METHOD OF TREATING CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS FOR THE PREVENTION OF TERMITE INTRUSION

Abstract: A method of treating a section of concrete foundations, footings or piers (2) in such a way as to convert that section into a barrier against all forms of Subterranean Termite attack. This is accomplished by the use of a specially manufactured membrane (4) to be used in either conjunction with or replacement of the normal damproof membrane as used in the normal building procedure when a concrete section has to be poured. This membrane (4) is constructed in such a way as to hold in suspension a non-biodegradable termiticide that has been sprayed onto the face of the membrane (4), until the concrete (2) has been poured. The termiticide then becomes embedded between the concrete (2) and the membrane (4). Now when the concrete (2) begins to cure, the non-biodegradable termiticide will begin to absorb from out of the spongelike layer of the membrane (4) into the adjoining face of the concrete (2). This sectional area of the concrete structure has now become a permanent non-destructible barrier to all forms of subterranean termites.

Description: METHOD OF TREATING CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS FOR THE PREVENTION OF TERMITE INTRUSION PREAMBLE This invention relates to the treatment of concrete footings, foundations and piers, as such that when the treatment is complete, the concrete footings, foundations and piers become a permanently effective barrier against attack by subterranean termites. The most common method of treating footings, foundations and piers against attack by subterranean termites, consists of treating the ground/excavation site before pouring the concrete. The treatment most commonly used, is before the damproof membranes and/or formwork is laid in place, the supporting groundwork is thoroughly saturated with a highly toxic chemical poison, thereby forming a toxic barrier against subterranean termites. Now because of the strict Government regulations relating to the spraying of pesticide and termiticide products, there has been immense difficulty in finding products that fit the criteria that satisfies all the various Gov. agencies, is effective against termites, is relatively safe to handle by the workforce. There are such products on the market for use in pretreating the ground, but because of the massive differences in the soil compositions throughout the countryside, the effectiveness of these products are not uniform, with the result that no two soil treatments have the same level of protection. These problems are overcome by this invention, which provides the building industry with a new concept in barrier treatments. Substitute Sheet The discription of the membrane to be used as part of the process is as follows. The membrane is a two part material, constructed of a base material consisting of a suitable plastic such as a polyurethane film to which is permanently bonded to one side a material of either woven or non woven fabric which has the potential to absorb and hold in suspension any liquid that has been applied to the surface of the material by any conventional spraying system. Part ONE The upper or top side (1) in Fig. 1 is made up of a suitable material approximately 1- to -4 mm. in thickness, dependant on the type of material used , so formed as to accept and absorb any liquid that is used as a termiticide into the material, and hold the repellant in suspension within the absorption area untill the concrete has been poured over it. Part TWO The lower or base side (2) in Fig. 1 is made up of strong polyurethene film which is normally 200 microns in thickness The base (2) is permanently bonded on the upper side to the lower or underneath side of the absorbing material (1) to become a composite fabric. This fabric is then able to replace the normal damproof membrane as well. Fig.2 A typical layout section showing all the normal components necessary to form up and lay a section of concrete.(3) being the earthworks, with (4) the formwork, and (5) the damproof membrane, (6) shows the steelwork/or reinforcing weldmesh. Concrete has not been poured, as shown in Figs. 2 & 3. In Fig.3 shows the composite damproof membrane (7) replacing (5) the normal damproof membrane as used in the building industry . Fig. 4 Shows a section of concrete poured, set, and cured (8 & 9), with the section of concrete (8) shown 25-30 mm. as the average depth of penetration of the termiticide that has been absorbed into the section (8) from the composite membrane (7) to form the barrier section of the concrete.

Claims: CLAIMS The claims defined in this invention are as follows A method of constructing a termite barrier that will last the life of the structure. This method is completely safe to use in the workforce, with no down time while the barrier is installed. The method used is non toxic to humanity. Does not contaminate the enviroment or the ground.. As there are no biodegradable chemicals used, the barrier is permanent. The method used is more cost effective than present systems in use today.

Inventors: ELIAS STEPHEN PAUL, O'BRIEN VINCENT WILLIAM, ELIAS, STEPHEN, PAUL, O'BRIEN, VINCENT, WILLIAM
Applicants: BRIEN VINCENT WILLIAM O, ELIAS STEPHEN PAUL, ELIAS, STEPHEN, PAUL, O'BRIEN, VINCENT, WILLIAM
Application year: 1999
Main classification: E04B1
IPC codes: A01M1, E04B1