HomeGuard termite system from FMC is a physical and chemical barrier to prevent the ingress of termites.
Whenever pre-construction termite options are considered, HomeGuard always springs to mind. With its complete range of versatile components, it can cover a wide range of structural scenarios.
With many professional pest controllers accredited installers of HomeGuard, it is sometimes easy to forget not everyone knows about HomeGuard and its benefits in home protection. This is particularly the case for pest controllers yet to venture into the area of pre-construction termite work.
Daniel Bird, FMC business development manager for South Australia and the Northern Territory provides a summary of HomeGuard, its features and benefits.
What is HomeGuard?
HomeGuard is a safe and cost effective precision termite protection system – it is a physical and chemical barrier in one, which has been developed by FMC Australasia. The range includes sheeting, flexible collars and beads as well as a ‘paint’, all of which contain bifenthrin.
HomeGuard is installed to the foundation of new buildings or extensions to prevent concealed entry of subterranean termites.
Regardless of your building’s design, there is a HomeGuard solution to protect your structure.
Why HomeGuard?
The key financial and environmental benefits of using HomeGuard are that it is a one-off cost that requires no costly re-treatments after installation. As the bifenthrin is ‘locked’ into the products and they are protected from the elements, there is no chance of chemical leaching into the soil.
An additional benefit of the HomeGuard sheeting product is that there is no internal core of fibres or other materials that might draw moisture up into the foundation slab.
Where is HomeGuard manufactured?
All HomeGuard products are proudly manufactured in Australia.
Does HomeGuard have a warranty?
HomeGuard carries the FMC million dollar warranty. That’s 25 years for residential and commercial properties. The warranty is a no-nonsense warranty covering all structural and decorative timbers that are protected by a HomeGuard termite management system when correctly installed by an FMC HomeGuard accredited operator and renewal inspections are kept up to date.
In early 2016, FMC will be launching a new online portal for the warranty and accreditation process. The new portal will give all accredited HomeGuard companies access to all their company data and warranty records.
Why is HomeGuard unique?
HomeGuard was the first single sheet physical termite barrier ever registered by the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), as well as having CSIRO building approval after extensive field trials by CSIRO.
HomeGuard encompasses the combined strengths of physical and chemical barriers to deliver a triple action termite management system:
- Repels termites away
- Kills termites upon contact
- Acts as a vapour barrier and damp proofing course membrane.
How long does HomeGuard last?
In general, UV stabilised polymers have a very long life expectancy. All HomeGuard products are designed to last at least the design life of a building when installed according to the label.
Scientific evidence shows bifenthrin, in a polymer encapsulated state and therefore not exposed to microbes, will last well past the expected building life, in Queensland this is in excess of 50 years.
What are HomeGuard’s environmental characteristics?
- HomeGuard is not classified as hazardous (NOHSC)
- HomeGuard is not classified as a Dangerous Good (ADG)
- HomeGuard is not classified as a poison (SUSDP No. 19)
- HomeGuard will cause no environmental harm when used according to the product label
- The termiticide, bifenthrin, will not leach or diffuse from the product
- HomeGuard is suitable for use on sensitive construction sites where there may be either environmental and/or perceived health concerns
- HomeGuard is not affected by soil pH, salinity or acidity – the product is ideal in all areas.
Can HomeGuard be used a damp-proof course?
Yes, FMC have a specific product for this purpose – HomeGuard DPC (damp-proof course). Not only is HomeGuard DPC a key product in the HomeGuard Precision Termite Management system, it is also fully compliant to the Australian Standard AS/NZS2904:1995 (Damp-Proof Courses and Flashings).
By using HomeGuard DPC, builders can therefore replace some traditional building materials giving cost and material savings. To be fully compliant with building codes in Australia, all materials must be installed by a certified waterproofer.
If you’re a pest controller interested in learning more about Homeguard and completing the accreditation course, visit the FMC website.
