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Builders
In the light of the new Building Code Amendments, the emphasis in
termite management has shifted heavily away from the chemical barriers with good
reason. The chemical barriers cannot protect against some common building
practices such as a compromised footing. The Environpest preference is for a
properly placed and vibrated concrete slab, Granitgard to the slab penetrations
and brick cavity, and preferably, a termite resistant frame. These three key
elements ensure that a builders duty of care is protected.
In 1995, the Cement and Concrete Association of Australia released a
10 page document on how to construct a concrete slab to AS 2870 for use as a
termite barrier. It is an excellent document. Key elements are vibration, not
wetting up on site, and proper curing. Please contact us for a
copy or visit
this Page on our web site.
Granitgard
is a true “life of building” product that really does
work.
Granitgard
has had full Australian Building Codes Board accreditation
since 1996, and is extremely difficult for following trades to damage. Properly
installed, with appropriate advice to the home owner in relation to annual
inspections, you will not be affected by the termite issue.
An
exposed slab edge is another means by which the cost of termite protection can
drop. With a properly installed exposed slab edge (it can't be compromised by
tiles or render etc), only the slab penetrations and construction joints need
termite protection.
For an average home the cost of termite protection can drop to approximately
$200.00. How
logical is that?
We suggest that you offer termite resistant framing (hardwood,
cypress pine, LOSP, or steel) as an option to your clients. If termites were to
occur to a home for any reason, they would be found before the structural
integrity of the home was threatened, limiting your exposure. Given a reasonable
price for an upgrade to termite resistant framing, we believe most homebuyers
would upgrade, and if they didn’t, the builders liability could be limited.
We believe concrete block retaining walls can be used successfully as part of the termite barriers of a home if they're constructed properly, and the better certifiers are now accepting this under the performance provisions of the Building Code. Our Concrete Block Retaining Wall page sets out where we're coming from.
If you do any of the Raise and Renovate projects, you might find this page informative. It shows how the slab penetrations can be physically protected using Granitgard, and the slab edge exposure can be used, and also some tips on some of the common traps. In short, you don't have to spend a lot of money to produce a good result!
Another of our services is in Building Services Authority disputes. We have attended a number of disputes on behalf of builders, and if you're looking for real answers in the termite issue, please don't hesitate to contact us. For more information, please visit our BSA Case Histories page. © Mark Porter 2000
Granitgard installation to a brick cavity, and protecting a brick pier
(Click on photos to view full size)
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