Termite infestations can cause significant damage to homes and properties, which is why termite barrier systems should be the first line of defense.
But to give you a better understanding of what termite barrier systems are, we’re exploring how termite barriers work, the types available, and other their overall cost.
Are you ready?
How Termite Barrier Systems Work
Here’s how termite barrier systems work:
They create a protective shield around a building, which ultimately prevents termites from entering the perimeter and causing property damage.
These systems are also designed to be both preventative and reactive by addressing existing termite threats and by preventing new ones.
Types of Termite Barrier Systems
However, there are two main types of termite barriers that you can use: chemical and physical.
While chemical barriers use termiticides to create a toxic zone around the building, physical barriers use materials that termites cannot penetrate to frustrate and deter termites away from properties.
Let’s take a closer look at chemical and physical termite barrier systems:
Chemical Termite Barriers: How They Protect Your Home
Chemical barriers—whether soil treated or reticulated—involve applying liquid termiticides to the soil around a home’s foundation. These chemicals kill termites on contact and create a barrier that repels and other termites attempting to cross it.
Some common termiticides include Fipronil and Termidor, which are known for their effectiveness and longevity.
Soil Treatments
Liquid termiticides are applied directly to the soil and create a continuous chemical barrier around the foundation of a home. Typically, this method is effective for both pre-construction and post-construction applications.
Reticulation Systems
In reticulated systems, a network of pipes distribute termiticides evenly throughout the soil for comprehensive coverage. This system is installed during construction and provides long-term protection.
Physical Termite Barriers: Durable and Non-Toxic Solutions
Physical barriers, on the other hand, provide a non-chemical alternative and use materials like stainless steel mesh, basaltic particles, and plastic sheeting to physically block termites from entering a property.
These barriers are integrated into the building's structure, and make it impossible for termites to penetrate.
Stainless Steel Mesh
Installed around the foundation and other vulnerable areas, this durable material prevents termites from entering the building. It is resistant to corrosion and provides long-lasting protection.
Basaltic Particle Barriers
These create a physical barrier that termites cannot navigate, and effectively blocks their entry points.
Plastic Sheeting
Placed under slabs and around foundations, plastic sheeting serves as a physical deterrent that prevents termites from accessing the building.
Advantages of Installing Termite Barrier Systems
However, there are several advantages of using termite barrier systems, other than keeping termites at bay. To name a few:
Long-Term Cost Savings
Investing in termite barrier systems can save homeowners significant amounts in repair costs. Termite damage often goes unnoticed until it is severe, which leads to costly repairs. Preventative measures like termite barriers are more cost-effective in the long run.
Increasing Property Value
Homes with termite barrier systems installed often have higher resale values. Potential buyers are more likely to invest in properties with proven termite protection to help ensure the home’s longevity and structural integrity.
Ensuring Long-Term Protection Against Termites
Both termite physical and chemical termite barriers provide durable, long-term protection, though chemical barriers need periodic re-treatment. Physical barriers, such as stainless steel mesh, however, can last the lifetime of the building without requiring replacement.
Understanding the Costs of Termite Barrier Systems
The cost of installing termite barriers varies based on several factors, including the size of the home, the type of barrier, and whether the installation is pre-construction or post-construction.
Average Costs
On average, installation costs range from $1,500 to $3,500, and chemical treatments might be cheaper, but they still need more frequent maintenance.
Return on Investment
Installing termite barriers can also prevent costly future damage and increase home value, which makes it a worthwhile investment.
Methods for Installing Termite Barrier Systems
Pre-Construction
Installing termite barriers during the construction phase is highly effective, and it’s often a process we recommend. The process helps integrate a physical termite barrier into the building’s foundation as a way to create comprehensive protection from the start.
Post-Construction
It is possible to install a termite barrier system after construction. But it’s important to note that the process of installing a physical barrier around the foundation of a home can be more difficult. This tends to make the cost of installation more expensive. For post-construction, it is more common to use a chemical termite barrier.
Maintaining the Longevity of Termite Barriers
Regular inspections and maintenance can help ensure the effectiveness of termite barriers. While physical barriers generally require less maintenance, chemical barriers need periodic re-treatments to maintain their efficacy.
Regular Inspections
Professional inspections help to detect any breaches in the barriers and ensure ongoing protection.
Lifespan of Barriers
Chemical barriers typically last up to eight years before needing re-treatment, while physical barriers can last the building’s lifetime.
Polyguard's Advanced Termite Barrier Solutions
Polyguard offers a range of innovative termite barrier solutions that provide superior protection. Each product is designed to integrate seamlessly into the construction process, for both preventative and reactive defense against termite threats.
TERM® Waterproofing with Non-Chemical Termite Barrier
This Non-Chemical Termite Barrier combines waterproofing with termite protection. This product is ideal for environmentally-conscious homeowners, and provides dual protection without the use of chemicals. Specific attributes include:
ICC AC 380 Compliance
This product meets the International Code Council (ICC) Acceptance Criteria AC 380, to ensure high standards of performance and reliability.
Application Process
TERM® Waterproofing is a 68-mil thick, self-adhesive sheet that can be applied directly to vertical below-grade walls. It is designed for use with specific liquid adhesive primers depending on the wall substrate, such as 650-LT for concrete or 650-WB for ICF and foamed plastic substrates.
Unique Benefits
Provides both waterproofing and termite exclusion in one product as comprehensive protection for foundations. It is also UV resistant for up to 30 days and has been tested extensively over 19 years.
TERM® Air Barrier
The TERM® Air Barrier is an effective termite barrier that also functions as an air barrier. It enhances the building’s energy efficiency and structural integrity by preventing air infiltration and providing a seamless barrier against termites.
Dual Functionality
Acts as both an air barrier and a termite barrier so that the building envelope is tightly sealed against both air leaks and termite intrusion.
Application
This barrier is applied to the exterior of buildings, and integrates with other TERM® products to provide a comprehensive protective system.
TERM® Supplemental Termite Barriers
TERM® Supplemental Termite Barriers provide additional protection for specific areas of a building for comprehensive coverage and enhanced defense against termite entry. These barriers are particularly useful in retrofitting existing structures or adding extra layers of protection to vulnerable areas.
Targeted Protection
These barriers have been designed to protect specific points of entry, such as foundation cracks, slab penetrations, and other vulnerable areas.
Installation
Easy to install and integrate with existing construction, these barriers enhance the overall termite protection system of any building.
Protect Your Home with Polyguard's Termite Barrier Solutions
Polyguard termite barrier systems offer cutting-edge protection for your home.
Our advanced solutions integrate seamlessly into your construction process, to provide robust and long-lasting defense against termites.
Explore our comprehensive range of termite barriers and discover how they can safeguard your home from costly damage.
Contact us today for more information!