Houses that are most at risk and critical issues that affect houses in attracting Termites / White ants.

The previous post Part seven checking timber in the house for termites / white ants.

The type of construction, the suburb, street and even which side of the street the house is built on can greatly affect the danger of termite attack. The amount of sunshine and the length of time it shines on the house has a direct relationship with the moisture levels in the house.

Subterranean termites / white ants enter homes from the moist soil. Therefore the type of construction and moisture levels determines how easily they access the house.

There are many types of construction but there are three main types :

1 ) Piers (timber, concrete or steel) with or without brick base and timber floor with weatherboard with timber frame.
2 ) Brick bases. Infilled with sand and slab then cladding or brick with timber frame ( brick veneer) or double brick (cavity brick)
3 ) Concrete slab with brick and timber frame ( brick veneer) or double brick (cavity brick).

Note: Modern steel frame home are attacked just as regularily as timber frame homes.
Steel frame homes are full of many timbers, skirting, window frames and door frames. Most have timber trusses in the roof.
All types of houses get attacked by termites but some are more at risk.

CONCRETE SLAB HOMES:

Attacked Slab / brick veneer.
Slab homes are the most vulnerable, mainly because termites are attracted to the moisture under concrete. Termites need moisture in the soil and undersides of slabs of concrete are ideal . Driveways are common access points to enter the house. Cracks and the edges of the concrete allow them to enter the house .Once inside, they firstly attack the frame then the skirting, door and window timbers as they move throughout the home.

Older slab designs made it easy for termites to enter unseen in the wall cavity from the soil. Newer regulations are helping in limiting hidden access points by exposing the slab edge from ground height up to a minimum of 75mm high. Termites have to build mud tubes over the exposed slab before they can enter along the exterior walls therefore making their attempt to enter the home much more visible.

A street that is positioned low on a hill or surrounded by tall trees causes damp conditions,

Damp house
Even in mid summer some streets are damp all the time. Damp conditions mean termites thrive. If your home is shady and never seems to dry out you must get an annual termite inspection.

A termite termite management zone is essential for all homes but especially damp homes.. Up to ten years protection is avaliable . Call a professional for a free quote.

Prevention, protective barriers and also a timber warranty are available from accredited professionals.