Harry Pittock
How these products work and the difficulty with installation
Termite sheeting is often used as part of a new build's termite protection plan, but it’s far from a foolproof solution. While termite sheeting can be effective in preventing termites from penetrating through it, it doesn’t stop them from tracking across the surface. This means that termites can still enter a building by tunnelling around the product. If installed correctly and with annual termite inspections, sheeting will prevent significant termite damage from occurring; however, with multiple stakeholders involved on the construction process, we have found that correct installation is not always happening.
The goal of termite sheeting isn’t to block termite entry into a building outright. Instead, it’s designed to prevent concealed entry, forcing termites into visible areas where they can be detected. This is why annual termite inspections are also required in order to catch termite activity early and prevent significant damage. Termite sheeting is entirely dependent on blocking all concealed entry points, so if the sheeting isn’t installed correctly, it becomes vulnerable, completely defeating its purpose and protective mechanism.
Interestingly, the standard does not focus solely on stopping termites from entering the building, but rather on ensuring that any entry points are visually accessible. When termites enter in a visible way, their activity can be identified early, allowing property owners to take action before major damage occurs.
The main challenge with termite sheeting is the difficulty of correct installation. For it to work properly, it must be visible externally and form a complete barrier around the structure. This means it should be visible through brickwork, render, or other exterior cladding solutions, which isn’t always desirable if you’re after a high-end finish. If the product is not visible externally as described, inspectors are not able to rule-out concealed entry and the structure may be vulnerable. Unfortunately, many installations today don’t meet these standards, and the sheeting often isn’t visible externally, rendering it ineffective.
As termite sheeting is a relatively new product in termite management, it is a concern that the impact of incorrect installations done years ago may only be felt soon. It is unclear where liability may fall for these failed systems and the termite damage that occurs, and is a significant risk for pest control operators, builders and homeowners alike.
For those looking for a more foolproof option, chemical reticulation systems or baiting stations may offer better protection. Unlike termite sheeting, these solutions actively kill termites attempting to enter the building, providing more peace of mind and longer-lasting protection.
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Harry Pittock
Harry Pittock
Harry Pittock
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