version 1 · 2018-02-17 · termites can also damage many other non-cellulose materials, components...

2010 Rubbermite

Installation manual

Version 1

Rubbermite Ver. 1 Oct., 2010

Contents Appendix A 1 Briefing on Habitat, Location & Damage caused by Termites……………….....2 1.1 Termite and damage they cause…………………………………………………...2 1.2 Termites Existence and the Beneficial Aspects…………………………………...3 1.3 Different Types of Termites……………………………………………………….4 1.4 Termite Food and Habitat…………………………………………………………5 1.5 Termite Nests, Colonies and Lifecycles…………………………………………...6 1.6 How Termites Ingress into Structures……………………………………………..7 1.7 Where Termites Get into the Structure…………………………………………….8 Module 1 Revision…………………………………………………………………...10 2 Preventing Termite Access to Structures………………………………………..11 2.1 Termite Barriers (Chemical)……………………………………………………..11 2.1.1 Organochlorine Materials………………………………………………………11 2.1.2 Organophosphate Materials…………………………………………………….12 2.1.3 Synthetic Pyrethroid Materials…………………………………………………13 2.1.4 Impregnated Chemical Plastics and Geotextiles……………………………….14 2.1.5 Chemical Groups New to the Industry…………………………………………14 2.1.6 Measures for Biological Control……………………………………………….14 2.2 Termiticidal Chemicals and the effects…………………………………………..15 2.3 Termite Barriers (Physical)………………………………………………………16 2.3.1 How Physical Termite Barriers Work………………………………………….16 2.3.2 Termite Strip Shielding and Ant Capping……………………………………...17 2.3.3 Stainless Steel Mesh……………………………………………………………18 2.3.4 Termite Barriers (Concrete Slab)………………………………………………19 2.4 How Rubbermite Physical Termite Barriers Work………………………………20 2.4.1 Features of Rubbermite Termite Barrier……………………………………….20 2.5 Quality Control…………………………………………………………………...20 2.6 Australian Standards Relating to the Control of Termites……………………….21 2.7 Accreditation of Rubbermite……………………………………………………..22 2.8 Benefits of Using Rubbermite……………………………………………………23 Module 2 Revision…………………………………………………………………...24 3 Installation: General Principals………………………………………………….25 3.1 Installation of Rubbermite Termite Barriers……………………………………..25 3.2 Stages of the Installation Process………………………………………………...27 3.2.1 Preparation of Site……………………………………………………………...27 3.2.2 Inspection and Re-application………………………………………………….27 3.2.3 Reinforcing and Vapour Barrier Steel (Full treatment only)…………………..28 3.2.4 Under-floor Inspection (Full treatment only)………………………………….28 3.2.5 Service Connection Treatment…………………………………………………30 3.2.6 Concrete: Formwork, Pouring and Finish……………………………………...32 3.2.7 Perimeter Barriers: Option 1- Internal…………………………………………34


3.2.8 Option 2- External……………………………………………………………...38 3.2.9 Option 3- Exposed Slab Edge………………………………………………….41 3.2.10 Construction Joint Barriers…………………………………………………...42 3.2.11 Perimeter Pipe and Joint Compaction………………………………………...43 3.2.12 Perimeter, Penetration and Control/ Constriction Joint Inspections………….43 3.3 Contaminants and Poor Installation Practices……………………………………44 3.4 Rubbermite Barrier Maintenance………………………………………………...45 3.5 Rubbermite Dimensions- Summary……………………………………………...46 3.6 General Principals and Standards for Rubbermite Placement……………………47 3.7 Treatment Certification…………………………………………………………..48 Module 3 Revision…………………………………………………………………...49 4 Installer Checklists………………………………………………………………..50 4.1 Scope……………………………………………………………………………..50 4.2 Perimeter Checks…………………………………………………………………51 4.2.1 Penetration Checks- after pouring slab………………………………………...52 4.2.2 Construction/ Control Joint Checks……………………………………………52 4.3 Inspection Summaries for Suspended Floors…………………………………….53 4.3.1 Pre-application checks…………………………………………………………53 4.3.2 Under-floor Checks…………………………………………………………….53 4.4 Perimeter Checks…………………………………………………………………54 Module 4 Revision…………………………………………………………………...55 5 Estimating and Quoting…………………………………………………………..56 5.1 Composite Treatments……………………………………………………………56 5.1.1 Quick Reference Guide………………………………………………………...56 5.1.2 Detailed Quoting Procedure……………………………………………………56 5.1.3 Refer to Price List……………………………………………………………...57 5.1.4 Rubbermite Production Lot Identification Numbers…………………………...57 5.2 Quote Checklist…………………………………………………………………..58 Module 5 Revision…………………………………………………………………...59 6 Termite Protection Package……………………………………………………..60 Module 6 Revision…………………………………………………………………..61 7 Installation Details………………………………………………………………...62 7.1 Treatment Methods………………………………………………………………63 8 Under floor- Suspended floor…………………………………………………….63 9 Perimeter and Ramps…………………………………………………………….64 10 Penetrations……………………………………………………………………...66 11 Construction Joints……………………………………………………………...68 12 Retaining Walls………………………………………………………………….69 13 Strip Shielding Installation Guide……………………………………………...71 13.1 Folding………………………………………………………………………….71 13.1.1 Un-plasticised Poly Vinyl Chloride…………………………………………..71


13.1.2 Welding……………………………………………………………………….72 13.2 Protrusion of a Tie Down of Reinforcing Bar Through the Strip Shielding …...72 14 Block Work………………………………………………………………………72


1 Briefing on Habitat, Location & Damage caused by Termites 1.1 Termite and damage they cause Termites and damage caused, is accepted as a normal risk to buildings in Australia. Termites pose a significant threat throughout mainland Australia. They attack timber in buildings, trees, posts, poles, firewood, bridges and railway sleepers. In the mid 1980s annual damage caused by termites in Australia was estimated to be in the vicinity of $80-$100 million. Today the figure would be considerably higher. Termites do have their place in the environment however, as they play an important role in the breakdown and recycling of dead wood and other plant debris. Termites have been around for at least the last 120 million years. They were in Australia millions of years before eucalypt trees evolved. This long period of coexistence means that the Australia bush is adapted to their needs.

Termite damage


1.2 Termites Existence and the Beneficial Aspects • Their tunnelling in the soil reduced runoff by helping rainwater to soak in

more quickly. They also allow more air down to plant roots and help mix the soil layers.

• They have a crucial role in the bush where they eat unwanted woody plant parts, recycle nutrients and create habitat for many animals (birds, possums, lizards, etc.)

• Termite colonies provide a home for fungi, some smaller insects and an incubation chamber for birds and lizards.

• Human food value- winged termites have twice the protein of rump steak. • As part of the nutrient cycle, termites are a major food source for ants, spiders,

birds, reptiles and mammals (eg. Echidna & numbat).

Termites in soil


1.3 Different Types of Termites

Planet Earth has about 2,500 different termite species. In Australia we have about 15% of the total (about 350 species). Fortunately, only a few of these species (approximately 30) damage buildings. Australia termites can be grouped into 4 classes:

• Dampwood termites, • Grass feeders, • Drywood termites, • Subterranean termites.

Dampwood termites, as their name suggests, are restricted to damp timber and are most common in the tall wet forests of the eastern seaboard. They rarely infest houses, except where there is a significant moisture problem, such as from a leaking laundry or bathroom. Grassfeeding termites do not attack timber structures. Drywood termites live entirely within timber and are a minor pest, mostly warm and humid costal areas, where the damage they cause is not significant. Subterranean termites cause nearly all damage to buildings. The vast bulk of this destruction is attributed to termites from a single group, the genus Coptotermes. In tropical Australia, Mastotermes darwinienis is also capable of causing significant damage. In some regions, otherwise minor genera like Schedorhinotermes and Heterotermes are prominent. Subterranean termites take their name from their habits of either nesting below ground level or keeping some contact with the ground. They do this mostly to reach water. Sometimes, where parts of structures are always wet, subterranean termites will live without any ground contact. Such nests without ground contact have been found in docks, boats and in buildings where there is regular water from leaking showers, pipes or guttering. Rubbermite is effective in blocking the passage of subterranean termites (excluding Mastotermes darwiniensis). In the rest of this document, “termite” unless otherwise specified, means “subterranean termite”.


1.4 Termite Food and Habitat Termites are subterranean and live underground. They live on colonies which may grow to contain millions of individuals. Subterranean termites live in the dark and damp atmosphere of their nests, foraging galleries (mud tunnels) and timber food sources. They cannot survive very long when exposed to sunlight or dry conditions. Their soft, pale skin burns easily and dries quickly. In general termites prefer loose sandy soil or leaf mulch and humus where tunnelling is easiest. Hard clay, however, is also a suitable habitat. The majority of termite tunnelling takes place in the top 300mm of the ground (where the wood is plentiful) although they have been known to burrow deeper, (as deep as 70 metres) and can enter buildings well above ground level, especially on sloping sites with retaining walls or cellars. Termites are common in woodlands and forest areas that often adjoin housing estates. They feed mainly on materials containing cellulose (timber and plant materials). Termite food might include:

• Trees, stumps, garden retaining edges and mulch, • Timber building materials, • Furniture, • Floor coverings • Packing, • Printed materials (papers, records, blueprints, books), • Fabric, • Clothing, • Footwear.

Termites can also damage many other non-cellulose materials, components or structures, including the insulation on electrical cables, rigid polystyrene foam insulation and soft decorative renders, as they building galleries to reach food.


1.5 Termite Nests, Colonies and Lifecycles Within subterranean termite nests there are a number of different castes each of which has its role to play in the operation and expansion of the colony.

• Reproductive’s i.e. Queens and Kings-breeding stock. • Alates i.e. immature Queens and Kings that have wings and will fly away

during the breeding season to mate and establish new colonies. • Workers i.e. search for food, build galleries, groom other termites, feed the

Reproductive’s, Alates and Soldiers. • Soldiers i.e. defend the nest from predators, especially ants.

Termites from a large mature colony may forage for food and attack timber over an area of one hectare. A typical termite has a maximum life expectancy of about four years and takes about four months to develop from egg to maturity. As the colony starts with just two individuals (Queen and King), it takes awhile to build up numbers. It is unusual for a new colony to significantly damage a building until at least three to five years have passed. Some termite colonies have been known to exist for well over 25years, and in species where the Queen and King can be replaced, the colony is essentially immortal (i.e. will not die of old age).

Lifecycle of a termite


1.6 How Termites Ingress into Structures

• These tunnels are usually made in the top 300mm of soil but may be deeper, especially in fill and under tree roots.

• Termites mostly enter buildings from underground tunnels. • They can penetrate through expansion joints or uncontrolled cracks in concrete

slabs and through shrinkage gaps between slabs and walls. • They typically enter buildings through footings which are in contact with the

ground. • Other major areas of termite penetration are alongside service connections,

such as water and gas pipes which pass through the floor or walls. • Another favourite entry point is via garden beds or wood heaps that are built

up against a buildings walls. • If termites cannot tunnel directly from the ground to the food they have found,

they will build above-ground galleries (mud tubes) to bridge over non-food obstructions. By moving inside these mud tubes they can safely reach their food.


1.7 Where Termites Get into the Structure There are many potential points of entry as indicated in the diagrams here and over the page.


Module 1 Revision

1. Rubbermite is effective in blocking which group of termites?

2. Why do termites build earthen tunnels? 3. List three ways termites can enter a building.

4. Will termites damage non-timber materials in a building e.g. concrete?

5. Which members of the termite colony do you need to see to allow identification of the termite species? What physical characteristics are important?

6. Is Rubbermite efficient in stopping termite ingress?


2 Preventing Termite Access to Structures Physical and chemical termite barriers rely on the same basic principles. The fundamental feature of a termite protection system is to install or construct some form of barrier through which termites will not pass. This barrier may, for example, take the form of a Bifenthrin (chemical) or Rubbermite (physical) termite barrier. 2.1 Termite Barrier (Chemical) Chemical barrier systems use toxic termiticides which are applied to the area underneath and on/around a buildings footings and foundations. This poisons the ground and kills or repels termites as they try to tunnel though the soil to reach the cellulose food above. Today there are two major groups of chemical termiticides used for new construction, the organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroids. Newer molecular groups are also being introduced for remedial control of termites. All chemical termiticide formulations have been developed from insecticides originally intended for agricultural use. None is specific to termites and all are active against a wide variety of non-pest species. Prior to 1995 long-life organochlorine chemicals were used. They are now banned in Australia and cannot be used. 2.1.1 Organochlorine Materials Organochlorines are also known as cyclodienes. The best known termiticide examples are:

• Chlordane • Heptachlor

Historically these chemicals were the most widely used termiticides. They were cheap. Organochlorine termiticides could be used to form termite barriers because they took a very long time to break down. This lasting residual poison capacity in the soil could be effective even at relatively low concentration levels. Organochlorines are, however, dangerous chemicals. Because of environmental and health concerns, their use has been banned in most developed countries. The last major use of organochlorins in Australia was as termiticides in the Northern Territory. Organochlorine residues are still commonly found in surveys of human breast milk. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority enquiry recommended, on the advice of National Health and Medical Research Council reports, that organochlorins be completely banned for termite treatment in all parts of Australia, except the Northern Territory, from June 1995. Other types of organochlorine termiticides, DDT, Dieldrin and Aldrin, have not been in use in the last 2 decades.


2.1.2 Organophosphate Materials Chlorpyrifos is the only organophosphate currently registered for use against termites in Australia. Dursban™ is the main brand name of DowAgrosciences’ chlorpyrifos products and is the best known of the dozens of brands on the Australian market. Organophosphates are related to nerve gases. They are generally more toxic than organochlorins and are also more expensive. Organophosphates are considered to be safer than organochlorins because they are less persistent in the ground as they break down more rapidly. Breakdown occurs because the molecular bonds are not as strong as those of the organochlorins. Phosphates are widely sought by plants as nutrients. In Australian experience, organophosphate termite barriers breakdown has been reported in as little as 3 months. CSIRO tests on organophosphates (in ideal conditions) have indicated an effective working life of between 3 and 15 years. Organophosphates need a consistent and complete coverage to be effective so operator skill in their use is paramount. The regular re-treatments required with organophosphates also depend on the applicator being able to achieve an even distribution of chemical and gain good access to the building sub-floor and perimeter areas. Replenishment of degraded organophosphate barriers under concrete slabs can be achieved by drilling through the slab and injecting the chemical under pressure or installing a network of pipes during construction to reticulate the chemical into the ground beneath the slab. It is essential that slab drilling and reticulation systems provide an even and complete chemical distribution in order for the barrier to be effective. The likelihood of achieving such a distribution will vary with differing foundation soil types and densities. Reticulation pipes can also be installed around a building perimeter as a means of distributing chemical directly into the soil. Where there is adequate access under suspended floors and around building perimeters organophosphates barriers can be replenished by hand-spraying.


2.1.3 Synthetic Pyrethroid Materials

Synthetic pyrethroids include Bifenthrin, Cypermethrin, Deltamethrin, Fenvalerate and Permethrin. Examples of pyrethroid brand names available in Australia are:

• Dragnet™, • Demon™, • Torpedo™, • Tribute™, • Plasmite™, • Biflex™.

In Australia, FMC’s Biflex™ (Bifenthrin) has gained registration for barrier sprays on the basis of field trials conducted over a period of many years. Synthetic pyrethroids are artificial variations of the natural insecticides from Pyrethrum daisies and are sometimes used in household fly and flea control. They are more expensive than chlorpyrifos. The high potency of synthetic pyrethroid termiticides means that they are effective at lower concentrations. Synthetic pyrethroids can sometimes repel rather than kill termites. Permethrin has been reported as a suspected carcinogen. Synthetic pyrethroids are used in the USA where they have been found to repel termites better than organochlorins or organophospates, but their tendency to break down quickly limits their usefulness in building protection. Some chemical manufacturers hope to use reticulation systems to overcome the problem of short life span. The strong binding tendency of some synthetic pyrethroids to soil means that their effectiveness when applied through reticulation systems is likely to be limited by poor chemical distribution. Currently the APVMA labels Bifenthrin for use through reticulation systems. Recent American studies pointing to permethrin as the most reliably persistent synthetic pyrethroid are not consistent with CSIRO’s assessment of permerthrin in Australia. Permethrin has not gained registration as a barrier spray in Australia. This highlights the problems with unreliable performance of barrier sprays across differing soil and climatic conditions. Environmental concerns over the high toxicity of synthetic pyrethroids to freshwater and marine life are significant. Bifenthrin is around forty times more toxic to water life than chlorpyrifos. Synthetic pyrethroids were originally developed for pest control in crops where a short life span was an important feature, the exact opposite of what is required for a termite barrier. The need to regularly re-apply these chemicals and the difficulty of achieving full and consistent coverage hamper their long term effectiveness.


2.1.4 Impregnated Chemical Plastics and Geotextiles A relatively new use of synthetic pyrethroids is the impregnation of plastic building products with termiticides. Two such products are Kordon™ and Plasmite™, is a vapour barrier geotextile impregnated with small quantities of the synthetic pyrethroid deltamethrin. Barrier life of fifty years is claimed, though no mechanism for replenishment is available. Without the deltamethrin, termites can easily penetrate the plastic layers. 2.1.5 Chemical Groups New to the Industry Products, called Imidacloprid (sold as Premise™ against termites and Termidor™ against termites) has been introduced for remedial and preconstruction termite control. Highly water soluble, it does not bind to the soil like earlier groups and is actively taken up by plants and carried to their sap. Imidacloprid has a double-barrelled effect, lethal at high level, it remains debilitating at quite low concentrations. A remedial termiticide is the phenyl-urea, Fipronil. Perhaps best known as the active ingredient of Goliath™ cockroach gel, Termidor™ and Fipronil has been used in France and the USA against Reticulitermes species and now in Australia for many years. 2.1.6 Measures for Biological Control Not presently used in new construction, biological control agents are not chemicals, but are whole organisms which attack or repel termites. Bacteria, fungi, nematodes (worms) and viruses have been researched over the last 25years with only nematodes and fungi finding minor use for remedial management of termites. They are not expected to ever find use as new construction barriers.

Plasmite Termite Blanket


2.2 Termiticidal Chemicals and the effects Environmentalists, health authorities and increasingly the greater community, object to the use of poisonous residual termiticide chemicals because they generally believe their use to be hazardous or unnecessary. In support of this belief the following reason are often given: The chemicals:

• Can kill non-target organisms, • Can affect water supplies, • Can affect water supplies, • Get into the food chain and can contaminate human food, • Can affect water supplies, • Will probably get banned some time in the future thus making retreatment

difficult. Areas subject to regular reapplications can become heavily contaminated and could, in the future, be regarded as intractable waste sites. In summary, people do not want to endanger their health and the environment. The new buildings of today and tomorrow must be safer to construct, live in and maintain, than the toxin-laden sites of yesterday.


2.3 Termite Barriers (Physical) 2.3.1 How Physical Termite Barriers Work The fundamental principle of all physical termite barriers is a simple one: install an impenetrable material wherever termites might enter a building undetected, thereby blocking their access and forcing the insects to either look elsewhere for food or to build a visible mud tunnel through which they will attempt to by-pass the physical barrier. An effective physical termite barrier forces the termites that threaten our buildings, ingenious engineers that they are, to build mud tunnels where there is no existing soil or timber or other material to allow them free access to their food. By blocking undetected access and forcing the termites to build visible tunnels to gain exterior access, physical termite barriers, combined with thoughtful maintenance and inspections (to check for inspection zone obstructions and signs of tunnel building activity) provide an efficient means of termite protection. Physical barriers, like Rubbermite, thus rely on a few ‘weaknesses’ in the termites’ otherwise impressive armour; namely their inability to survive prolonged sunlight or dryness and their unwillingness to move where they are exposed to predators (ants and birds for example). These weaknesses provide a simple, safe and effective way of managing termites. There is an added advantage with the physical termite barrier system: the visible mud galleries which the termites build as they try to bridge the barrier provide excellent access points for pest controllers to use the minimum-toxin termite control techniques of dusting and baiting.


2.3.2 Termite Strip Shielding and Ant Capping As the oldest and most widely used termite barrier system, ant caps on piers and stumps and strip shielding in brick walls provide effective termite protection. Proper installation, quality materials and regular and thorough inspections are essential with any termite barrier system. This includes ant caps and shielding. The effective use of ant caps and shielding is, however, very difficult in most slab on ground designs where service penetrations, corrosion and fixing the concrete pose significant problems. Casting the strip shielding into infill slabs overcomes the fixing problem, but the long-term ability of this join to accommodate movement and remain termite-proof is a concern. Completely under laying the slab with strip shielding material to provide a full barrier is impractical, very expensive and unlikely to be completely effective in the long-term. Effective treatment of slab joints is also awkward, particularly where joints cross or meet perimeter shielding. Ant caps and shielding in many suspended floor designs are the cheapest way of providing a termite barrier, ant caps and strip shielding do not however provide complete under-floor protection, so good access must be provided for inspections. Good sub-floor ventilation, drainage and natural light are also important when using ant caps and strip shielding to provide termite protection for suspended floors.

Subfloor piers


2.3.3 Stainless Steel Mesh Woven Stainless steel mesh is a newer version of the traditional strip shielding concept. More flexible and easier to handle than rigid strip shielding, this system is marketed as “Termi-Mesh” and Woven™ Stainless Steel Mesh and is installed by licensed franchisees and installers. Being stainless steel the mesh barrier is less likely to corrode than traditional galvanised caps and shielding. Great care is required to prevent metal on metal electrolysis and ensure that the mesh effectively collars service pipes. Fixing to concrete at slab edges and joints is achieved through the use of special termite resistant adhesives in a process known as parging. Parging requires very careful preparation of the surfaces and application of the products if an effective, long-lasting termite resistant bond is to be achieved. While curing, the adhesive cannot be subjected to any movement. The water-based parging material may take more than a day to cure in cool or damp weather. Care is also required on building sites to ensure that the fragile mesh (0.18mm-0.20mm thick) is not damaged or stretched. The cost of the marine grade (316) stainless steel mesh means that full under-floor treatments with this product are very expensive. Less expensive protection is achieved by using the mesh in conjunction with other barrier systems or the slab itself.

Stainless steel mesh barrier


2.3.4 Termite Barriers (Concrete Slab) Historically, concrete slabs were not regarded as effective termite barriers. Termites can enter through cracks in slabs caused by any number of factors. It is also thought, although there is no scientific evidence to show, that termites can widen hairline cracks in poor quality concrete to gain access to the timber above. This is considered to be especially likely where the concrete is weakened by added water. While there is on-going debate as to the ability of slabs to remain free of cracks that run the full depth of the concrete and the ability of termites to widen such cracks, there is little doubt that termites can enter through a crack that is little over 1mm or more wide. Of course a 1mm crack is not significant in terms of the cracked slab’s structural integrity, but it will be very significant if termites enter the building through it and attack the house frame or fittings. Australian Standard 3660.1 takes the view that the risk of a properly compacted, vibrated and cured slab, designed and reinforced in line with AS 2870 and AS 3600, cracking to more than 1mm is a small enough risk to permit such slabs to be employed to provide a minimum level of termite protection. Thus in July 1995, when AS 3660.1 was released, concrete slabs could be used as termite barriers and the concepts of partial and integrated composite termite barriers were formalised. The good performance record of concrete slabs as termite barriers since 1995 has proven that the view taken by Australian Standards in AS 3660.1 is correct. Since 1995, composite treatments have been very popular. Partial concrete slab barriers may use Rubbermite and/or other termite barrier system to protect those parts of the footings deemed to be higher risk entry points, namely the building perimeter, slab penetrations and construction joints.

Concrete house slab


2.4 How Rubbermite Physical Termite Barriers Work When Rubbermite is placed on strategic positions in the structure termites can not penetrate the crumbed rubber particles. When they try to shift one rubber particle the next rubber crumb fall into its place, providing the sand in the hour glass effect. The termite is encouraged to forage else where in search of a food source. 2.4.1 Features of Rubbermite termite barrier Rubbermite is made from recycled vehicle tyres which is a major world environment problem. The invention of Rubbermite and its use may help use up this waste product in an environmentally sustainable manner. 2.5 Quality Control Rubbermite is supplied by Quality Assured Company to ISO 9001:2008 and being CodeMark™ approved has past stringent quality checks and audited by JAS-ANZ.


2.6 Australian Standards Relating to the Control of Termites There have been several Australian Standards relating to the control of termites. AS 1694-1974 The Standard for physical barriers used in the protection of new buildings against subterranean termites. AS 2057-1986 The Standard for chemical soil treatment for protection of new buildings against subterranean termites. AS 2178-1986 The Standard for detection and treatment of termite infestation in existing buildings. In October 1993, Standards Australia repealed these three Standards and replaced them with AS 3660-1993 which deals with protection of new and existing buildings and termite infestation, detection and treatment. AS 3660-1993 was not called up into the Building Code of Australia. For building Code Purposes another Standard, AS 3660.1, was developed. AS 3660.1 relates only to new buildings. AS 3660.1 1995 is the Standard that first recognised concrete slabs that comply with AS 2870 or AS 3600 as termite barriers. AS 3660.1 allowed the integration of Rubbermite with other recognised termites barriers to provide a “partial” or “composite” barrier. This use of these integrated systems is discussed later. AS 3660-1993 is being updated, it is anticipated that the update Standard will become the relevant Standard for treatment of existing buildings and termite infestations. This revised Standard will be AS 3660.2, and should be released in 2000. AS 4349.3 relating to timber pest inspections describes minimum requirements for inspection of building to determine the presence and risk to buildings from insects and fungi. AS 3660.1 1995 is currently being updated. Working drafts of the new 3660.1 are largely the same as its predecessor. These drafts reflect the installation techniques described in this manual. A third part of the Standard suite relating to termites is AS 3660.3, which describes the evaluation and testing protocols for the assessment of termite barrier systems.


2.7 Accreditation of Rubbermite Before being accepted for use by building authorities and thus professional architects, drafts people, builders and pest controllers, Rubbermite, like any good building product, had to be fully tested be recognised independent authorities and then appraised, assessed and finally approved and accredited by the appropriate experts and committees. The end result is full recognition of the Rubbermite system as outlined below. This recognition means that Rubbermite can be used with complete confidence as the Rubbermite physical termite barrier system meets the requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) when it is installed in line with the accreditation specifications included in this manual. Rubbermite has gained full accreditation of code mark certificate of conformity issued by CodeMark Australia.


2.8 Benefits of Using Rubbermite Safe Rubbermite is an entirely natural rubber product. It is non-toxic

and chemically inert. Effective Tested by University of Melbourne and Ecospan’s, Dr. John

French, in the most demanding conditions. Rubbermite has been proven as an efficient physical termite barrier.

Long-life Once installed, there are no re-treatments required. The

Rubbermite product will last the life of the building. Easy to Install Just clear the cavity, pipe, collar or joint, pour in the Rubbermite

and tamp lightly. Rubbermite around pipes and joints are sealed with Rubbermite Sealant.

Easy to Maintain All that is required to ensure on-going termite protection are

regular inspections of building perimeters (to check that termites are not building tunnels to by-pass the barrier) and some simple precautions to prevent the Rubbermite from being bridged or contaminated.

Fully Approved The Rubbermite system, using Rubbermite products and patented

installation techniques, has been appraised by CertMark under the CodeMark Accreditation System and certified by The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB). The Rubbermite system satisfies termite protection requirements under Australian Standard 3660.1.

Cost Effective Rubbermite is an investment in the building. One initial payment

provides owners and occupiers with a termite protection system that is safe and effective. Rubbermite termite barriers remove the ongoing costs of chemical re-treatments.

Insulation Rubbermite also acts as an insulator underneath and around

concrete slabs thereby helping to reduce heating costs. Guaranteed Rubbermite and its independent installers warrant that the

properly installed and maintained Rubbermite termite barrier will remain free form termite penetration. Warranties are underwritten by independent insurers, providing one million dollar product warranty.


Revision of Module 2

1. How is a toxic soil barrier meant to work?

2. List three potentially hazardous effects of Termiticidal Chemicals.

3. Which of the following is NOT one of the features of how Rubbermite works?

a. Rubbermite kills termites. b. Rubbermite particles are too hard for termites to chew. c. Rubbermite particles are too big for termites to carry.

4. What is the number of the Australian Standard for preconstruction termite work?

5. Rubbermite has complete CodeMark accreditation. True or False?


3 Installation: General Principles In all Rubbermite installations, there are several important points to be observed. These points can be summarised by four common sense principles:

• Appropriate systems, • Quality materials, • Thoughtful design, • Proper installation.

3.1 Installation of Rubbermite Termite Barriers Across Australia many different types of footings and building techniques are employed. Some designs are inherently less inclined to be infested by termites. Incorporating minimum termite risk design practices and termite resistant materials into a building will help to reduce the risk of termite infestation and the severity of damage in the event of termite attack. Adding a Rubbermite termite barrier will significantly increase the entire buildings’ protection from termites. A list of materials resistant or less susceptible to termite damage is provided in AS 3660.1. Using these materials will not, however, provide “whole of house termite protection”. Whole of house protection is where all components of the building are protected not just the structural members as in the case of steel and chemically treated timber frames. Just as some building designs are more prone to attract and encourage undetected and thus expensive termite infestation, there are types of footing and wall designs that are easier to protect with Rubbermite barriers. Regardless of building materials or design, thought should be given to termite protection. If termite protection measures are incorporated into new buildings at the planning stage they will be easier to install, more effective and more economical. The basic principle of Rubbermite termite barriers is to install them wherever termite penetration is possible. This means that pipe-work, where it passes through a concrete floor, must be protected as should construction joints and points where concrete slabs are susceptible to cracking. Building perimeters (i.e. around all exterior walls including steps, verandas and pergolas) should also be protected. Perimeter protection can be achieved by external placement of the Rubbermite material, or internal placement of the material enclosed in a suitably designed cavity wall. Rubbermite barriers are complimented by the use of termite strip shielding in masonry. Under-floor protection techniques require the application of the Rubbermite so as to combine with the footings and thus deny termites the opportunity of entering the building. The waffle-pod or formed void footing system is perhaps the design most suited to installation of an under slab Rubbermite termite barrier. Suspended floors with limited sub-floor clearance (i.e. less than 400mm) can be protected with a full “blanket” of Rubbermite across the ground beneath the structure. The footings of these buildings (including fireplaces, retaining walls and cellars) can


be protected with either exposed concrete inspection zones, strip shielding and/or Rubbermite encasement. As with any building product, the vital importance of thorough and correct Rubbermite installation procedures cannot be overstressed. The Rubbermite barrier is easy to install because its fluidity means that it will take the form of whatever material it is laid onto or against. It is easy to see where the product has or has not been placed. It is also easy to add Rubbermite material where the barrier is narrower or shallower than specification or where it is incomplete. The key to good placement practice is complete and correct coverage without contamination. All susceptible areas must be properly protected. Contamination of the Rubbermite with clay, dirt, timber cut offs or anything which could lead to barrier breaching, is a potential problem that must always be addressed. All formwork, including pegs, must be fully stripped from the slab and below. Removal of contaminated Rubbermite must be done immediately the risk is noticed. The barrier should then be restored to specification with fresh, clean Rubbermite material. Thoughtful building practices will limit the attraction of termites and opportunity for termite infestation. Provision of permanent inspection zones (where termite activity forced into the open by an impenetrable physical termite barrier can be detected), careful placement and maintenance of gardens and pathways and thorough site preparation and drainage will all assist in providing effective long-term termite protection.

IMPORTANT: Rubbermite is not approved to be used above the Tropic of Capricorn.


3.2 Stages of the Installation Process 3.2.1 Preparation of Site. Before the floor of a new building is laid, the site has to be properly prepared:

• Any evidence of termite activity on or near foundations treated, • Foundation area cleared-no stumps, roots, off cuts or tree branches near or

beneath footings, • Sub-foundation plumbing complete, • Edge and reinforcing beams excavated (for monolithic raft slab), • Strip footings properly formed and finished for suspended floors or infill,

footing or non-monolithic slabs, • Fill is level and properly compacted (where used), • No timber pegs or off cuts to be covered in concrete, • Lagging removed from pipes where they are to pass through Rubbermite.

3.2.2 Inspection and Re-application There are three Rubbermite inspection stages:

• Pre-application- before any Rubbermite is installed, • Under-floor (full treatment only)- during and after underfloor Rubbermite

installation, and • Perimeter, penetration and joints- e.g. an inspection of the placement of

Rubbermite wall cavities, beside retaining walls, around service connections and along construction/control joints.

Checklists of pre-application inspection points for slab on ground and suspended floor are detailed later in this manual. Installers must inspect all relevant areas on these lists before progressing to the next step in the building or barrier placement process. Preparation of the Rubbermite treatment certificate should start now. When the job is finished the treatment certificate is finalised. It must include a summary of job details including:

• The site address, • The builder, • The owner, • The installer’s details, • The installation methods used, • The dates of installation, and • A floor plan.

Where appropriate, cross-sections showing areas where Rubbermite system termite barriers have been installed should be drawn clearly on the treatment certificate and provided to the customer along with the Rubbermite warranty, treatment notice/plaque (fixed to the building), and maintenance instructions. The plan should include position and diameter of penetrations and any other relevant information including the position and dimensions of retaining walls, step-downs, joints and any cracks in slabs, footings or masonry that are visible at the time of Rubbermite installation.


It is a good idea to note all this information during the job. Installers should keep a file on each building they treat; recording all details of their work as it progresses and the materials they use. Take identifiable photos (with dates and addresses) of any areas where treatment has been difficult or where other tradespeople have been uncooperative or done poor quality work that increases the vulnerability of the building to termite attack. 3.2.3 Reinforcing and Vapour Barrier Steel (Full treatment only) After compaction, the vapour barrier and reinforcing steel are put in place. Particular care must be taken to minimise creases and bunching of the vapour barrier. Folds should be cut and taped to prevent voids and possible faults in the concrete slab (which can allow termite access). With local authority approval, AS 2870 (1996, clause 5.3.3 (b)) allows for termination of the vapour barrier at the edge of beam trenches. This reduces the risk of excessive creasing of the vapour barrier which can weaken the concrete and allow for concealed termite access within the slab itself. 3.2.4 Under-floor Inspection (Full treatment only) When stages of the sub-floor Rubbermite installation are finished, the treatment certificate should again be updated. The installer must ensure that the Rubbermite up to this stage has been properly carried out and that each relevant requirement of the installation. The essential components of proper placement are:

• Complete coverage (without contamination), • Correct depth, • Intimate contact between Rubbermite and any building components that it is

laid on or against, and • Seal sprayed onto rubber.

Care should also be taken during Rubbermite placement to avoid contamination and ensure that no opportunities exist for termites to by-pass the Rubbermite barrier. Examples of poor installation practices that provide such opportunities would include timber pegs or off cuts that breach the barrier and lagging around service pipes where they pass through the Rubbermite. Areas under suspended floors that are not fully enclosed with brickwork should be surrounded with steel, aluminium or fibre cement sheeting or timber plinths (with at least 75mm ground clearance) or wire mesh to prevent contamination and unwanted disturbance of the Rubbermite. These areas should also be readily accessible for inspections, properly drained, well ventilated and able to be effectively secured with trap doors. Spray seal applied to stop of Rubbermite will help prevent disturbance.


3.2.5 Service Connection Treatment Wherever service pipes penetrate a concrete slab provision must be made to encase each pipe in Rubbermite. Polystyrene collars and retainers can act as formwork to create an enclosed space around the pipe. This space must be filled with a compacted depth of at least 75 mm of Rubbermite for a minimum of 25mm all around the pipe circumference when the concrete has cured (petrol can be used to dissolve polystyrene but beware of poisonous and flammable vapours, especially in confined areas) limonene is a safer alternative. As an alternative to using sacrificial polystyrene formwork, removable sleeves of durable rigid plastic can be placed around the pipe to provide the same void space. Another formwork alternative is the Rubbermite penetration treatment sleeve. This cylindrical retainer arrangement incorporates two horizontal flanges about the circumference of the sleeve and a bottom retainer to suit the pipe outside diameter. The sleeve is filled with Rubbermite prior to the slab being poured. The entire sleeve arrangement remains cast into the concrete slab. The slab also forms a cap over the Rubbermite and sleeve. Inspection and junction boxes for plumbing under baths and showers should also be cleared of any formwork and refuse, and filled with a compacted depth of at least 75mm of Rubbermite which is retained from beneath. Pipe lagging and insulation must be removed where it will be in contact with the Rubbermite or polystyrene collar. Lagging and insulation around service pipes must also be removed from any section of pipe which passes through an under-floor or perimeter Rubbermite barrier. Where service pipes pass through a Rubbermite perimeter barrier the pipes must be surrounded by at least 25mm of Rubbermite, for internal cavity barriers, or 100mm minimum of Rubbermite where the pipe passes through in an external barrier trench. Any pipes passing through a Rubbermite construction joint barrier must also be surrounded by at least 25mm of Rubbermite. The Rubbermite that surrounds the pipe must be at least 75mm deep after tamping and continuous with the Rubbermite that forms the perimeter barrier or construction with joint barrier. See Perimeter, pipe and joint compaction section on page 4-14 for compaction details. If more than one pipe penetrates a slab at the same point then each individual pipe should be positioned to allow for at least 25mm of Rubbermite between it and the other pipes and the edge of the slab or cavity that retains the Rubbermite. Such a situation may necessitate the use of an oversize foam collar or formwork to provide a sufficiently large void. A synthetic seal spray should be placed on top of the Rubbermite around penetrations to prevent material disturbance and contamination. The slab itself will serve this function when the Rubbermite penetration sleeve is used.


Cables running in flexible or ribbed conduits must have the conduit removed where they pass through Rubbermite. Where smooth rigid conduits are used Rubbermite should be poured down through the conduit to fill the void surrounding the cable and form a termite barrier at the same level as the Rubbermite under floor and/or perimeter barrier. The Rubbermite in the conduit should be at least 75


3.2.6 Concrete: Formwork, Pouring and Finish Formwork (or boxing) for concrete slabs and footings, whether steel or timber or earthen, should provide a smooth and even surface for Rubbermite to be laid against. Rough, uncontained concrete that is not smooth off the form or trowel-finished will not allow for intimate Rubbermite-concrete contact and as such may provide termite access. Such intimate Rubbermite-concrete contact must be for the entire depth of the barrier. Timber sacrificial formwork that penetrates any part of a footing or slab should not be used. Where formwork is to remain after the concrete has cured it must be durable, termite resistant sacrificial formwork penetrates the slab it must be treated like a pipe penetration and surrounded with a compacted 75mm deep × 25mm wide (minimum) Rubbermite collar. Formwork sections especially for slab perimeter wall cavities, must be securely joined together and well supported to avoid bulges or any concrete escaping when the slab is poured. Concrete bulges that result from buckled or inadequate formwork can narrow the joint or perimeter cavity so that an effective Rubbermite barrier is difficult to install. Where plastic membrane vapour barriers are used as part of the formwork they must be cut and taped or nailed to the timber so as to prevent creases and folds that create voids in the concrete. These voids can prevent the Rubbermite from making complete contact with the entire vertical and horizontal edges of the concrete which can in turn allow termite access. Where such folds or creases do occur in the dried concrete they should be chipped away so that the Rubbermite can fill in the void and make complete and intimate contact with all the surrounding concrete surfaces. Any creased or honeycombed surface that provides the potential for termites to by-pass the Rubbermite barrier must be removed so that the Rubbermite can make contact with the concrete for the entire depth and length of the barrier. Removal of creasing or superficial honeycombing that prevents complete Rubbermite contact, is achieved by chipping away the irregular concrete with a hammer, cold chisel, bolster or similar tool so that Rubbermite can make contact with the concrete for the entire depth and length of the barrier. If removal of the creased or honeycombed concrete is impossible, then AS 3660.1 2000 provides for a durable, flexible, termite-resistant parging compound which can be applied to that section of concrete, filling the creases or honeycombing, so as to allow for complete and intimate Rubbermite contact. However, by chipping back creased or honeycombed concrete to open out these imperfections; the use of parging material can be avoided. By not using parging material the risk of the parging delaminating (i.e. coming away) from the slab and allowing termite access is removed.


If a slab edge or retaining wall requires waterproofing, a thin layer of strongly adhesive, impregnating bitumen or wax based sealant should be applied to the smoothed concrete surface. Such products should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Where the internal surfaces of a cavity rebate are too rough, creased or honeycombed or the cavity is too narrow for specified Rubbermite dimensions and/or contact to be achieved, an external Rubbermite perimeter barrier may be appropriate. External perimeter and construction joint barriers are subject to the same requirements for the removal of creased or honeycombed concrete as are internal (i.e. cavity) barriers. Care should be taken to ensure that there is an effective interface and overlap between internal (cavity) and external (trench) perimeter barriers. Concrete slabs and footings should be vibrated to avoid honeycombing and allowed to cure properly so as to achieve maximum strength. Refer to AS 2870 and AS 3600 for details of proper slab design and construction.


3.2.7 Perimeter Barriers Option 1- Internal Compacted dimensions of Rubbermite in internal perimeter treatments are 75mm minimum depth and 30mm minimum width. Rubbermite termite barriers placed internally at the base of perimeter wall cavities must be in conjunction with termite strip shielding as per those drawings in the technical section of this manual. Approved strip shielding materials are supplied by Rubbermite distributors, The Bug Shop. Termite strip shielding is designed to prevent termites moving up through faulty mortar or cracks or voids in the masonry and any extrusion holes in the bricks/concrete blocks. Strip shielding must fully cover the horizontal surface of the masonry and either extend at least 60mm vertically into the Rubbermite or continue horizontally completely beneath it. Strip shielding material must always remain visible in the mortar around the perimeter of the building. Where render is applied to the face of the masonry, the strip shielding must extend horizontally into the render so as to be visible at the render face (V Joint). All joints in the strip shielding must be welded, braised or folded (for aluminium) or glued (for PVC) so as to be effective in preventing termite passage. Details of approved strip shielding folding, welding, braising and gluing techniques along with treatment of tie down or starter bars. Strip shielding installed in wall cavities in conjunction with Rubbermite must allow for at least 30mm width of Rubbermite. The Rubbermite must make intimate contact with the shielding. All Rubbermite in cavity shall be sealed with spray sealant to avoid contamination. Perimeter strip shielding is required at control joints in masonry walls where in-cavity Rubbermite perimeter barriers are used. Shielding can be folded to form a single, vertical concertina that is placed in the joint (i.e. between the open perpends), to allow it to take up movement in the masonry. The expansion joint shield must be visible and continuous in the finished masonry. Particular care is required where Rubbermite is being placed beneath full length windows, doors, or similar thresholds that are less than 75mm above finished ground level. This type of situation may require incorporation of an external barrier into the perimeter treatment. Clearly visible horizontal or vertical inspection zones must always be maintained. The minimum distance for inspection zones for Rubbermite on external areas is 75mm to finish soil height and 20mm to exterior concrete or pavers/tiles. Where there is an opportunity for Rubbermite to escape from wall cavities through weep holes in brickwork these slots must be fitted with durable, rodent-resistant retainers that contain the Rubbermite but still allow the flow of air and water. These retainers are available from a Rubbermite distributor (The Bus Shop).


Wall cavities and slab rebates should be formed relating to concrete formwork and finish. Rubbermite in wall cavities should be lightly tamped or agitated with a suitable piece of timber or steel to ensure good compaction and complete and intimate contact with all cavity surfaces and termite strip shielding. Where Rubbermite is deeper than 150mm it should be tamped in successive layers of not more than 100mm. Service connections that pass through perimeter barriers must be compacted also.


3.2.8 Option 2- External An external Rubbermite perimeter “trench” treatment must extend from finished ground level to at least 100mm below the top of the footing/edge beam and be at least 100mm wide. This trench of Rubbermite must be compacted (see Section 4.2.12) and make intimate contact with at least 100mm of clean, smooth, sound concrete. These specifications apply for both suspended floors and slabs-on-ground. Where there is a Rubbermite perimeter barrier on the building exterior, the top of the Rubbermite material should be capped or sealed. Suitable capping or sealant materials are homogenous and durable enough to withstand exposure to weathering and any traffic while remaining in intimate contact with the Rubbermite beneath. Such capping or sealant materials may consist of concrete, bituminous material, acrylics or other termite resistant plastics, Rubbermite sealant (spray) is the recommended method and easily carried out. Around the perimeter of the building if the capping material or seal is wider than the Rubbermite barrier beneath it, then vertical termite shielding provided by Rubbermite distributors must be cast into the capping/seal and penetrate at least 75mm into the Rubbermite. Thus a continuous interface between the capping/seal and Rubbermite is maintained in the event of subsidence or differential movement between the Rubbermite and the cap or seal. Care must be taken at any ends of strip shield to ensure that there are no opportunities for termites to move around the shielding without first becoming visible.


3.2.9 Option 3- exposed slab edge By exposing at least 75mm of a monolithic slab edge above finished ground level an effective inspection zone can be achieved without the use of Rubbermite. Like all termite inspection zones this freeboard must always remain visible, it should also be smooth and be easily cleared of accumulating garden refuse or dirt. If an exposed edge beam inspection zone is to be painted or rendered in any manner, the paint or render product must be flexible and durable so as to constantly remain in complete contact with the concrete. Any delamination (i.e. peeling) of the render or paint away from the slab can allow hidden termite access. Where Rubbermite is being used in conjunction with a different perimeter barrier (e.g. an exposed slab edge), it is important to ensure that an effective barrier overlap or interface is achieved.


3.2.10 Construction Joint Barriers The point at which a slab is cut or meets another slab, footing or masonry element is regarded as a construction joint. Construction joints can provide hidden termite access and as such require protection with Rubbermite. This is achieved by either fully underlying the slab with Rubbermite or providing a 75mm minimum compacted depth by 60mm minimum width mass of Rubbermite that runs alongside the joint for its entire length. At each end of the joint, the Rubbermite must interface effectively with a perimeter barrier. The Rubbermite in the construction joint cavity must be retained from beneath and capped if disturbance of the barrier is possible, just with your fingers is easily carried out and effective also.


3.2.11 Perimeter Pipe and Joint Compaction Rubbermite placed in wall cavities, external trenches including retaining walls, above construction joints and around slab penetrations must be lightly tamped in order to achieve complete and intimate contact with the adjoining pipe, brickwork or concrete. Rubbermite in wall cavities and the voids around penetrations can best be compacted by probing and horizontal dragging movements settles and compacts the moist rubber particles as they are agitated, using a pointed tool e.g. tilers or bricklayers trowel.

3.2.12 Perimeter, Penetration and Control/Construction Joint Inspections The final stage of a Rubbermite system installation is the satisfactory completion of the relevant perimeter, penetration and control/construction joint inspection checks. Once these checks are complete, the treatment certificate can be finalised. The essential components of good installations; proper coverage and contact, no contamination, no breaching or bridging of the barrier, adequate restraint and support for the Rubbermite and effective interfaces and overlaps with other termite barrier products, must again be checked before the Rubbermite Treatment Certificate is issued to the builder and/or owner. Once the treatment certificate has been finalised, a copy must be retained by the installer. This should be done at the end of the month in which the treatment certificate was issued. The installer should file, for future reference, all plans, drawings, photographs and correspondence relating to each job. These may be needed when inspections are carried out or in the event of a warranty claim.


3.3 Contaminants and Poor Installation Practices The effectiveness of Rubbermite is reduced by poor installation practices. Such practices result in the introduction of contaminants or openings, which could allow termites to pass through an incomplete or breached barrier. Contaminants include:

• Mud and soil, • Building materials and wood.

Examples of poor practices would be:

• Insufficient Rubbermite coverage or depth, • Having large trees too close to the building (causing upheaval in the ground

around and beneath the footings), • Not restoring the barrier after clearing contamination or building activities,

e.g. plumbing or electrical work, • Improper jointing in termite strip shielding, • Inadequate coverage with the termite strip shielding, • Failure to provide an effective interface or overlap with adjoining termite

barriers, • Not smooth, honeycombing or cracks in slab edge.

Rubbermite distributors or installers who allow poor practices to go unrectified risk licence cancellation and are responsible for any termite ingress and associated repairs. Rubbermite treatment certification must not be issued for installations where the Rubbermite barrier has remained contaminated or been poorly placed. The Rubbermite product warranty will not extend cover to termite damage that results from contaminants or poor installation practices.


3.4 Rubbermite Barrier Maintenance Rubbermite termite barriers rely on the maintenance of clearly visible inspection zones at the base of external walls. These zones are where the Rubbermite termite barrier system forces termites out into the open. Once exposed, the termite galleries can be detected, by vigilant homeowners or professional pest inspectors, and effective treatment can then be administered. The effectiveness of Rubbermite barriers under suspended floors can be lessened by disturbance from tradespeople or animals that reduces the depth of the Rubbermite barrier or introduces contaminants. Care should be taken during and after any under-floor work on plumbing, wiring etc. to ensure that all debris and contaminates are removed and the specified coverage is restored over the entire sub-floor and perimeter area. Instructions, in the form of Rubbermites “maintenance guidelines” that explain the maintenance of Rubbermites termite barriers and termite inspection zones must be provided to the building owner along with a copy of the treatment. These instructions must be effectively conveyed, i.e. passed to the building owner at, or before, the time of hand-over. A copy of the Rubbermite maintenance guidelines, which are available from Rubbermite distributors. Compliance with the Rubbermite Maintenance Guidelines is a condition of the Rubbermite warranty. Rubbermite distributors also stock durable inspection zone markers (shown below at full size) which can be attached to masonry or concrete to show building owners and occupiers where their inspection zone is and explain that it should not be obscured. Use of this marker is recommended but not compulsory. Inspection zones to exterior areas are 75mm abutting exterior soil areas and 20mm abutting exterior concrete, pavers or bitumen. The above measurements are from the Rubbermite strip shielding height to the top of the exterior ground finish height.


3.5 Rubbermite Dimensions- Summary There are five basic minimum dimensions to remember when installing Rubbermite:

• 100mm • 75mm • 50mm • 30mm • 25mm

Depth of 100mm

• Minimum depth under a suspended floor. • Minimum compacted depth under a concrete slab (where fill has not been

used) • Minimum compacted depth of external perimeter barriers.

Width of 100mm

• Minimum width of external perimeter barriers • Minimum width to encase timber poles or stumps

Depth of 75mm

• Minimum compacted depth under a concrete slab on top of compacted fill • Minimum compacted depth around pipe penetrations • Minimum compacted depth (above finished ground level) in wall cavities

Width of 50mm

• Minimum width placed along control joints Width of 30mm

• Minimum width in internal cavity perimeter barriers Width of 25mm

• Minimum width around pipe penetrations in slab or cavity


3.6 General Principals and Standards for Rubbermite Placement 1. Material size is distributed generally through the range of 1.0 to 3.0mm. 2. Rubbermite products are only available to Licensed Rubbermite Installers. 3. The Installer must follow the relevant Rubbermite installation requirements as

set out in this Manual. 4. Only Rubbermite Accessories, i.e. retainers, strip shielding, spray sealer, etc.

are used as part of a Rubbermite System termite barrier. 5. Composite or integrated barrier systems are approved for their purpose and

combine to provide complete coverage with effective overlaps and interfaces. 6. Only Licensed Rubbermite Installers can issue Rubbermite Treatment

Certification and Warranties. 7. Treatment Certificates describe what treatment methods have been used and

show diagrammatically exactly where Rubbermite termite barrier products have been installed.

8. Building owners are issued with Rubbermite Maintenance Guidelines and Treatment Plaques are fixed inside electricity meter boxes and kitchen cupboards.

9. The owner of the building should ensure that Inspection Zones are maintained in accordance with the Rubbermite Maintenance Guidelines and that these areas are regularly checked for any signs of termite activity. Annual inspections must be carried out by a licensed Termite Technician as per BCA, AS 3660 and QBSA Guidelines; also abide by Rubbermite Warranty Guidelines.


3.7 Treatment Certification Prior to a treatment certificate being issued, the relevant installation inspection checks must have been satisfactorily completed by a licensed Rubbermite Installer. This installer then certifies that the relevant requirements of this manual have been met. Rubbermite contamination and any practice that could compromise the performance of the Rubbermite System must be avoided. Failure to take due care in installing the Rubbermite System will mean that a Rubbermite Treatment Certificate and Warranty cannot be issued and could result in Rubbermite licence cancellation. Every Rubbermite installation is issued with a Rubbermite Treatment Certificate that includes a warranty and describes where the Rubbermite has been installed. Information accompanying the Rubbermite Treatment Certificate in the building owner’s Termite Protection Pack explains the basic maintenance requirements that will help prevent undetectable termite infestation of the protected building. Correct maintenance, to ensure that there is not termite damage, requires regular building inspections (at intervals not exceeding 12 months); checking for any indication of termites attempting to bypass the barrier and ensuring that the barrier has not been contaminated or bridged by a material that could provide termite access. A Rubbermite Treatment Certificate must include details of:

• The builder, • The owner, • The site address, • The installation methods used, • The installers details, • The dates of installation, and • A floor plan that clearly shows where Rubbermite has been installed. Where appropriate, cross-sections, showing areas where Rubbermite System termite barriers have been installed, should be drawn clearly on the Treatment Certificate or on a separate piece of paper (attached to the Treatment Certificate) and retained for future reference (copies should also be handed to the builder and owner). The floor plan should include the position and diameter of slab penetrations and any other relevant information, including retaining walls, step downs and any cracks in slab, footings or masonry. These plans provide a valuable reference for on-going termite inspections, installation quality audits and warranty claims (should they arise).

The Building Code of Australia requires that two durable termite treatment notices be fixed in a prominent position, usually inside the electricity meter box and kitchen cupboard once the treatment is complete. Rubbermite distributors supply suitable adhesive-backed stickers that include details of: treatment methods, dates and installer contact details.


Revision of Module 3 1. Describe two levels of Rubbermite installation listing all areas where

Rubbermite is placed in each.

2. Where is Rubbermite available to purchase?

3. What is used to seal Rubbermite to stop contamination?

4. Why is compaction required in a cavity? What action must be taken where the depth of Rubbermite is more than 150mm?

5. The essential components of proper Rubbermite placement are?


4 Installer Checklists 4.1 Scope To ensure that Rubbermite is correctly installed, inspection checklists have been developed. The checklists on the following pages summarise the areas that installers should pay particular attention to when installing Rubbermite. The checklists are reproduced on the inspection reports included in the technical details section of this manual. These quadruplicate checklists can be used as documentation for work completed as part of Quality Assured contracts. There are two basic building design types: suspended floors and slab-on-ground. Each type has a three page checklist. The first page is common to both design types. The second and third pages include checks which relate to the various installation techniques for protection of under-floor areas, perimeters, penetrations and joints as appropriate.

• Slab on Ground - Pre-Application - Under-floor - Perimeter - Penetration - Construction/Control Joint

• Suspended Timber Floor - Pre-Application - Under-floor - Perimeter


4.2 Perimeter Checks

• The cavities and/or external trenches are clean, clear or mortar, building materials and any other refuse, litter or plant matter.

• Cavity width not less than 30mm along its entire length (where using Rubbermite internal barrier).

• Cavity, slab or footing edge is clean and free from honeycombing or creases that might prevent complete and intimate Rubbermite contact with the concrete.

• Exterior wall insulation or bracing does not extend into Rubbermite • External trench is wider than 100mm at footing edge for its entire length

(where using Rubbermite external barrier). • barrier. • Weep holes in brickwork are fitted with approved retainers where the

Rubbermite may escape through those holes. • Rubbermite in perimeter barriers is lightly tamped. • Minimum compacted depth of Rubbermite is: - 75mm in cavity - 100mm in external trench • Top of Rubbermite in cavity is at least 75mm above the adjoining finished

ground level. • Bottom of Rubbermite in external trenches is at least 100mm below the top of

the strip footing or slab edge rebate. • Rubbermite in external trench extends up to at least finished ground level. • Exterior Rubbermite trenches are effectively sealed and/or capped. • Minimum width of Rubbermite in external trench is 100mm. • Where external trench caps or seals are wider than the Rubbermite barrier

beneath them, vertical termite shielding that penetrates at least 75mm into the Rubbermite is cast securely into the cap or seal.

• Termite strip shielding: - Jointed to prevent termite passage, - Extends to the external edge of the outside brickwork, - Inside the cavity or around the perimeter of infill slabs, either passing fully

beneath or penetrating at least 60mm into the Rubbermite perimeter barrier, - Continuous below windows and doors; and - Effectively interfaced with other termite barriers. • Perimeter seal or capping makes complete contact with Rubbermite in

external barrier. • Perimeter seal or capping is made from suitable material, i.e. concrete,

bitumen or similar product approved by Rubbermite Pty Ltd. • Rubbermite makes complete and intimate contact with top and at least

100mm down the sides of entire length of strip footings.


4.2.1 Penetration Checks- after pouring slab When using removable formwork collars after slab is poured

• Pipe/ conduit/ penetration formwork collars are completely removed. • Voids around pipes/ conduits/ penetrations are clean, clear of mortar,

building materials and any litter or plant matter. • Voids around pipes/ conduits/ penetrations (25mm minimum width) are

filled with Rubbermite and lightly tamped. • Compacted depth of Rubbermite around pipes/conduits/ penetrations is a

minimum of 75mm deep. • Rubbermite around pipes/conduits/penetrations is capped to protect it from

contamination of disturbance.

4.2.2 Construction/Control Joint Checks

• Void where Rubbermite is to be placed runs for the full length of the joint. • Void where Rubbermite is to be placed is at least 50mm wide for its full

length. • Void where Rubbermite is to be placed allows for at least 75mm depth of

compacted Rubbermite and proper capping. • Void sides are smooth. • Void is clean, clear or mortar and concrete dags, building materials and

any litter or plant matter. • Bottom of void is fitted with retainers or sealed to prevent Rubbermite

escaping. • Rubbermite in voids interfaces with perimeter termite barriers at each end

of joint.


4.3 Inspection Summaries for Suspended Floors

4.3.1 Pre-Application Checks

• Area to be covered with Rubbermite is clear of debris (i.e. timber, roots, stumps, etc. including large stones or bricks).

• Plumbing, electricity, gas and phone connections etc, are completed. • Area to be covered with Rubbermite is raked smooth and even. • Sloping sub-floor areas (i.e. grades steeper that 30 degrees), have termite

resistant baffles installed along the slope contours to prevent downhill Rubbermite movement of Rubbermite.

• Excess soil is removed from are under-floor. • Stumps/piers and strip footings are placed in accordance with footing plan. • Footing design and brickwork allows for appropriate perimeter and/or pier

termite barrier installation. • Boxing/formwork has been removed, including all pegs. • Sections of brickwork and strip or pad footings against which Rubbermite is to

be laid are clean and free of dirt, rough edges or creases. • Rubbermite external perimeter retaining edges (where used) are stable. • Adequate provision has been made for: - sub-floor drainage - ventilation, and - inspection access. • Sub-floor building access is restricted by secure lockable trapdoors. • Rubbermite in sub-floor areas is protected from contamination and

unscheduled disturbance. • All lagging is removed from pipes where they pass through the Rubbermite.

Retaining edges (where used) allow for at least 100mm width between inside of retaining edge and outside of strip footing or stump 100mm depth of Rubbermite.

• Retaining edges (where used) allow for minimum compacted depth of 100mm of Rubbermite.

4.3.2 Under-floor Checks Rubbermite is:

• Free from contamination. • Handled and spread in a manner that prevents contamination. • Completely free if cellulose materials. • The correct depth over entire area to be protected.


4.4 Perimeter Checks

• The cavities and external trenches are clean, clear or mortar, building materials and any other refuse, litter or plant matter.

• Cavity width is not less than 30mm along its entire length (where using internal Rubbermite barrier).

• External trench is not less than 100mm for its entire length (where using external Rubbermite barrier).

• Cavity or footing edge is clean and free from honeycombing or creases that might prevent complete and intimate Rubbermite contact with the concrete.

• External wall insulation or bracing does not extend into Rubbermite barrier.

• Weep holes in brickwork are fitted with approved retainers where the Rubbermite may escape through those holes.

• Minimum compacted depth of Rubbermite is 75mm in cavity or 100mm in external trench.

• Top of Rubbermite in cavity is at least 75mm above the adjoining finished ground level.

• Bottom of Rubbermite in external trenches is at least 100mm below the top of the strip footing or slab rebate.

• Minimum width of Rubbermite in external trench is 100mm. • Rubbermite in external trench extends up to at least finished ground level. • Exterior Rubbermite trench extends are effectively sealed of capped. • Where external trench caps or seals are wider than the Rubbermite beneath

them, vertical termite shielding that penetrates at least 75mm into the Rubbermite must be cast securely into the cap.

• Strip shielding: - jointed to prevent termite passage, - extends to the external edge of the outside brickwork, - folded vertically so that it penetrates at least 75mm into the Rubbermite, - continuous below windows and doors, and - effectively interfaced with other termite barriers.

• Rubbermite in perimeter barriers is lightly tamped • Perimeter seal makes complete and intimate contact with external

Rubbermite. • Rubbermite makes complete and intimate contact with top and at least

100mm down the sides of entire length of strip footings. • Perimeter seal or capping is made from suitable material (i.e. concrete,

bitumen of similar product approved Rubbermite). • Under-floor Rubbermite barrier is protected under unscheduled

disturbance and contamination by secure enclosure of the sub-floor area (i.e. by wire mesh, plinth boards or walls) where Rubbermite has been installed.



1. Rubbermite in the cavity between the slab edge and perimeter brickwork must be how deep and how wide?

2. What is the minimum depth of Rubbermite under suspended floor?

3. What is the minimum width of the Rubbermite around a pipe penetration?

4. What are the critical dimensions for a construction joint installation?

5. How far must strip shielding extend into the Rubbermite in a cavity installation where it does not fully underlie the Rubbermite?

6. What are the descriptive titles of these detailed drawings relevant to

perimeter installations? ……………………………………………………………………………..... ………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………….........


5 Estimating and Quoting 5.1. Composite Treatments The result from the calculations described in the estimating tables represent the approximate minimum amount of Rubbermite (in tonnes) that is normally required to provide termite protection as per typical approved Rubbermite installation techniques. 5.1.1 Quick Reference Guide Perimeter

1. Internal i.e. in-cavity 30mm wide 75mm deep cavity i.e. 1 brick = approx 1kg per lineal metre 150mm deep cavity i.e.2 or/block= 2kg per lineal metre. Remember to add strip shielding and corner.

2. external i.e. perimeter trench or retaining wall 100mm wide × 100mm deep = approx 3.2kg per lineal metre add 3.2kg per lineal metre for each extra 100mm’s width and/or 100mm depth.

Penetrations 3. pipes- allow 0.5kg per pipe, plus formwork collars, retainer disks and

capping. 4. shower/bath block outs- 300mm ×300mm void uses 3kg

Joints 5. constructions/control joints- 50mm wide × 75mm deep= approx 1.2 per lineal metre, plus formwork collars, retainer disks and seals (where required).

5.1.2 Detailed Quoting Procedure

1. determine appropriate installation technique/design 2. measure lineal meterage and depth of perimeter, joints and retaining walls 3. count corners on perimeter 4. count slab penetrations, remember power, gas and water supplies and

telephone cabling 5. tally quantities 6. refer to distributor price list 7. Note: Remember to allow for labour, travelling, administration and on-costs, such as insurance.


5.1.3 Refer to Price List When the Rubbermite volume, accessory quantities and most efficient delivery method have been decided, reference is then made to the distributor’s price list. This schedule is used to determine the cost of Rubbermite protection including supply of Rubbermite material and accessories ex store. 5.1.4 Rubbermite Production Lot Identification Numbers Because the Rubbermite administration system traces the manufacture, installation and certification processes, you should be aware of production lot numbers. These numbers are important for tracing Rubbermite batches back to the laboratory test results.


5.2 Quote Checklist

□ Correct address for installation □ Plan provided is acknowledged on the quote as the current version □ Volume of material is sufficient for design type □ Number of penetrations is correct and dimensions noted

□ Construction joints are allowed for □ Delivery costs are included

□ Unloading costs are included □ Check accessories (i.e. strip shielding & formwork collars) are included □ Crane and equipment costs are included □ Labour costs are adequate

□ Type of access is clearly stated □ Price list used is current

□ Site evaluation is included □ Job timing allows for installation after quote is accepted

□ Terms for payment are stated □ All the contact details are correct

Notes:



1. When placing Rubbermite as an internal perimeter which takes 1kg per lineal metre, what are the average dimensions of that cavity?

2. If the plans/details provided are not clear, what course of action should you take before providing a detailed quotation?

3. If you are unsure of the correct installation detail for a particular design, where can you go for technical assistance?


6 Termite Protection Package The Rubbermite Termite Protection Package (TPP), incorporating the Rubbermite Treatment Certificate and Maintenance Guidelines is sent by the installer to the builder and/or owner of the building upon satisfactory completion of the termite barrier installation. The TPP confirms to the owner that the Rubbermite termite barrier has been installed correctly. It provides details of the Rubbermite warranty package and includes a set of guidelines which explain correct maintenance procedures and describe what to look out for when termites are active around the building. The Termite Protection Package consists of two documents:

1. The Rubbermite Treatment Certificate This document lists details of the building site address and owner, the builder, Rubbermite installer, date of certificate issue, treatment methods use, and a floor plan of the building highlighting areas where Rubbermite system components have been installed. An outline of the warranty provisions is also included on the Treatment Certificate.

2. General guidelines on barrier and inspection zone maintenance

These guidelines describe how Rubbermite works as a physical termite barrier against undetectable termite entry. They include basic maintenance instructions regarding the need to retain constantly visible inspection zones that align with any Rubbermite treatment and are at least 75mm high or 100mm wide all around the building. The guidelines also warn how termite barriers can be breached or by passed in the event of poor maintenance or inadequate inspections.

The Building Code of Australia requires that each new home has a durable termite treatment notice fixed inside its electricity meter box and kitchen cupboard. Rubbermite distributors supply a decal that satisfies BCA requirements and is specifically designed for use with Rubbermite installations. This durable decal describes the treatment methods used on the particular building, summarises the maintenance details provided on the guidelines page and provides contact details for homeowner questions. To further assist homeowners in maintaining their termite protection, Rubbermite distributors also provide durable inspection zone markers that can be fixed to perimeter brickwork to mark the inspection zone and point out that it should not be obscured.



1. What three documents must be supplied in the Termite Protection Package?

2. Where should the Rubbermite plaque be mounted?

3. Who completes and issues the Treatment Certificate?

4. How often should a property with Rubbermite installed be inspected?


7 Installation Details The installation methods described on the following pages show how Rubbermite material can be used to form a physical termite barrier about several common footing designs. The operation of physical termite barriers is described earlier in this manual. The idea is simple: block the termites’ path so that they are forced to go elsewhere or build a visible passageway (in order to reach their target food source) which can then be detected and treated. Properly installed and maintained Rubbermite in one type of termite proof material. When Rubbermite is installed between the ground where termites live and the building, then, so long as the barrier is complete and not bypassed, the building shall remain protected from termite infestation. When considering the installation designs and techniques on the following pages architects, engineers, drafts people, pest controllers and builders should be aware that the most appropriate termite protection system for a given building involve “hybridising” installation techniques or incorporating termite shielding or minimum termite risk design features or termite resistant materials to better protect the whole building and its contents from termites. Please note, however, that the Rubbermite product warranty will apply only to termite damage that results from breaches of correctly installed and maintained Rubbermite system components. The installation instructions and checklists in the training manual together with the drawings on the following pages should be read in conjunction with the relevant Australian Standard or State or National Certification documents. The drawings generally depict full Rubbermite barrier treatments. Where project specifiers require and building authorities permit components of some Rubbermite system drawings can be omitted or replaced with other recognised termite barrier products for example a concrete slab designed and constructed in line with AS 2870 to replace under-floor treatment.


7.1 Treatment Methods A full Rubbermite treatment consists of five components: 1. Under-floor 2. Perimeter 3. Penetrations, and where applicable 4. Joints 5. Retaining walls Each of these components is described below. They can be integrated with other approved termite barrier systems to provide a composite treatment. The nature and design of a building will determine which components are required. 8 Under floor- Suspended floor For protection under suspended floors, Rubbermite is installed completely across the sub-floor area to a depth of at least 100mm. Where under-floor clearance is greater than 400mm a complete cover of Rubbermite is recommended but not essential. Rubbermite placed in the sub-floor area of suspended floor buildings does not require compaction. Effective drainage around the building perimeter and for the underfloor area plus sub-floor ventilation in accordance with AS 3660.1 is required. It is required to seal with Rubbermite spray seal. Protection of masonry piers is the same as for masonry perimeter footings. Timber stumps/poles are completely encased in a minimum 100mm thickness of Rubbermite that extends at least 50mm above the finished ground level. Rubbermite encasing timber footings requires compaction to ensure stability. Stumps or poles extending more than one (1) metre above the ground may require cross-bracing. Sub-floor areas where Rubbermite is installed should be enclosed with suitable durable materials and have secure trap doors to prevent contamination and any unscheduled disturbance of the barrier which may reduce its depth to less than 100mm. On sloping sites ie. Grades steeper than 30degrees, baffles made from termite resistant materials eg. galvanised steel or aluminium, should be installed along the contours of the slope at appropriate intervals to prevent downhill movement of the Rubbermite.


9 Perimeter and Ramps

The perimeter of a building is protected by one or a combination of the following methods. These methods apply also where ramps are placed around a building perimeter.

A Exposing the edge of a concrete slab, so that a continuous smooth vertical inspection zone of at least 75mm height above finished ground level remains visible. Refer drawings.

B Rubbermite placed exterior to the building immediately adjoining the footings around the perimeter of the building. For slab on ground or strip footing construction this barrier must be at least 100mm below the top of the slab edge rebate or footing and extend horizontally 100mm beyond the vertical edge of the rebate or footing. The Rubbermite must continue up to finished ground level..

For suspended floors the barrier must be at least 100mm deep and 100mm wide..

The exterior barrier must be topped with a capping or sealant material that is durable and will remain in intimate contact with the Rubbermite beneath it. The capping or seal material shall not itself form a hidden access path for termites. Examples of such materials include concrete, or Rubbermite sealer. Around the perimeter of a building where the capping material or seal is wider than the Rubbermite beneath it, vertical termite shielding that is termite resistant, durable, corrosion resistant and able to be joined in a manner that prevents termite passage, shall be cast into the capping or be visible at the upper Rubbermite so that a continuous interface between the capping and Rubbermite in maintained.

C Rubbermite placed in wall cavities which are not less than 30mm wide to a tamped

depth of not less than 75mm. The top of the Rubbermite barrier in a wall cavity must be not less than 75mm above the adjoining finished ground level, or 20mm above concrete/pavers tiles. Masonry walls that incorporate an in-cavity Rubbermite require termite strip shielding. This is achieved by interfacing the Rubbermite with aluminium or PVC termite caps and/or termite strip shielding that is approved by CodeMark

Strip shielding in necessary to prevent termites gaining undetectable entry through:

• Cracks or voids in the masonry, • Faulty mortar, or • Behind delaminated render.

Around the perimeter of a building strip shielding must cover the horizontal surface of the masonry and extend to the edge of the mortar where it must remain visible in the face of the finished masonry or render and either:

• Extend at least 60mm vertically into the Rubbermite, or • Continue horizontally fully beneath it.

Strip shielding must be folded so as to penetrate vertically between 60mm into the Rubbermite. Strip shielding must also be joined and made to suit corners etc. in an approved manner that will not allow termite access.


Notes:

(a) Control Joints in Masonry

Perimeter strip shielding is required at control joints in masonry walls where in-cavity Rubbermite perimeter barriers are used. Shielding is folded to form a single, vertical concertina that is placed in the joint, (ie. Between the open perpends) to allow it to take up movement in the masonry.

(b) Pipes Passing Through Perimeter Barrier

Where service pipes or penetrations pass through the perimeter Rubbermite barriers, the pipe must be completely encased (collared) by either 25mm (for internal cavity perimeter barriers) of Rubbermite for the full depth of the perimeter barrier. The Rubbermite collaring the pipe or penetration must effectively interface with the adjoining perimeter and under-floor termite barriers.

(c) Perimeter Inspection Zone

To allow for easy detection of termite activity at perimeter inspection zones, it is recommended that service connections (eg. telephone line conduits, and external plumbing eg. downpipes), are located so that there is a clear line of vision between the conduit or pipe and the inspection zone. A suggested horizontal clearance dimension ie. gap, between a vertical inspection zone and a standard size square or rectangular downpipe, is 25mm. This gap should be measured from half way up, ie. the vertical midpoint, of the inspection zone.

(d) Use of fill

Where in-cavity Rubbermite perimeter treatment is applied to monolithic raft slabs with deep (eg. 150mm plus) wall cavities stable mortar may be used as a “filler” beneath the usual 75mm depth of Rubbermite. Under no circumstances should sand of any kind be placed beneath Rubbermite in a wall cavity situation.

(e) Longitudinal overlap

Where perimeter treatment alternatives are used there must be at least 300mm horizontal overlap ie. both treatments must extend along the same section of wall for 300mm or more.


10 Penetrations Service pipes or similar penetrations of concrete slab on ground floors are protected by being surrounded with a minimum 25mm width of Rubbermite placed to a tamped depth of at least 75mm. The cylindrical void shall be formed using either a removable formwork collar or cast in place sleeve horizontal flanges (to engage the concrete) placed around the pipe penetration prior to concrete being poured. Removable foam collards and cast in penetration sleeves are available from Rubbermite Distributors (The Bug Shop). Service connection voids beneath showers and baths for example should also have any formwork removed and be backfilled with a minimum compacted depth of 75mm of Rubbermite. To prevent Rubbermite escaping from the void or being contaminated, a spray seal cap should be applied on top of it and, where necessary, a durable retainer cast into the slab to contain the Rubbermite from below, if not using the concrete as a retainer. Where service pipes or penetrations pass through the perimeter Rubbermite barriers, the pipe must be completely encased in widths of either 25mm (for internal cavity perimeter barriers) or 100mm (for external trench perimeter barriers) for the full depth of the perimeter barrier. The Rubbermite surrounding the pipe or penetration must effectively interface with the adjoining perimeter and under-floor termite barriers. All lagging or wrapping around service pipes must be removed from the sections of pipe which are to be surrounded with Rubbermite. Pipes must be made from termite resistant material. Cables running in flexible or ribbed conduits must have the conduit removed where they pass through Rubbermite. Where smooth rigid conduits are used Rubbermite should be poured down through the conduit to fill the void surrounding the cable and form a termite barrier at the same level and at least the same depth as the Rubbermite under-floor and/or perimeter barrier. Where a cast in place sleeve is used, the external edge of the wider flange must be surrounded by at least 50mm width of concrete. The concrete should be vibrated to prevent honeycombing and ensure maximum contact between the sleeve, flanges and concrete.


11 Construction Joints Any section of slab not under laid with Rubbermite that incorporates construction joints or points where controlled cracking is anticipated, shall be protected by Rubbermite placed to a minimum tamped depth of 75mm and a minimum width of 50mm, in a smooth-sided void shall be sealed with a flexible sealant or retainer if there is a possibility of the Rubbermite escaping from the bottom of the joint. Anticipated joint movement should be no greater than the elastic recovery or bonding ability of the flexible sealant material. Alternatively, the same dimensions of Rubbermite can be contained within a durable, termite resistant basket arrangement that is cast into the underside of the slab. The basket arrangement must allow for independent movement of two slab sections without breaking the integrity of the Rubbermite. Where exposed, the top of the Rubbermite shall be capped or sealed to contain the particles, see drawings. Retainers and sacrificial foam void formwork are supplied through Rubbermite distributors. The Rubbermite barrier formed to protect construction joints shall extend for the full length of the joint and interface effectively with the termite barrier protecting the building perimeter. Control joints in perimeter masonry walls where an in-cavity Rubbermite barrier is being used require strip shielding to be installed across the control joint. Strip shielding is folded to form a single, vertical concertina that is placed in the joint, ie. between the open perpends, to allow it to take up movement in the finished masonry.


12 Retaining Walls Where the floor of a building is lower than the adjacent ground, a vertical column of Rubbermite that adjoins the exterior surface of the retaining wall must be installed. This column must be at least 100mm wide and be lightly tamped in layers of not more than 100mm during installation. If a waterproofing sealant coat is to be applied to the full height of the retaining wall surface between it and the Rubbermite, the sealant coating must be flexible and less than 2mm thick. Otherwise the Rubbermite must continue at least 100mm below the point at which the thicker or non-flexible waterproofing coating terminates. The exposed surface of the Rubbermite must be sloped outwards away from the building wall and capped or sealed. The top and bottom of the vertical Rubbermite column must have adequate drainage; ideally a spoon drain alongside the capping or seal on top and an agricultural drain pipe laid in coarse aggregate at the base of the column below the internal floor level. The cavity between the leaves of the external wall must be filled with grout or concrete up to the height of the adjacent ground.


13 Strip Shielding Installation Guide 13.1 Folding

(a) Joining Lengths • Bend strip shielding at 90degrees angle with 20mm overlap. • Place strip shielding overlaps flush with each other. • Fold joint overlap over itself so the edge just touches the base of the

overlap. • Fold entire overlap down onto the flat strip shielding and hammer flat

with a rubber or wooden mallet, taking care not to damage either the coasting or aluminium.

(b) External Corners • Run strip shielding beyond edge of brickwork. • Fold at 90 degree angle forming a crease at the corner. • Lay strip shielding flat to the brick in the new direction and hammer

flat with a rubber or wooden mallet, again taking care not to damage shield.

(c) Internal Corners

• Refer to separate Strip Shielding Folding details on following pages. • If you need to alter the angle then alter the second fold angle.

13.1.1 Welding Refer to separate Strip Shield Brazing details on following pages.

(a) uPVC strip shielding, developed specifically for use within the Rubbermite system, offers a convenient, readily jointed alternative to aluminium strip shielding.

(b) Benefits: uPVC strip shielding is light, easily joined with chemical welds, comes with performed corner sections and is UV stabilised. The neutral colour has been particularly chosen to blend well with common building materials.

(c) Limitations: uPVC is only to be used as part of the Rubbermite system and only where it abuts masonry, concrete or other termite resistant materials. As with any strip-shielding, care must be taken not to cause perforations which could provide for termite access. The thickness of the uPVC bonding agents must be no more than 0.5mm.

(d) In the Rubbermite Termite System the PVC strip shield may be joined using the Plasmite sealant, Plasmite epoxy or Bostic weld plumbers’ glue. Overlaps to be minimum 50mm.


13.1.2 Welding

• Chemical welding involves four steps: Clean, Prime, Treat and Clamp. • First clean the areas to be jointed (75mm minimum overlap) by wiping

with a fresh, dry cloth. Check for and remove any burrs or irregularities.

• Prime using another fresh cloth. Apply a thin coat of primer fluid over the whole area to be jointed.

• Treat the primed areas with the clear adhesive (using the brush supplied in the tin) so that a thin coating uniformly covers the entire joint. Bring the two surfaces together and visually inspect, ensuring that there is complete contact.

• Clamp the joint with a brick, sandbag or other clamping device for not less than five minutes.

• The use of termite resistant sealant can also be used (PVC must be dry and clean)

13.2 Protrusion of a Tie Down of Reinforcing Bar Through the Strip Shielding

• Cut a hole on the strip shielding to clear bars. There must not be any metal to metal contact.

• Fill blocks with Rubbermite below strip shield and tamp lightly Place strip shielding over the bar. Fold into Rubbermite avoiding any contract between the strip shielding and bars, tamps Rubbermite again.

14 Block Work Installation details to do with block work sites block wall protection can include C, D, E, H block specifications. Any hollows in brickwork may be filled with Rubbermite where needed to resistant termite access up the inside of masonry block. Depending on block type and method, mortar joints in block work may also require protection.

version 1 · 2018-02-17 · termites can also damage many other non-cellulose materials, components...

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