Preventing termite infestation: The best pre-construction solutions
Termites represent a major challenge for building professionals. Attracted to cellulose-rich materials, termites are responsible for severe structural and financial damage around the world. To anticipate this damage, it is critical to incorporate anti-termite solutions from the pre-construction phase.
This article examines the various existing solutions for effectively protecting construction sites from the pre-construction phase onward, focusing on solutions that combine innovation, regulatory compliance, and efficiency.
Termite risk
Termites in construction pose a significant risk. They work invisibly and silently, entering buildings through foundations or where they are in contact with the (usually damp) ground. There are a variety of termite species, but their common denominator is the need for moisture to be able to survive. As a result, they are more likely to be found in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions where climatic conditions are suitable for their proliferation. That is why this scourge is an international one. In France, for example, the south and west of the country are particularly exposed, as are the United States, Australia and some regions of Asia.
Regulations governing termite prevention
Regulations for preventing termites vary from country to country, but converge on common obligations to protect buildings through design. In France, Decree No. 2006-591 prescribes measures in risk areas defined by prefectural decree. Similarly, international standards, such as those defined by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) in the United States or Australian Standard 3660, recommend the use of physical, chemical or physicochemical barriers during pre-construction to prevent infestation.
A proactive approach during the pre-construction phase not only helps to comply with these international regulations, but also ensures the sustainability of buildings, minimizes the economic risks associated with costly repairs, and increases the value of buildings by providing long-term peace of mind to homeowners.
Pre-construction anti-termite solutions
Pre-construction anti-termite solutions consist of creating barriers at the foundation stage of construction to prevent termites from reaching the building structures. There are three generally preferred approaches that can be used under concrete slabs, near foundations and columns, or at penetration points (such as ducts or pipes):
Physical barriers
Physical barriers are a preventive protection method used during the construction phase of a building. These consist of termite-resistant films or membranes that are placed under the foundations. Often made of high-density polyethylene, these barriers are designed to physically prevent termites from entering the building.
Chemical treatment of the soil
Chemical treatments are also preventive solutions, applied in the soil around and under the construction. The goal is to create an invisible and deadly barrier for termites. Typically, the application is carried out with a sprayer or injection nozzles.
Physicochemical treatments
Physicochemical treatments combine the two techniques previously explained. The support (film or membrane) is impregnated with a biocidal product that acts as an insecticide. This is a treatment that offers a double level of protection. One to block the passage of termites, the other to eliminate them.
Innovative pre-construction anti-termite solutions
In response to regulatory and safety challenges in the building sector, professionals are looking for solutions that combine efficiency and sustainability. Groupe Berkem offers a complete range of products to prevent termite infestation right from the pre-construction stage.
Termifilm, the double physicochemical barrier
Termifilm is a high density polyethylene membrane impregnated with a biocidal agent. This anti-termite film acts on two fronts. Firstly, as a physical barrier (it physically prevents termites from crossing foundations) and secondly, as a chemical barrier (its biocidal impregnation deters termites from approaching protected areas).
Easily installed under slabs or around foundations, Termifilm is a solution that complies with the standards in force in infested areas in France and internationally. Its durability and ease of use make it a preferred choice for residential and commercial construction sites.
Termifuge K: the liquid treatment for enhanced protection
Termifuge K is a liquid anti-termite coating. Applied directly to the soil surface before the foundation is poured, it creates a deadly impregnated surface for termites. It is particularly suitable when the treatment needs to be carried out on difficult or uneven terrain. Its innovative formulation reduces the content of conventional biocides by 50% for the same level of performance. Termifuge K strengthens the overall defense against termites from the pre-construction stage while helping to reduce the environmental impact of the construction sector.
Termifilm Flex: flexibility for complex projects
Designed to meet the needs of sites with complex geometries, Termifilm Flex combines the robustness of an anti-termite film with a high degree of flexibility. It easily adjusts to angles, curves and hard-to-reach areas, while providing the same double physicochemical protection as Termifilm.