What to Expect During a Pre-Construction Termite Treatment
Pre-construction termite treatment is incorporated into a new build, extension or renovation to help protect the building from concealed termite entry. The termite management system required will depend on the building design, construction method and areas requiring protection.
Surekill Pest Control works with builders, building companies, developers, owner-builders and property owners to install termite management components at the appropriate stages of construction. Depending on the project, this may include termite barrier sheeting, reticulation systems, protective coatings, pipe penetration collars and other suitable termite management components.
Because different components may need to be installed at different stages of the build, coordination and timing are important. Surekill will determine the requirements for the project and arrange installation in conjunction with the relevant construction stages.
01
Planning Your Pre-Construction Termite Treatment
Project Assessment
Before installation, Surekill will assess the requirements of the project and determine the termite management components suitable for the building. This may take into account the building design, construction method, slab and perimeter areas, service penetrations and other areas requiring termite protection.
Building Plans and Project Information
Where available, provide Surekill with relevant building plans and information about the proposed construction. This can help identify areas requiring termite management and assist with planning when different components need to be installed during the build.
Selecting the Termite Management System
The termite management system will depend on the construction and requirements of the project. Surekill may recommend a combination of termite barrier sheeting, reticulation, protective coatings, pipe penetration collars or other suitable termite management components.
Different parts of the building may require different forms of termite protection rather than one product being used throughout the entire project.
Builder and Site Contact
Please provide the details of the builder, site supervisor or other person responsible for coordinating the construction where applicable. Having a clear site contact allows Surekill to coordinate installation requirements and communicate about upcoming construction stages.
Planning the Installation Stages
Some termite management components must be installed before particular areas of the building are completed or become inaccessible. Surekill will identify when the termite work needs to occur so it can be coordinated with the relevant stages of construction.
Good planning and communication at the beginning of the project helps ensure the termite management system can be installed correctly without unnecessarily delaying other trades.
02
Booking and Construction Scheduling
Booking the Installation
Once the termite management requirements have been determined, Surekill will coordinate with the builder, site supervisor or property owner to arrange installation at the appropriate stage of construction.
Construction Scheduling
Pre-construction termite management components need to be installed at particular stages of the build, so advance notice and good communication with Surekill are recommended wherever possible.
Surekill understands that construction schedules can change and that a site may become ready earlier or later than originally planned. Where schedules change unexpectedly, we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the builder and arrange the required termite work so the project can continue.
Keeping Surekill Updated
Keep Surekill informed of anticipated installation dates and any changes to the construction program. Early notice of changes helps us coordinate the work with other trades and minimise delays on site.
Site Readiness
Before confirming that the site is ready for Surekill, check that the relevant construction stage has been completed and the areas requiring termite management are accessible. If you are unsure whether the site is ready, contact Surekill before arranging the installation.
Changes to the Building Plans
Let Surekill know if there are changes to the building design, slab, extensions, service penetrations or other areas that could affect the planned termite management system. Changes may require the proposed installation to be reviewed before work continues.
03
Preparing the Site for Installation
Site Access
Ensure Surekill has safe and clear access to the areas where the termite management components are to be installed. Building materials, equipment or other obstructions should be moved where they prevent access to the required work areas.
Preparing the Installation Areas
The areas requiring termite protection should be at the appropriate stage of construction before Surekill arrives. Preparation will vary depending on whether the work involves termite barrier sheeting, reticulation, protective coatings, pipe penetration collars or other termite management components.
Slab and Perimeter Areas
Where termite management components are being installed around slab edges, foundations or building perimeters, these areas need to remain accessible until the required installation has been completed.
Pipes and Service Penetrations
Ensure relevant pipework and service penetrations are in their correct positions and accessible where termite protection is required. Additional or relocated penetrations should be brought to Surekill's attention so the termite management requirements can be assessed.
Coordination With Other Trades
Other trades should avoid covering, removing, damaging or altering termite management components after installation. Where another trade needs to work in an area containing termite protection, contact Surekill if there is any concern that the system could be affected.
If the Site Is Not Ready
If construction has not reached the required stage or an installation area is inaccessible, some termite management work may need to be postponed until the site is ready. If there is any uncertainty, contact Surekill before the scheduled installation so we can help determine whether the work can proceed.
04
Pre-Construction Termite Management Systems
Termite Barrier Sheeting
Termite barrier sheet materials can be installed at designated areas of the building during construction to help prevent concealed termite entry. Surekill uses Termseal sheet products where suitable for the construction and termite management design.
Sheet materials may be used around building perimeters, construction joints, penetrations or other areas requiring termite protection. Installation requirements depend on the building design and the areas being protected.
Reticulation Systems
Reticulation systems use specially designed pipework installed beneath or around areas of the building before those areas become inaccessible. Surekill uses Altis reticulation systems where appropriate.
Once installed, the system allows liquid termiticide to be distributed into the surrounding soil to establish and later replenish a chemical treated zone without needing to excavate or directly access the soil beneath completed areas.
Protective Termite Coatings
Termseal protective coatings may be used in suitable areas as part of the termite management system. The coating is applied to designated building surfaces or construction areas in accordance with the requirements of the system.
Pipe Penetration Collars
Pipes and other service penetrations through the building can create potential concealed termite entry points. Termite protection collars may be installed around suitable penetrations before construction progresses.
Surekill uses different collar systems depending on the type of penetration and requirements of the project rather than relying on one particular brand.
Foam and Other Termite Management Components
Some pre-construction termite management systems may incorporate specialised termite-resistant foam, sealants or other components to protect particular construction areas, joints, gaps or penetrations.
Surekill will select the components considered appropriate for the construction rather than applying the same system to every project.
Combining Termite Management Systems
A pre-construction termite management plan may involve more than one type of protection. For example, different components may be required for the building perimeter, service penetrations, construction joints and areas beneath or adjoining the slab.
Surekill will determine the appropriate combination based on the building design, construction method and areas requiring termite management.
05
Installation, Documentation and Construction Handover
Completing the Installation
Once the required termite management components have been installed, Surekill will check the completed work and ensure the installation relevant to that construction stage has been completed before the build progresses.
Protecting the Installed System
Termite barrier sheeting, reticulation pipework, collars, coatings and other termite management components must not be damaged, removed or altered by subsequent construction work.
If a component is accidentally damaged or disturbed, contact Surekill so the area can be assessed and any necessary repairs or additional termite protection can be carried out before it is covered or becomes inaccessible.
Changes During Construction
Construction changes can affect an installed termite management system. Additional pipe penetrations, alterations to the slab or building perimeter, extensions or other changes should be brought to Surekill's attention where they may affect the termite protection.
Installation Records and Documentation
Surekill will provide relevant documentation for the termite management work carried out. This provides a record of the system or components installed and should be retained with the building and termite management records.
Termite Management Notice
Where required, information identifying the termite management system and relevant inspection or maintenance requirements will be provided or displayed at the property in the appropriate location.
Construction Handover
Information about the termite management system should be retained when the building is handed over to the property owner. The owner should be made aware that the installed system forms part of the property's termite management and that ongoing inspections and maintenance may be required after construction is completed.
06
After Construction and Ongoing Termite Risk Management
Maintaining the Installed System
Once construction is complete, the termite management system should not be altered, damaged or covered in a way that compromises its function. Any components, inspection zones, access points or servicing points associated with the system should remain accessible where required.
Reticulation System Maintenance
Where a reticulation system has been installed, the system will require ongoing inspection and future replenishment in accordance with the system and termiticide being used.
The reticulation components and filling points should remain accessible so the system can be serviced when required.
Regular Termite Inspections
Pre-construction termite protection does not replace regular termite inspections. A comprehensive termite inspection should continue to form part of the property's ongoing termite management.
Surekill recommends termite inspections at least annually, with more frequent inspections where the property or surrounding conditions indicate a higher termite risk.
Keep the Meter Box Information
The termite management information placed in the electrical meter box should remain in place. This helps identify the system installed and provides useful information for future inspections, servicing and maintenance.
Building and Landscaping Changes
Changes to the building or surrounding ground levels can create new termite entry risks or interfere with an existing termite management system.
If you are planning extensions, renovations, new paving, garden beds, excavation, additional pipe penetrations or other building work, contact Surekill so the effect on the existing termite management system can be assessed.
Long-Term Termite Management
Long-term termite risk management relies on maintaining the installed system, keeping relevant inspection areas accessible, addressing conditions that may increase termite risk and continuing regular termite inspections.
Your Surekill technician can advise on the inspection, servicing and maintenance requirements for the particular termite management system installed at the property.
