Termites love Australia. Especially up North in the tropics. Our humid, tropical environment with an ample source of never ending constructions makes it a high risk location for termite infestations.
With thousands of new homes being constructed throughout the region in new housing estate developments, over the last 30 years we've come across many varieties of construction methods.
One of which, is the steel framed home.
The Building Code of Australia specifies chemical and physical termite barriers only where structural timbers are subject to termite attack.
A steel frame is resistant to termite attack and a house built with a steel frame without a termite barrier is a reasonably safe option for an owner.
We do however see many unprotected, steel framed homes with termite infestations throughout. All of which have caused thousands of dollars in damages to the non structural timber elements of the home.
More often then most, it's the infestations in steel homes which go unnoticed for long periods of time simply because the home owners believe that termites are just not going to be interested in their steel framed home.
While termites are not interested in your steel frame, they aren't picky. They will eat around a steel frame to get to any source of organic element they can find.
These organic elements that are so attractive to termites are made up of skirting boards, internal walls, built-in cabinetry, bath & shower voids, wardrobes, flooring materials and furniture. - All of which are abundant in new homes and perfect for a ravenous termite colony looking to establish sub nests and colonies under the average suburban block.
The costs for repairing and replacing these non-insurable damages caused by termites, far exceed the cost of a Termite Barrier and a yearly inspection - both of which can prevent an infestation.
A yearly timber pest inspection and current Termite barrier in place will also increase the value of the home.
When selling a home, your buyers will almost always conduct a timber pest inspection prior to making a purchase.
With a current pest management plan in place, you can be sure when the buyer carries our their own inspection there will be no hidden surprise to make them pull out of the sale or bring you down thousands of dollars in price to fix.
So, while a steel framed home or converted shed is a great investment, it's important to know that without a termite & pest management plan in place, there is no guarantee termites wont make their way into your home and affect your non structural timbers.
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