ANTI-TERMITE TREATMENTS IN BUILDINGS | CONSTRUCTION WORKS | LCETED

ANTI-TERMITE TREATMENTS IN BUILDINGS

The termite proofing treatment should invariably be given in all types of buildings during the construction stage. It is because of the fact that during the post-construction period, it is extremely difficult and costly to control termite growth. Care should be taken to ensure that no bridge is formed between any part of the building and untreated soil. In order to reclaim land by utilizing debris or filling material, great care should be exercised to ensure that the debris is termite-free. As far as possible a metal strip or suitable joint filler may be used to make the floor joints free from termite attack. To check termite movement from the ground the foundations should be either made of concrete or any other solid material. Also, care should be taken to ensure that the building site is free from dead wood, old tree stumps, etc. The superstructure should be treated with suitable preservatives to make it termite-proof. All the wooden members like door frames, staircases, etc. should be set on flooring. They should not be through flooring to prevent ground–soil contact.

 

Termite proofing methods

Generally, the following two methods are adopted:

a. Chemical treatment of soil

b. Physical structural barriers

Chemical treatment

In order to provide for an effective control of termites, the soil insecticides are thoroughly mixed and evenly spread in the soil. Several patented insecticides like DDT, BHC and PCP have been generally used. However, chemicals like Aldrin 0.5 per cent, chlordane 1.0 per cent, Dieldrin 0.5 per cent and Heptachlor

0.5 per cent by weight in oil solutions or as an emulsion in water are found to be more successful. All these chemicals are chlorinated hydrocarbons and are insoluble in water. These chemicals are not leached away by water and these have proved to be quite effective as a chemical barrier between the building and ground. These are used in damaged portions of masonry and woodwork by injecting them under pressure in drilled holes.

Physical structural barriers

Continuous physical structural barriers in the form of a concrete layer or metal layer may be provided at the plinth level. These cement concrete layers should be 50–75 mm in thickness and should preferably be kept projecting about 50–75 mm internally and externally. Metal barriers comprising of non-corrodible metal sheets of copper or galvanized iron having a thickness of 0.80 mm when provided have in certain cases got damaged. Thus, these barriers have not proved to be very effective.

The above post-construction treatments are not low cost and simple. Hence, they should be used only where skill is available

Must read: How To Do Anti-Termite Treatment For Your Home Foundation?

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