Are you using an Australian Standard (3660.1-2014) compliant slab penetration collar?
The standard set out clearly the requirements for the design and construction of subterranean termite management systems for new buildings and new building work including slab penetration collars.
As you all would be aware of the slab, if constructed to AS2870 and AS3600 have been accepted as termite-proof and therefore are included as part of a termite management system in AS3660.1. However, once you break the slab (construction joint) or penetrate it (service penetration) then other termite control measures are required.
As most residential slabs don’t require construction joints, I will concentrate on the service penetration collar in this article.
Foraging termites will follow drainage pipes much like they follow tree roots. These pipes ultimately end up under house slabs and lead directly into the home. Therefore, a critical element of the termite management system in combination with a concrete slab constructed to the standard is the penetration collar. These collars come in all shapes and sizes these days, but do they all comply with AS3600.1.
AS3600.1 has clear guidelines on what penetration collars must consist of and how it should be installed in or onto a concrete slab. Summarized it states:
(a) (If) PVC sheeting of Shore hardness D 80 (instantaneous), minimum thickness 1.0mm.
(b) Consist of an annular flange of sheet material with a minimum annular width of 15 mm.
(c) Have a minimum height against the pipe or service of 20mm
(d) Attachment to the pipe or service shall be such that no gap is in excess of 0.4 mm.
(e) Where a flange to be cast into a concrete slab is clamped or tied to retain position on the pipe or service, the clamp or tie shall be above the horizontal annulus.
(f) Where a collar is to be embedded in a concrete slab, it shall be placed so as to sit not less than 40 mm from the upper surface and not closer than 50 mm to any reinforcing mesh or bar chair.
The collars, whether ridged or soft annular supplied by TERMSEAL, are thoroughly tested though CodeMark certification so that they meet all the above Australian Standard requirements.
Are the collars you are using compliant.
With the defects in buildings now becoming apparent in some states of Australia, there is a greater focus on certifies to follow the Building Code. It will only be a matter of time before this filters down into Termite Management.
It’s time to get your house in order, no one wants to be on the 6:00pm news for all the wrong reasons.
