TOP TEN WAYS TO PREVENT TERMITE ATTACK. Part five of ten part series.

TOP TEN WAYS TO PREVENT TERMITE ATTACK.

Part five of ten part series.
Roof Voids and Subfloors how they hourbour termites / white ants.
Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Brisbane.
The previous post Part four and how leaky pipes, washers and taps attract termites / white ants.
Roof Voids & Sub Floors & How They Harbour Termites

Roof Voids

Inspecting the roof void and the sub floor is a crucial aspect of a Termite Inspection / White Ant Inspection. Given that these areas go largely unnoticed it is vital they are inspected thoroughly at least every 12 months. Getting the ladder & looking for a manhole is all in a days work.

Before an inspection of the roof void is carried out it is very important to ensure all power is turned off prior to entering the void. This is purely a safety precaution but one that is very important! One of the tools you need to take with you is a strong torch for lighting.

If insulation is present a visual inspection can be limited as the insulation often covers many of the roofing timbers. Depending on the insulation type, a more extensive and invasive inspection may be called for. This could involve arranging for the insulation to be removed to enable the roof joists to be visible. Insulation can consist of many different material such as fibreglass, paper and foil and can be installed in many different ways. Recently there has been much controversy over the silver foil insulation and it’s installation causing many safety concerns and even some loss of life. Because of these safety concerns it is not recommended to enter the roof void if this type of insulation is present.

Roof Voids

Starting the inspection from the man hole, a careful check of the top plate, rafters and ceiling joists is necessary to look for evidence of Termite / White Ant attack. If the home has VJ’s (Vertical Joint Timbers) then the top of each wall must be thoroughly inspected for Termite / White Ant activity. In some cases access to the roof void is limited as there may not be a man hole or the man hole may be very old and very small and may not permit access. In these cases it is recommended that new man holes be installed.

Roof void

Floor damage

Roof void

Subfloors

A sub floor is the area under the floor of the house. In homes that have a subfloor, as with the roof void it must be easily and safely accessible. A doorway is available to the sub floor much like a manhole. All parts of the sub floor must be accessible. Firstly, a summary of the drainage must be noted along with an assessment of the ventilation. The soil must be dry and there must be adequate ventilation that allows sufficient air flow through vents built into the external walls . An inspection of the under floor of the bathroom , ensuites, kitchens and laundry are needed to check for leaks in the floors and general piping..

Careful inspection of the timber bearers, floor joists and flooring are necessary . Attached piers are access points for termites / white ants. An experienced inspector knows where to look to find termite entry points and activity. Some sub floors are below 400mm and not safe enough to enter.. It is recommended to cut access points into the exterior wall or floor to get the best look at the sub floor possible, especially if termite / white ant infestation is suspected.

Termites in mulch in the garden is a common problem. It is especially a problem when the mulch is sitting up against the house. Termites / white ants simply love mulch. most mulch is pine mulch. Home owners go to garden supplies and ask
for a termite resistant mulch. Cypress mulch is recommended and when taken home the mulch can become full of termites. In my opinion termites are resistant to the heart wood of cypress pine not the bark (the heart wood is what Cypress pine floor boards are cut from). Iron bark is termite proof but only the heartwood not the sap wood. I have seen Cypress mulch infested with termites many times but have never seen heartwood mulch..

Termite Home Treatments Zones are the best defence against attack to a building. A sub floor lower than 400mm can be treated with a termite barrier effectively. There are many different types of homes and there is excellent protection available for all types of homes. Eight to ten years protection are available and all treatments are Compliant with AS. 3660.2.2000.

Subfloor Slats

Post Author:

JMac2024

Categories:

Termite Infestation

Date Posted:

October 16, 2023

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