Termite and Insect Barrier Systems in New Building

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• Nov 5, 2019

Termite and Insect Barrier Systems in New Building

GREENZONE® is a termite and insect zone barrier technology that has been developed to deter any concealed subterranean termite entry into new buildings and the extensions to existing structures.

The GREENZONE® Termite and Insect Barrier system is not designed as a remedial system for existing termite damage or in existing structures.

However, GREENZONE® is extremely effective when integrated into the design and construction of new buildings and structures or in new extensions to existing structures.

The GREENZONE® Termite and Insect Barrier system can be used for concrete slab penetrations, construction joints and as an expansion joint filler. It contains an active ingredient that is dispensed fully throughout a foam roll.

GREENZONE® Applications

1 Service Penetration Applications

GREENZONE® is used as an expansion foam around pipe penetration in concrete slab construction. By using GREENZONE® in this manner, the need to install a secondary termite collar barrier is removed. As GREENZONE® provides both termite protection and addresses the expansion/contraction of concrete around penetrations in one-step.

2 Expansion and Contraction Joint Applications

GREENZONE® is used as an expansion foam in control joints required in concrete slab construction. By using GREENZONE® in this manner, the need to install a secondary termite fabric barrier is removed. As GREENZONE® provides both termite protection and addresses the expansion/contraction of concrete slabs in one-step.

3 Concrete Infill Slab Applications

GREENZONE® is used as an expansion foam in control joints required where concrete infill slabs abut a concrete or brick wall. By using GREENZONE®, the need to install a secondary termite fabric barrier is removed. GREENZONE® provides both termite protection and addresses the expansion and contraction of concrete infill slabs.

Images Courtesy GREENZONE®

"GREENZONE® termite and insect zone barrier technology integrates a compressible foam substrate with Bifenthrin; creating significant savings in labour and materials to install a combined termite repellent and compressible foam layer."

GREENZONE®

Insecticides

Bifenthrin is an insecticide in the pyrethroid family. Pyrethroids are manmade versions of pyrethrins, which come from chrysanthemum flowers.

Bifenthrin combats termites, ants, fire ants, fleas and other insects by shutting down their nervous systems on contact, paralysing them and killing them in a short amount of time.

According to Cornell University, bifenthrin is less toxic and causes less harm to birds, fish and mammals -- including humans -- exposed to the substance than an alternative pyrethrin, deltamethrin.

The most dangerous pesticides such as organophosphates are highly effective and long lasting eradicators of pests though they are also highly toxic to humans and the entire ecosystem.

Organophosphate insecticides are a neurotoxin designed to disrupt the neurological system of insects but it can have a similar effect on animals and humans.

Organophosphates are still widely used in Australian agriculture, despite being banned in both the EU and parts of the US.

However, the active ingredients in modern, low toxicity pest management such as bifenthrin in the GREENZONE® system are used in low concentrations that are enough to eradicate small insects without odour or effect on mammals.

Image Courtesy GREENZONE®

Termite Barrier Installation

GREENZONE® is designed to be used for slab penetrations and construction joints in combination with a concrete slab acting as a termite barrier.

When used in combination with a concrete slab acting as a physical barrier, the slab must be poured in accordance with Australiana Standards 2870.1 for Residential slabs and footing recommendations.

The GREENZONE® termite and insect barrier is to be installed only by Authorised Operators trained by Green Zone Pty Ltd. and installed in accordance with the latest edition of the GREENZONE® Installation Manuals - Version 3 (October 2017).

Version 3 states that the installation must finish at least 100mm above the surrounding finished ground level at the perimeter of the building to create the required inspection zone.

The installation of any termite management system cannot guarantee 100% protection against infestation by subterranean termites. Thus, the installation of a system does not negate the need for regular competent inspections. Any additions, alterations or earthworks, including gardening adjacent to the building, may render the system ineffective. Such activity should be referred to a licensed installation contractor for advice and treatment.

Inspections are undertaken annually by Authorised GREENZONE® pest management operators, as outlined in the GREENZONE® termite and insect barrier Technical Manual, to assist with identifying any termite activity that may result in the bridging or breaching of the system.

Australian Owned and Tested

GREENZONE® is "100% Australian Owned and Tested" with a design life of fifty years and a "50 year - two million dollar warranty".

Green Zone Pty Ltd is a privately owned Australian company established in 2010 to develop the GREENZONE® technology for Australian and international building and construction markets.
Green Zone Pty Ltd is privately
The idea of the GREENZONE® product was the inspiration of Paul Commerford 8 years ago. His idea was to integrate a termite barrier (agent) within an expansion joint foam. A product that would simplify the installation of termite barriers around penetrations (pipes etc.) in concrete slabs and installation of termite barriers where concrete control (expansion) joints are located.

The advantages of GREENZONE® products include:

• Quick and simple to install
• One product fits all - no need to order or carry different size products on site
• No clips, clamps, nails or ties required
• Self adhesive (to PVC, Concrete, Brick, Metal)
• No need to remove or cut off caps on plumbing pipes
• Great for multi-unit sites - no need for second visits due to installation flexibility
• Reduces the need for chemical sprays onsite

Image Courtesy GREENZONE®

The system has been assessed as complying with the identified performance requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) 2016. This involved a review of product specifications, test reports, installation manuals and associated documentation.

The BCA is contained within the National Construction Code (NCC) and provides the minimum necessary requirements for safety, health, amenity and sustainability in the design and construction of new buildings (and new building work in existing buildings) throughout Australia.

Pest Control - Gold Coast

The range of pests invading homes and buildings at various times and locations throughout Australia include:

• Ants
• Bees and Wasps
• Cockroaches
• Fleas
• Mosquitoes
• Rodents
• Spiders
• Silverfish
• Termites

While some of these pests present temporary inconveniences that require pest control solutions, by far the most destructive and expensive pests are termites.

And this is especially true of Queensland and Northern NSW in Australia.

Protecting your home and place of business from intruders makes good sense. But termites are not just intruders - after intruding they can quite literally bring the building down around you.

A termite infestation can compromise the integrity of a house or business to such a degree that it is often unsafe to live in a home or work in a building until very expensive repairs are made.

Tony's Termite and Pest Control

Tony Casey has over 15 years of experience in a complete range of pest control services in the Gold Coast region and Northern NSW.

Tony's team ensures that the highest level of safety is maintained at all times because pest control work is often required to be carried out in child, wildlife and pet-friendly environments.

Tony's Termite and Pest Control are certified termite specialists and fully licensed to operate in NSW and QLD.

Courtesy Tony's Termites

Tony's professional and comprehensive termite inspections uncover any trace of termite activity no matter how early on the invasion. And Tony's use of advanced technology allows a termite inspection to be conducted without knocking, breaking or drilling your property.

Licensed with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) and NSW EPA, Tony's Termites are authorised to use the highly effective and safe Exterra baiting system.

Tony's technicians are also certified to complete pest control reports in a format compliant with Australian Standards, ensuring all relevant checks have been carried out.

Tony's Termites and Pest Control carry out residential and commercial inspections across South East Queensland and Northern NSW.

Tony is also an Authorised Installer and Operator of GREENZONE® Termite and Insect barrier systems.

Where GREENZONE® can be used:

Image Courtesy GREENZONE®

Professional Pest Controllers conduct termite inspections and recommend various methods to eradicate termites and reduce the risks of termite attacks through termite management options and systems. These include:

Physical Barriers - regular checks
Chemical Barriers - treated zones
Termite Baiting - monitoring systems

Tony maintains that the most effective defence against termites in new buildings and extensions to existing structures is when the GREENZONE® Termite and Insect Technology physical barrier system is installed and integrated into the initial design and construction of those buildings, whether it is a house; commercial or industrial building; or a multi-unit structure.