Termites can cause extensive damage to structural and decorative timber, often before occupants notice visible evidence. Planning termite management during the design and construction stages provides access to joints, penetrations and perimeter areas that may become difficult to protect after the building is complete. That is the purpose of pre-construction termite management.
What Pre-Construction Termite Treatment Actually Involves
Pre-construction termite management may use physical products, chemical soil treatments or a combination selected for the building design and site conditions.
Installers may place building-integrated products at service penetrations, construction joints, slab perimeters and other potential concealed-entry points. Where specified, technicians can also apply chemical treatments to soil beneath or around parts of the building.
The complete termite management system must suit the approved building design and applicable National Construction Code requirements. AS 3660.1 sets out requirements for the design and construction of subterranean termite management systems for new building work.
Physical Termite Management Systems
Physical termite management systems use products such as treated sheeting, collars, mesh or graded particles at specified entry points. Depending on the product and building design, the system may deter concealed termite entry or force termites into areas where inspectors can detect their activity.
An appropriately licensed and manufacturer-accredited installer should install the selected system where required. The installer should also provide installation and compliance documentation for the building records.
Kordon and Other Barrier Systems
Kordon is a treated laminate system containing deltamethrin. Different Kordon components serve different parts of a building. Kordon TB protects building perimeters and service penetrations, Kordon TMB can form a continuous system with a concrete slab-on-ground, and Kordon Kollars protect specified pipe penetrations.
Kordon components must be selected and installed according to their approved uses and the manufacturer’s installation requirements. Manufacturer warranty eligibility also depends on the applicable terms, including correct installation and any registration, inspection or maintenance requirements.
HomeGuard is another termite management system that includes polymer products impregnated with bifenthrin. Only products approved for that purpose, such as HomeGuard DPC, should be described as providing a damp-proof course when installed according to the relevant building requirements.
A qualified professional should select the system according to the building plans, construction details, site conditions and product approvals.
Why Timing Makes All the Difference
The main advantage of pre-construction treatment is access. Before the slab is poured, installers can protect specified joints, penetrations, perimeters and other areas as construction progresses.
Once the building is complete, some of these areas become concealed or difficult to access. Post-construction termite management remains possible, but it may require different methods, such as drilling, trenching, monitoring or treatment around accessible sections of the property.
The Cost of Waiting
If termites enter a building and remain undetected, they can damage structural and decorative timber. The resulting repair costs depend on the location and extent of the damage.
Installing a suitable termite management system during construction can protect vulnerable building details that may become difficult to access later. However, no system eliminates the need for regular termite inspections and ongoing property maintenance.
Getting It Right From the Start
Incorrect product selection or installation can leave gaps in the termite management system and may affect compliance or warranty eligibility. Appropriately licensed and manufacturer-accredited professionals should install each component according to the approved building plans, product label and installation manual.
If you’re planning a new build or major renovation, involve a suitably qualified termite management professional before construction begins. Early coordination helps the builder and installer protect the required penetrations, joints and perimeter areas at the correct construction stages.
Protect Your Build with Pre-Construction Termite Management
Do not wait until the slab has been poured to consider termite management. Early planning allows the builder and termite management professional to coordinate protection around the building’s joints, penetrations and perimeter.
Contact our team to discuss a pre-construction termite management system selected for your building plans and site conditions. We can also explain the installation documentation, inspection requirements and applicable manufacturer warranty conditions.
