Termites vs Asbestos

Termite, friend or foe? Let’s find out.

What happens when a timber structure clad either side with asbestos sheeting becomes infested with termites? Extra insulation properties from the nesting? Some new insect friends? Less structural support and grip strength for the embedded nails keeping the asbestos sheeting affixed to the stud walls? ~ The answer: All of the above!

This particular property in Faulconbridge, whilst being a majority double brick original structure dating from the early 1940s had an unusual an unsurprisingly less than structurally sound extension from the disco and bellbottom jeans era. As with most things pertaining to asbestos, the added on room left undisturbed presented minimal danger to the occupants and surrounding neighbours - however, thanks to termites; The structure become weakened to a point that the sheets were literally falling off the frame and breaking, something had to be done.

With council approval, the owner was able to have the extension removed and replaced with modern materials both termite and fire resistant. The asbestos sheeting was able to removed quickly and so to the rotted timber frame, once cleared a pest control professional was engaged to perform preventative measures to ensure future termite infestations need not be a concern. One added benefit of the works being the property’s new extension was tied in to the original Art Deco design an is now not only much safer to inhabit but much more aesthetically pleasing.