BuildandPest.com

Timber Pests: Termites, Borers and Wood Decay.

Greg — Mon, 24 May 2010 06:43:43 +0000

A Timber Pest Inspection covers biological activity that adversely affects ‘Timber in Service’ ie, timber that has been seasoned (dried) and is in use for the purpose of building structures and fencing. A timber pest inspection involves the thorough testing and sounding of all accessible woodwork on the property. Starting at the boundary and working inwards into the roof void and onto the roof. Probing and tapping tools are used in conjunction with a moisture meter to test for damp areas which are more favourable to timber pests.

Other tools are also used as a back-up to finish off and confirm the findings of the timber pest inspection. Tools such as Thermal Imaging devices, Termatrac (microwave motion sensing device), Boroscope (optical device for looking into cavities), stethoscope for listening for sounds of termites working within cavities and other such useful devices. These tools are back up tools and should never replace the thoroughness of the timber pest inspection as defined in Australian Standard AS 4349.3 “Inspections of Buildings. Part 3: Timber Pest Inspections”.

Termite Inspections and Activity Check

Greg — Mon, 24 May 2010 06:38:13 +0000

Termite Inspections and Activity Checks are carried out prior to formulating a Termite Management Proposal for a particular building or structure. The termite inspection deals with termites and conditions conducive to termites as well as identifying the type(s) of construction used in order to formulate a Termite Management System that best protects the building or structure from termite infestation.

Swimming Pools and Pool Safety Inspections

Greg — Mon, 24 May 2010 06:31:15 +0000

The inspection of swimming pools and swimming pool safety fencing does not form part of a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection however at BuildandPest.com we do an overview of swimming pools and associated structures. Recommendation for further investigation would be noted in the report if evidence of considerable movement or cracking was observed. Unusual wet areas around a pool would also be reported on as would erosion and excessively cracked and settled paving. Pool fencing that is in poor condition, is easily climbable or has large gaps that would allow children to enter the pool area would be reported on. For information on Swimming Pool Safety fencing requirements visit: http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/pool-fencing/index.php . Pool decks and shade houses are covered by the inspection.

Rising Damp and Moisture Inspections

Greg — Mon, 24 May 2010 06:14:53 +0000

Rising Damp and Moisture Inspections form a very important part of the Pre-Purchase Property Inspection and the Timber Pest Inspection. Concrete slab floor homes with insufficient ground clearance (floor height above the ground) or poor drainage adjacent the building often have higher levels of damp or moisture detected at the base of the wall or the edges of the slab floor within the building. Floor coverings such as vinyl or rubber carpet underlay can trap this damp causing it to condense and pool under the floor covering. These damp wet conditions are very attractive to termites and also promote mould growth and unhealthy conditions.

Sheet plastic damp proof membranes which have not been laid to the face of the brickwork often allow damp to rise up the face of the brickwork causing higher than usual humidity levels within the wall cavity creating ideal conditions for termites. Often the brickwork mortar becomes soft and eroded and needs repairing. Poor surface drainage around the base of a stumped dwelling can cause damp and erosion to adversely affect concrete stumps and the steel reinforcing within the stumps corrodes causing concrete cancer.

Carport and Garage Inspections

Greg — Mon, 24 May 2010 06:07:58 +0000

Carports and outbuildings are included in the Pre-Purchase Property Inspection. These outbuildings also form an important part of the Pre-Purchase Property Inspection and are inspected and reported on in much the same manner as the dwelling being inspected.

Fence and Retaining Wall Inspections

Greg — Thu, 06 May 2010 23:34:35 +0000

Retaining walls and fencing are also an important part of the Pre-Purchase Property Inspection and Termite Inspection. Fencing in poor condition or fencing that is non existent can be an added and sometimes unexpected expense. An owner of an adjoining property has the right to request half of the cost of a standard fence should one require replacing or erecting. Retaining walls fall into the same category if constructed on the boundary line and can be very costly to erect. Hardwood sleepers are only surface treated due to the density of the timber and are very vulnerable to termite attack where the timber has been cut or where splits occur as the timber dries out. Drainage around retaining walls is also very important as poor drainage can destabilise timber walls and block walls alike causing movement and overturn.