G’day! I’m Russell McCarthy, lead building inspector and founder of WA Building Inspections. Today, I want to talk about something crucial that I’ve seen far too many builders get wrong – termite barriers. Recently, I came across a project where the builder used termite mesh to protect against termites in a zero lot boundary wall. Unfortunately, this is not the right approach. In this article, I’ll explain why chemical termite barriers, specifically ones like Kordon, are essential for effective termite protection.

What Happened at this New Build Inspection?

In today’s new construction inspection of a house being built in Duncraig, I observed that the builder had used termite mesh as a termite barrier for a cavity wall. While termite mesh can be effective in certain situations, it was incorrectly applied here.

“This builder has used mesh which is great for cavity walls to protect the termites, but this is not a zero lot wall system. This is a mesh. They’ve used this on the zero lock boundary wall. It is incorrect.”

Using termite mesh inappropriately can lead to termite infestation because it doesn’t offer complete protection in such scenarios.

Why Chemical Barriers Are the Right Choice

Chemical barriers are designed to protect against termites by killing them on contact. One of the most reliable products is Kordon, a chemically infused barrier.

“They are supposed to use this. This is a chemically infused barrier commonly referred to as Kordon, and it has all the properties required to kill termites on contact.”

 

Benefits of Chemical Barriers

• Effective Protection: Kordon barriers are highly effective in killing termites on contact.
• Longevity: These barriers offer long-term protection, often lasting between 5 to 8 years.
• Full Coverage: Unlike termite mesh, Kordon extends throughout the entire cavity, ensuring comprehensive protection.

How to Install a Chemical Termite Barrier

Installing a chemical termite barrier requires professional expertise. Here’s a brief overview of the process:

1. Site Preparation: The soil around the foundation is treated with a termiticide.
2. Barrier Installation: The Kordon barrier is installed around the perimeter and under slabs.
3. Quality Check: Ensure that the barrier covers all potential entry points for termites.

Cost of Termite Barriers

The cost of installing a termite barrier can vary based on the type of barrier and the size of the property. On average, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $4,000 for a chemical barrier like Kordon.

How Much Does a Termite Barrier Cost?

• Chemical Barriers: $2,000 – $4,000
• Physical Barriers: $1,500 – $3,000

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the wrong type of termite barriers, like termite mesh in a zero lot boundary wall, is a common mistake that can compromise the effectiveness of your termite protection strategy.

“They’ve used this on the zero lock boundary wall. It is incorrect. They are supposed to use this.”

Always ensure that the correct barrier is used for your specific needs.

Do You Need a Termite Barrier?

Yes! If you live in an area prone to termites, a barrier is essential and also legally required by almost all councils in Perth and Australia-wide to protect your home. Termites can cause significant damage, and repairs can be costly. We regularly seeing builders NOT installing any barrier at all like this PCI Inspection in Fremantle where the builder tried to save a few bucks and not install any termite barrier whatsoever.

How Long Do Termite Barriers Last?

Chemical barriers like Kordon typically last over 30 years, providing long-term protection against termite infestations.

FAQs about Termite Barriers

1. How long does a chemical termite barrier last?

Chemical termite barriers like kordon can last over 30 years, depending on the termiticide used.

2. How much does a termite barrier cost?

The cost can range from $2,000 to $4,000 for a chemical barrier like Kordon.

3. What is the difference between physical and chemical termite barriers?

Physical barriers block termites physically, while chemical barriers use termiticides to kill termites on contact.

4. How effective are chemical termite barriers?

Chemical barriers are highly effective, especially when using products like Kordon that kill termites on contact.

5. Why should I choose a chemical barrier over a physical one?

Chemical barriers offer comprehensive protection and are more effective in certain scenarios, such as zero lot boundary walls.

My Final Words on Termite Barriers

Ensuring your home is protected from termites is crucial, and choosing the right termite barrier is a vital part of this process. As I’ve highlighted, chemical barriers like Kordon provide effective, long-lasting protection against termites. Always consult with a professional to ensure the correct barrier is installed for your specific needs.

For professional termite inspections and advice, feel free to reach out to us at WA Building Inspections. We service Perth-Wide and have several branvhes including:

WA Building Inspections Perth,

WA Building Inspections Rockingham to Mandurah, and

WA Building Inspections Midland.