{"id":46597,"date":"2026-06-14T17:43:07","date_gmt":"2026-06-14T07:43:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/?p=90503"},"modified":"2026-06-04T18:25:02","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T08:25:02","slug":"solutions-and-support-for-challenging-pre-construction-situations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/termite-treatment\/pre-construction\/solutions-and-support-for-challenging-pre-construction-situations\/","title":{"rendered":"Solutions and Support for Challenging Pre-construction Situations"},"content":{"rendered":"

Peter Brigden, General Manager of Termseal, outlines various uses of Termseal products in challenging but very common pre-construction scenarios.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

As new building techniques develop within the construction industry, it is important that we respond by designing appropriate termite protection methods. At Termseal, we are continually developing new ways to use the Termseal range of components<\/a>, to ensure we can recommend the optimal combination of products to protect concealed termite entry points, no matter the construction design.<\/p>\n

Our installation manual grows every year as we develop new products and incorporate new methods. As part of this, we always welcome suggestions from termite professionals about how they are using Termseal products, so the information can be included in the manual for the benefit of others.<\/p>\n

The installation manual is a critically important part of our CodeMark Certification. Building surveyors and certifiers are increasingly looking for specifications for component use in the manual, and are not just accepting the certificate.<\/p>\n

As part of the support we offer to installers, technical advice is offered on a daily basis for difficult or challenging sites. Here are a couple of recent examples where we have been asked to provide guidance on installation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Situation 1: Inadequate inspection zone<\/h2>\n
\"Two
Figure 1: A termite risk due to the presence of timber and inadequate inspection access<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ensuring an adequate inspection zone is a critical function of the termite management system installed by any termite professional. Pre-construction termite product installations are only designed to prevent concealed access, so we need an adequate inspection zone for unprotected areas and to be able to assess whether any protection measures have been breached. It is important that installers are always thinking about the inspection zone when viewing plans or dealing with issues on site.<\/p>\n

Figure 1 shows a situation where the formwork has been left in place. There are two issues here to manage.<\/p>\n

The first is the remaining formwork on the left-hand edge of the right-hand slab. This needs to be removed because any timber near or in contact with the ground is high risk for concealed termite foraging.<\/p>\n

The second issue is the inspection zone between the two buildings. This should have been sorted out before construction, but in reality, it rarely is. Inspection zones are clearly set out in the installation manuals. In this example some of the concrete between the two slabs may need to be removed to establish an adequate inspection zone. As mentioned, creating an inspection zone for the full perimeter of the building is a critically important requirement for the maintenance of the termite management system for any building.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Situation 2: Poor planning<\/h2>\n
\"Timber
Figure 2: Slab positioned too close to the fence<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Figure 2 is the photo we received when we were contacted by a Victorian builder who found us through our website. In this situation, the construction of the building was significantly advanced before termite management was considered.<\/p>\n

This situation is very challenging because the slab had been laid so close to the fence. The frame had then been installed (including tie-down bolts) on the slab perimeter.<\/p>\n

This highlights the importance of communication between builders and termite professionals before construction starts to integrate appropriate components at the right stage\/s in the construction.<\/p>\n

The structural timber (frames) are not made of treated timber so termite management is required. It wouldn\u2019t be the first time we have been asked about this scenario \u2013 and doubtless it will not be the last time.<\/p>\n

The best solution in this case was to lift the frame so components could be installed under it before being repositioned. It was a disruptive step in the construction process but one which was necessary. TERM-seal PRM Cord and Capping strip<\/a> is the appropriate product to use in this situation because there is no step-down for brickwork, so the walls will be covered with weatherboards or similar.<\/p>\n

Another solution to consider would be the installation of TERM-seal\u2019s Termite-Pro Perimeter Retreatment System<\/a> if there is sufficient soil depth and width between the slab edge and the fence.<\/p>\n

The secondary issue is, of course, ongoing inspection with the fence being so very close. Solving this issue would mean negotiating with the neighbour to reposition the fence to allow access to the side of the building.<\/p>\n

In both situations outlined here, the common theme is the issue of maintaining the inspection zone at the perimeter. This is an ongoing issue, particularly because the current version of BCA 2022 (Amdt. 2) includes the latest version of AS 1428 \u201cDesign for access and mobility\u2026.\u201d regarding building access construction. We will be making additions to our installation manual in light of this, later this year.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Situation 3: Insufficient proofing in a wet area<\/h2>\n
\"Plumbing
Figure 3: Soil left bare during construction<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

The use of custom shower trays and baths can present an ongoing challenge to plumbers to get the connections right. So the type of fitting shown in Figure 3 is still used. However, the termite risk is in plain sight \u2013 the bare soil should always be covered\/enclosed during construction. The branch pipe should have some form of penetration protection.<\/p>\n

The best solution is to use TERM-seal Annular Collars<\/a>, fitted before the concrete is poured, to seal the floor. TERM-seal Multi-Purpose Active<\/a> with Reo-Band FG<\/a> should then be used to seal the cold joint created between the existing and new concrete.<\/p>\n

In all of these instances, Termseal has the products and technical know-how to help termite professionals do the job right. Installers are always welcome to contact us for advice and support.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Peter Brigden<\/strong>, General Manager, Termseal<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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