control are to be administered only by licensed operators only. Operators must examine the site thoroughly to ensure uniform distribution of the necessary chemicals throughout the whole property.
The chemical barriers must be maintained on a repetitive basis and correctly completed until the infestation of the termites is fully destroyed. Modern advancements have brought forth a safer chemical, an environmentally-friendly alternative to those used in previous years.
PHYSICAL BARRIERS
There are 3 optional physical barriers: woven stainless steel mesh, graded stone particles or sheet materials. The woven stainless steel mesh is made up of fire woven marine grade stainless steel and is made to make it difficult for termites to chew or crawl through.
Next, the graded stone particles, are finely graded stone particles that are installed underneath concrete slabs or suspended floor systems and these particles provide a stone barrier against termites. The graded stone must be in accordance with the rules listed in the Australian Standard AS3660.1.
Lastly, individuals can use sheet materials as another form of a physical barrier against pestilent termites. These sheet materials are galvanised 0.5mm thick metal. With the placement of ant caps on all entry points to the building, the sheet material delays and impedes termites from passing through.For better assurance of ridding and preventing further infestation of termites, you may opt to use a combination of the systems stated to protect your property.
Additional Information
Regardless of the safety measures that you install, it is not a guarantee that these methods will fully protect the residential or commercial property from infestation of these wood-eating bugs. Following the standards and codes, there simply is a minimisation of the risk of an attack.
A property is an investment that needs to be protected, and in order for an owner to be able to do so, it is necessary to attempt several treatment options and do regular checkups to ensure that the termites do not return.It is the responsibility of the owner to do extensive research to find the most effective solution for the protection of the building.
