Peter Brigden, General Manager of Termseal, explains why it’s important to choose termite management products with a long and proven history.
In the same way that builders construct a house on solid foundations, a termite management system should be built the same way. At Termseal, our systems are built on high performing products that form the foundation for our termite management systems.
One of our foundation products is Multi-Purpose Active Termite and Waterproof Barrier, a cleverly engineered viscous liquid that when cured forms a waterproof membrane, which we invented back in 1998. Its consistent, robust performance allowed it to be used as the foundation for not one but two additional termite management products: Sealant Active and Poly Reinforced Membrane (PRM) Cord and Capping Strip.
As with any product development process, there was a lot of trial and error over the years to develop Multi- Purpose Active; but with determination, a high performance product was ultimately the result.
Its performance was tested in the field across numerous sites in Australia against the key ‘economic’ termite types that included Coptotermes acinaciformis and Mastotermes darwiniensis. These species are considered two of the toughest in the world to manage.
Its performance has also been tested in the laboratory. The ability of the product to stick to the surface it is applied to is a primary function that allows it to be able to withstand the activity of termites. Testing according to Australian Standard 3894 methods was successfully completed by a NATA-certified laboratory in South Australia.
Being such a high performing and reliable product, Multi-Purpose Active was used as the foundation for other Termseal products. Sealant Active uses the base formulation of Multi-Purpose Active, combined with additional ingredients, giving it the unique ability to seal cracks and crevices in masonry. Sealant Active is a tremendously versatile product that can be used in many situations, and as part of a solution for pipe penetration protection in new and existing concrete slabs. Sealant Active is also used as part of the system for bearer and joist construction.
Termseal’s Poly Reinforced Membrane (PRM) Cord and Capping Strip is also built on the foundation of Multi- Purpose Active. The poly fabric is coated with Multi- Purpose Active, dried and made into strips specifically for use with masonry bricks and blocks for bearer and joist construction. We have recently seen an increased use of cladded construction in some areas, as a feature wall or as way to offer different texture on exterior walls. PRM Cord and Capping Strip is the recommended component to install under perimeter walls when cladded construction is used.
When used together, these Termseal products form various termite management systems.
For example, backfilled concrete block walls can be treated with a combination of Multi-Purpose Active with Reoband FG (fibreglass mat) and a Cord and Capping Strip on top of the brick/block construction. Multipurpose Active can also be used in Northern QLD (and Northern WA) for a perimeter treatment at floor level after a slab pour using ‘knock-out’ blocks, and used in conjunction with slab penetration collars. This is an interesting and unique application method because the construction is specifically for cyclone-prone areas in northern Australia. When Sealant Active is used with our Reo-Band FG the system can seal moderate-sized cracks and crevices and Multi-Purpose Active can then be used to seal the joint at floor level.
The Termseal product range was initially developed as a passive system, so-called because it does not contain insecticide – the products performed exceptionally well as a termite and waterproof barrier without the need for chemicals. However the range was later launched as an active system when bifenthrin was added. The product performance tests were completed again, and the products were subsequently registered by the APVMA (then known as NRA). We currently only market the Active System product range.
The products were independently tested by CSIRO to verify performance under the ABSAC Scheme, both as a termite-proofing and waterproofing material. The ABSAC Scheme was superseded by the CodeMark Australia Scheme. The Termseal systems were accredited by that scheme in 2009 – one of the first termite management systems to be accredited.
The quality and performance of the Termseal range is built on the strong foundation of innovative and comprehensive product development and research. This has resulted in the development of range of termite management components which have the flexibility to be incorporated into versatile and proven systems that termite professionals can rely on. We have not had a bona fide product failure in all the time the systems have been on the market.
I would encourage pest professionals to make the most of the opportunity to use strong, robust termite management systems, as they ultimately build strong foundations for your business.
Peter Brigden, General Manager, Termseal Australia
