Termites are in every third Adelaide home. Surprising? This pest is dubbed damagingly ‘silent’, because it happens in parts of the house we don’t see.
Termites travel across a range of materials, like plaster and metal sliding. They feed, yes EAT, cabinets, floors, ceilings, and wooden surfaces and structures in the home. This pest reproduces quickly and it’s difficult to eliminate the millions of termites that have made themselves at home in yours.
The biggest issue with termites is our assumption. We don’t think such a little pest can reak havoc within the structure of our house. They’re chewing away, as you sleep, eat and watch TV, mostly without you even knowing.
Here’s how you WILL know. The tell-tale signs to look out for includes:
- Hollow sounding timber
- Cracked paint or plaster
- Power failures
- Sagging floors and doors
- Mudded termite nest tubes.
If treated in time, you can limit the extent of structural damage to minor deterioration of timber framework. They can drill through main, load-bearing beams, joists and trusses in the property, which in severe cases, threatens the integrity of the structure.
Termite damage in South Australia.
It’s very common, given that most houses are constructed using timber – the material that attracts termites. To reduce the risk of termite infestation, take the following steps:
- Fix any problems such as leaking pipes, poor drainage or inadequate downpipes (which leads to increase in moisture content in a property)
- Clear the shrubs or garden bed from around the building edge and do not cover weep holes
- Remove any wood that’s in contact with the ground and close to the house
- Conduct regular pest inspections to isolate any infestations.
If you’re considering an extension, talk to an Adelaide renovation management company to determine the best construction methods and materials. The building stage serves as an opportunity to alleviate any future issues. There are two types of barriers, physical and chemical, that you can install to reduce your risk.
Physical barriers are constructed with non-assessable materials, not be able to kill the termite, but can deter their access. These are non-toxic and don’t harm the environment. The different types of physical barriers including the termite shield, woven stainless steel mesh or finely graded stone particles, composite systems, and reticulation systems.
Chemical barriers involve applying a liquid to the soil under and around the perimeter of the concrete slab and the building piers or footings. A chemical barrier requires maintenance over longer periods.
If you suspect you might have termites in your home or would like to talk to a residential structural engineer about any concerns, talk to our Adelaide team today on 0405 950 053.
You can also book a free 20-minute consultation with one of our Adelaide construction management consultants.#
