Steel framed home safe from termites? Think again!
Thu 20 Jul 2017
There's a lot of confusion in the world of building, termites and pest control. Often we get calls from home owners saying it's been x-number of years since my last termite inspection, but my house is fine as it is made of steel or we are on steel piers or steel posts they can't get in or even my house is made with treated timber, they won't eat that, will they? There are so many variables when it comes to termites, no one can tell you for sure. But one thing is certain, we've seen termites in places that would break many home owners hearts - steel homes, homes on steel piers, homes with treated timber, home's with termite barriers in place, home's with owners who are termite savvy.
Will I be completely protected if I build my home with steel?
The short answer is NO!
Steel frame
Steel frames are not termite proof, they are termite resistant
Most of the time you will still have some sort of timber in your house such as kitchen and wardrobe fittings, door frames and skirting boards
Can invade steel framed homes and consume the paper off the Gyprock!
It is important to still have regular inspections every year
Areas of the roof aren't always steel! In some cases the trusses are timber.
Should I put a termite management system in place?
It is in your best interest to want to protect your home so we would always recommend either a chemical barrier (Termidor, Biflex) or an Always Active baiting system (more information here).
Repair bills from termite attack can reach up to $40,000 in some instances.
One of the most cost effective options for home owners in all different types of buildings is to check your home regularly (and report any findings) and have a full termite inspection once a year (REMEMBER a few hundred dollars could save you thousands).
Are you checking your home? Did you see that weep hole covered up? Are your taps leaking? Is there an active termite nest in your yard? Do your tree's show signs of termite activity? Are there termite mounds, leads or flying termites in your garden?
Most of us barely get time during the working week to get outside let alone check for these signs, I know that I don't - I have kids, dinners and lunches to make, a full time job, pets to tend to. I barely do my mowing! When you break it down, it really is money well spent. You get peace of mind, you don't have to spend those hours looking and wondering if it is what you think it might be, you know for sure and you know that it will be handled for you, efficiently. No stress.
Call Conquer Termites Northside now to book in your termite inspection 07 3356 8801 or email me direct on bris.north@conquertermites.com.au. I will personally find your local technician and work to find the best time and day for you.
Tags: active termites, termite eradication, Termite Inspection, termite protection, termite treatment
