Wooden decks will add value to your home and provide outdoor space for entertainment and relaxation. However, they also pose a significant problem in most residential properties. The timber used to build the structures tends to attract termites. Often, these pests will damage the decking and even find a way to the main house. Therefore, if you are planning to build a deck, you should take some precautions to ensure that your home is secure. Here are some design guidelines to help you in the construction of a high –quality, termite-protected deck.
Purchase Termite Resistant Lumber
When building your deck, you should obtain termite resistant lumber for the project. There are numerous tree species in the country which repel termites, minimising the risk of consumption significantly. Some of the native options include spotted gum, ironbark and blackbutt. You can also acquire lumber such as merbau from abroad. If you cannot purchase naturally-resistant wood, you should consider using pressure treated pine. This material is soaked in protective compounds which repel termites. Regardless of your lumber choice, you should remember that resistant wood is not termite-proof. Therefore, you should use other measures of termite control to ensure optimal protection.
Install Metal Support Bases
Termites are subterranean creatures; this means that they live within the earth. Therefore, they usually attack wood which is in contact with soil such as deck support posts. Simply speaking, if you install your timber piers directly into the ground, you will eventually have to deal with an infestation. Fortunately, you can protect your deck by installing metal stirrups. Cover the base of the lumber support posts with metal sheets before placing them on the ground. Also, it is prudent to use a concrete base to support the metal base for extra termite protection and corrosion prevention. Note that using a concrete base only will not deter termites because the material has pores through which the insects can penetrate.
Elevate the Decking
Finally, you should elevate your wooden deck as part of your termite protection design. The room beneath the surface is crucial for performing periodic inspections. If you can discover the pests early, you can prevent most damage. Also, a raised deck allows air to flow freely beneath the structure. Termites favour environments with high humidity and minimal air movement. So, a structure with open and elevated sides will not be ideal for termite infestation.
If you have a wooden deck in your home and suspect a possible termite infestation, you should consult a pest control expert for assistance.
Share25 September 2017
Hello, my name is Mandi, and although I own a number of pets including my dog, two ferrets and a guinea pig, I am utterly afraid of all non-pet creatures in my house. I hold the guinea pigs as I watch TV, and I sleep with my dog, but the idea of a mouse running through the walls makes me incredibly uncomfortable and tense. Since pests are such a trigger issue for me, I have spent a lot of time researching them. I have learned how to get rid of them, but more importantly, how to get rid of them without bothering or putting my pets in danger. If you are trying to balance the wanted and the unwanted creatures in your home, I hope these posts help!
