One issue that is constantly appearing in Brisbane is termite activity and damage. The best defence is steel framing or pine framing treated to H2 with ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary).
ACQ is a water-borne preservative treatment of pine timber. The ACQ treatment process is similar to Copper Chrome Arsenate (CCA) but is free of arsenic. Instead, it uses copper and ammonium compounds as agents against insect attack, fungi, termites, and wood boring insects.
After pine has been treated with ACQ its appearance can range from dark green to brownish green and can be stained or painted once dry. In older buildings, the framing can be hardwood which hasn’t been treated, or cypress pine. Cypress pine does have some resistance to termites, but they will still eat through cypress pine. Similar to humans, we don’t like all foods but if we are hungry enough, we will eat anything. Additionally, Cypress pine becomes more attractive to termites after it dries out, as the sap is the repellent agent.
Many newer homes are constructed from untreated pine but rely on the chemical treatment barrier which can be breached if disturbed for gardening works etc. Newer, less toxic chemicals like broad-spectrum insecticide Fipronil are used. The chemical barrier must be regularly updated to be effective. If regular inspections are not carried out, the result can be catastrophic.
The ceiling above in this rental property had been nailed to untreated pine which was attached to the underside of untreated hardwood joists. There was a leak in the roof and the wet wood attracted the termites. They ate out all of the pine battens and had started on the hardwood joists. What made this situation worse was the fact that the ceiling sheeting contained asbestos.
The ceiling sheeting had to be removed by a licenced asbestos removalist and this exposed the pine battens which were almost non existent. If you look carefully you can see where the pine battens were attached to the underside of the ceiling joist and the termites had started eating. This photo also shows where we have used treated pine reinforcing to address the sag which had taken place over about 80 years.
New treated pine battens, FC sheeting, and new cornice were installed. As part of the “whole of job” approach we painted the new ceiling, cornice and the walls. We organised an electrician to fit a new fan and light, ensuring the property is now safe and ready for new tenants.
We treat the underlying issues and never just treat the symptoms. We make sure our work is done to a high quality which stands the test of time.