Termite management should be considered during the design stage of any commercial construction project in a termite-prone area. Installing the appropriate system while the building is under construction can be more practical than attempting to retrofit protection after the slab, walls and external finishes are complete.
However, not every commercial building is required to use the same type of termite barrier. The requirements for a particular project will depend on factors including the building classification, location, construction materials, design, approval documents and the applicable edition of the National Construction Code.
The building designer, certifier and other relevant project professionals should confirm the termite management requirements before construction begins. Newcastle Pest Exterminators can then work with builders and project managers to install a suitable system in accordance with the approved design and product specifications.
When Is Termite Management Required?
It is inaccurate to say that every new commercial building must have the same pre-construction termite barrier. Commercial buildings cover numerous classifications and construction types, including offices, shops, warehouses, factories, hotels and mixed-use developments.
The applicable requirements can vary according to:
- The building’s NCC classification
- Whether termite-susceptible materials form part of the building
- The termite risk at the construction site
- The building’s slab, footing and structural design
- The approved architectural and engineering documents
- Conditions imposed through the approval and certification process
- The termite management products specified for the project
Before selecting a system, the builder or property owner should consult the building certifier and design team. Where termite management is required or specified, the system must be installed in accordance with the approved construction documents, applicable Australian Standards and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Termites Can Damage Commercial Properties
Subterranean termites feed on cellulose-containing materials. In a commercial building, these materials may include timber framing, joinery, flooring, skirting boards, paper-faced plasterboard, stored cardboard, fit-out materials and timber landscaping elements.
A building constructed primarily from concrete or steel is not automatically termite-proof. Termites can travel through concealed gaps, construction joints and service penetrations to reach susceptible materials inside the building. They do not eat concrete, but cracks and openings can provide concealed routes into the structure.
Termite management systems are intended to reduce the risk of concealed termite entry and make activity easier to detect. They should not be described as an impenetrable shield or a guarantee that termites will never enter the property.
For more information about how these systems work, read our guide to physical termite barriers, including Kordon and GreenZone.
Commercial Projects Require a Site-Specific Approach
Commercial properties are not automatically more vulnerable to termites than residential homes. However, their size and design can make termite management more complicated.
Potential risk areas in a commercial development may include:
- Service penetrations through concrete slabs
- Construction and expansion joints
- Lift pits and service ducts
- Loading docks and storage areas
- Plant rooms and areas with plumbing
- Landscaped areas beside the building
- Slab edges concealed by paths, soil or garden beds
- Connections between old and new sections of a building
- Timber formwork or construction debris left beneath the structure
These features should be considered during the planning stage. Termite management must also be coordinated with plumbing, electrical, concreting and landscaping work so later trades do not damage, cover or bypass the installed system.
For projects containing several risk areas, a layered termite defence using compatible systems may be appropriate. The final design should always follow the project documentation and product requirements.
Types of Pre-Construction Termite Management
The term “termite barrier” can refer to several different systems. It does not always mean a single physical sheet placed beneath the building.
Depending on the project, termite management may include:
- Physical membranes, mesh or graded-particle systems
- Products designed to protect construction joints and service penetrations
- Chemical-treated zones around or beneath parts of the building
- Reticulation systems that allow a treated zone to be replenished
- Termite-resistant construction materials
- A combination of compatible physical and chemical systems
- Accessible inspection zones that make termite entry easier to detect
Each product has specific installation limitations. A product approved for one location, such as a pipe penetration, should not automatically be treated as suitable for every construction joint or perimeter detail.
Only appropriately registered chemical products should be used, and they must be applied strictly in accordance with their approved labels. Physical products must also be installed according to their certified use and the manufacturer’s specifications.
Installing the System During Construction
Installing termite management during construction can make it easier to protect vulnerable areas before they become inaccessible. Once the building is complete, retrofitting a system may require drilling, trenching, lifting finishes or working around established services and landscaping.
The cost of pre-construction termite management will depend on factors such as:
- The size and perimeter of the building
- The number of service penetrations
- The type of slab and footing system
- The products specified
- The number of construction stages
- Site access and scheduling
- Inspection, documentation and warranty requirements
It should not be claimed that every system will “pay for itself many times over.” The financial benefit depends on the building, the termite risk, the system selected and how it is maintained. However, planning the work before construction begins is generally more straightforward than attempting to address concealed vulnerabilities after completion.
You can learn more in our article about planning termite protection before the slab is poured.
Compliance, Documentation and Handover
Effective termite management involves more than installing a product. Builders and property owners should retain the relevant documentation, which may include:
- The approved termite management plan
- Product specifications
- Installation records and photographs
- Installer certificates
- Warranty information
- Details of any system alterations
- Inspection and maintenance instructions
- The required durable notice or building notice
Any damage or alterations caused by later trades should be recorded and corrected before the affected area is covered.
A termite management system also does not eliminate the need for ongoing inspections. Termites can sometimes bridge, bypass or exploit damage to a system, particularly when landscaping, renovations or new services conceal inspection zones. Regular inspections therefore remain an important part of long-term protection.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Many property insurance policies exclude damage caused gradually by termites or other pests. However, policy terms vary between insurers and commercial insurance products.
Instead of assuming that termite damage is never covered, property owners should check the product disclosure statement and speak with their insurer or insurance broker. Preventative maintenance, inspection records and installation documentation should also be retained in case the property is sold, renovated or the policy is reviewed.
Plan Commercial Termite Management Before Construction Begins
Commercial termite management works best when it is considered early, coordinated with the building design and installed at the correct stage of construction. Leaving the decision until after the slab and finishes are complete can restrict the available options and make installation more disruptive.
Newcastle Pest Exterminators provides pre-construction termite management for commercial projects throughout Newcastle and surrounding areas. Our team can work with builders and project managers to review the approved termite management details, schedule installation and provide the required installation documentation.
Before work begins, confirm the project requirements with your building certifier and design team. You can then contact Newcastle Pest Exterminators to discuss installation and obtain a project-specific quote.
