Termite management - Electronic Blueprint
The correct specification and installation of termite protection systems is essential
for the protection of houses and other buildings. Builders and specifiers should consult the Building
Code of Australia (BCA) for the relevant requirements, and should consider the use of those termite
management systems that have achieved CodeMark certification.
Following are specifications from the Electronic Blueprint covering some termite protection systems for
concrete slab-on-ground construction. These, and other comprehensive specifications, are available
free-of-charge from www.electronicblueprint.com.au.
Termite protection measures shall comply with the Building Regulations and the relevant Standard
(AS3660.1) The aim of most termite barriers is to force the termites to the surface of the structure,
where they are visible and can be easily eradicated. Some termite barriers also include chemicals that
deter the termites from passing. Other systems, involving chemical dosing and graded stone barriers
may be applicable, but must be properly maintained. Refer to the relevant materials specifications.
Termite protection shall provide a continuous barrier that prevents termites from entering the building
undetected. The critical areas for termite entry, including the external perimeter, construction joints and
plumbing penetrations, shall be protected and treated by a termite management system. The system
installation shall conform to the manufacturer's guidelines.
A manufacturer's warranty for a minimum of fifty (50) years shall be provided. The warranty shall be
renewable on an annual basis, base on annual inspection by the system installation organisation. Such
a warranty shall provide for timber replacement should a system breach occur.
A certificate permanently fixed to the building in a prominent location, such as a meter box, kitchen
cupboard, or similar, shall indicate the following;
- Method of protection.
- Date of installation.
- Life expectancy of any termiticide and the required re-injection date.
- Installer's or manufacturer's recommendations for the scope and frequency of future inspections
for termite activity, not greater than 12 months.
Depending on the application and environmental conditions, the following systems may be applicable;
- Concrete footing or concrete slab acting as a termite barrier.
A concrete footing or concrete slab, which is used as a termite barrier, shall be such that no
cracks through it exceed a width of 1 mm. Except for joints tied by steel reinforcement between
a footing and slab, all joints shall include a termite barrier, integral with the concrete slab. All
interfaces, between penetrations and the surrounding concrete of a footing or slab, shall be
protected by an integral barrier.
- Sheet material acting as a termite barrier.
Sheet material barriers and their joints shall be constructed of termite-resistant materials, such
that termites are unable to pass through them. The maximum aperture size of a perforated
sheet material barrier shall be sufficiently small as to deny access to foraging termite species of
the region. Combinations of materials likely to cause electrolytic reaction shall not be used, e.g.
stainless steel mesh shall not be used in contact with mild steel reinforcement.
- Graded stone particles acting as a termite barrier.
Graded stone particle barriers shall be termite resistant, consist of graded and shaped stone of
a size and grading that prevents a significant proportion from being removed by foraging termite
species of the region, and whose voids are sufficiently small to prevent the passage of foraging
termite species of the region. Capping systems associated with graded particles may be
concrete, bituminous material, acrylics or other plastics.
- Chemical treatment acting as a termite barrier.
A chemical barrier, consisting of material approved by the relevant Authority, shall be applied
continuous and in concentrations that repel termites for entering the building, without posing a
hazard to human health.
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