Termite Management Systems and Barrier Requirements

What This Requirement Covers

Termite management systems and barrier requirements are provisions in the National Construction Code (NCC) and associated Australian Standards that are intended to minimise the risk of subterranean termite attack to primary building elements. These provisions set out acceptable systems, performance expectations and installation measures so that termites cannot gain concealed entry to structural timbers, footings, slabs and other primary elements. The requirement exists because subterranean termites cause significant structural damage in many parts of Australia and early detection, prevention and maintenance reduce long‑term repair cost and safety risks.

These requirements apply primarily to new building work and to certain alterations affecting primary elements. They are most commonly referenced for domestic housing (Class 1 and 10 structures) via the ABCB Housing Provisions and NCC Volume Two, but related provisions and referenced Australian Standards (notably AS 3660 series) are also applicable to other building classes through NCC Volume One where termite risk management is required. Designers, builders, certifiers and homeowners responsible for compliance must ensure a suitable termite management system is specified, installed and maintained in accordance with the NCC, the ABCB Housing Provisions and the relevant Australian Standards.

Key Requirements

1. A termite management system must adequately minimise the risk of subterranean termite damage to primary building elements as required in the ABCB Housing Provisions (Part 3.4 Termite risk management) and NCC Volume Two explanatory material (see H1D4 explanatory information).
2. Systems must be selected and installed in accordance with the NCC references to the AS 3660 series. Commonly cited parts include:
3. AS 3660.1 Termite management - New building work (design and construction practices) (referenced where NCC requires termite barriers and detailing);
4. AS 3660.2 / AS 3660.3 and assessment criteria for termite management systems - where specific system performance and assessment is required (see NCC Volume One reference to AS 3660 Part 3 2014 for assessment criteria).
5. Where a termite management system is required it must be selected appropriate to site risk and comply with the NCC and ABCB Housing Provisions (see ABCB Housing Provisions Part 3.4.1 and QLD specific inserts where applicable).
6. Design life requirements (where specified in state schedules or Housing Provisions):
7. In Queensland QLD H1P3 / ABCB Housing Provisions QLD 3.4.1 require a termite management system for Class 1 or 10 buildings to have a design life of at least 50 years for non-temporary Class 1 buildings, or at least 50 years or the building's specified design life (whichever is lesser) for other buildings, unless the system is readily accessible for replenishment or replacement (QLD 3.4.1(4)-(6); QLD H1P3(1)).
8. Where chemical perimeter treatments are used (Queensland example), trenches must be excavated, treated and backfilled with treated material and the treated trench covered with a concrete cover strip not less than 50 mm thick and 300 mm wide measured from the external wall of the building (ABCB Housing Provisions QLD 3.4.1(6)).
9. Accessibility and maintenance: termite management systems must, to the degree necessary, be accessible for installation, maintenance and inspection and incorporate measures to minimise being damaged, bridged or breached (QLD H1P3(2)).
10. Integration with construction details: Where termite barriers are used around footings, slabs and junctions they must be detailed so that concealed access routes are prevented - typically per AS 3660.1 detailing and NCC H1D4 intent statements. Exact flashing, gap, and physical barrier dimensions are specified in AS 3660.1 and related documents and should be followed for joints, service penetrations and abutments.
11. Referenced NCC clauses and documents:
12. NCC Volume Two - ABCB Housing Provisions Part 3.4 Termite risk management (see clauses 3.4.1 and 3.4.2 and explanatory notes)
13. NCC Volume Two - H1D4 explanatory information and H1P3 (Queensland schedule) addressing termite measures
14. NCC Volume One references AS 3660 Part 3 2014 for termite management system assessment criteria (see NCC Volume One referenced documents table)
15. Australian Standards:
16. AS 3660 series (AS 3660.1 for new construction design/construction; AS 3660.2/3 for assessment and site measures where applicable)
17. Other standards and referenced documents apply to related works (e.g., AS 3700 for masonry detailing where termite physical barriers interface with masonry)

Residential vs Commercial

1. Residential (Class 1 and 10): The ABCB Housing Provisions and NCC Volume Two are the primary references. For new Class 1 dwellings the Housing Provisions explicitly require a termite management system protecting primary elements; in some jurisdictions state schedules impose additional requirements such as minimum 50 year design life (Queensland). AS 3660.1 is the standard most commonly used for detailing and installation for houses, decks, and outbuildings. Chemical perimeter systems, physical barriers (stainless steel mesh, concrete barriers, graded stone barriers), and design detailing around slabs and footings are addressed.
2. Commercial (Class 2-9): Termite management is required where the performance requirement in NCC Volume One or Volume Two identifies a risk to primary elements. The NCC references AS 3660 Part 3 assessment criteria where particular termite management systems are relied upon as part of a performance solution or where project-specific conditions require system assessment. Commercial buildings may specify different system selection based on asset life, access for maintenance, and integration with structural and service penetrations; designers typically use product certification and documented assessment reports compliant with AS 3660 Part 3.

Exceptions and Exemptions

1. Readily accessible systems that can be replenished or replaced may be permitted in lieu of very long design life systems; this is explicitly recognised in Queensland schedules where a system need not meet the 50 year design life if it is easily and readily accessible for replenishment or replacement (QLD 3.4.1(5); QLD H1P3(1)(c)).
2. Where performance solutions are used, alternative measures that demonstrate equivalent protection may be accepted provided they meet NCC Performance Requirements and are documented with appropriate assessment reports, tests or engineering justification (NCC Performance Solutions process). AS 3660 Part 3 provides assessment criteria for alternate termite management systems.
3. Minor buildings, temporary structures or very low‑risk sites may have reduced obligations depending on state/territory provisions and defined site termite risk. Refer to local state schedule wording for exemptions.

State and Territory Variations

1. Queensland: Explicit additional requirements in the ABCB Housing Provisions and Queensland schedule (QLD H1P3, QLD 3.4.1 and QLD 3.4.2). Key points:
2. 50 year minimum design life for termite management systems on non-temporary Class 1 buildings, or 50 years or the building design life for others (unless accessible);
3. Chemical external perimeter treatments must be installed in excavated trenches and covered by a concrete cover strip 50 mm thick and 300 mm wide from the external wall (ABCB Housing Provisions QLD 3.4.1(6)).
4. Other states/territories: The NCC is national but each state and territory may have schedules (Schedules 4-12 in NCC Volume One) that modify or add provisions. Designers must check the relevant state schedule in NCC 2022 Volume One for local amendments. Some jurisdictions may emphasise different acceptable systems, reporting, certification or mandatory use of AS 3660.1; others rely on general NCC performance requirements with no extra prescriptive design life. Always verify against the relevant state schedule in NCC 2022 Volume One and the ABCB Housing Provisions for any jurisdictional insertions.

Practical Compliance Tips

1. Specify systems to AS 3660.1 for new building work and include the exact product or system assessment report when relying on proprietary physical or chemical barriers. This avoids ambiguity at inspection and handover.
2. For sites in Queensland and other jurisdictions with design‑life requirements, document the design life of the selected system (e.g., 50 years) in the specification and include maintenance/replenishment instructions if a shorter design life is selected because the system is accessible.
3. Detail and seal service penetrations, pipe sleeves and junctions at slab and footing interfaces per AS 3660.1; concealed or poorly detailed penetrations are the most common bridging points for termites.
4. Avoid assuming chemical perimeter treatments alone are indefinite. If chemical systems are used, show trenches were excavated, treated and backfilled and include any required concrete cover strips or protection as specified by state schedules (for example, 50 mm x 300 mm concrete cover strip in Queensland).
5. Use physical barriers (e.g., stainless steel mesh) where access for inspection is limited or where long design life is required; ensure installation is continuous and visible where possible to allow future inspection and to discourage bridging.
6. Keep clear inspection zones and document accessibility in the design so future inspections and maintenance can be carried out without destructive work - the NCC and state schedules require accessibility to enable maintenance and inspection.
7. When using a performance solution or a proprietary system, retain the AS 3660 Part 3 assessment documentation, supplier installation instructions and the certifier’s acceptance documentation in the project records so future owners and certifiers can verify compliance.

References

1. NCC 2022 Volume Two - ABCB Housing Provisions, Part 3.4 Termite risk management (clauses 3.4.1, 3.4.2 and QLD inserts where noted)
2. NCC 2022 Volume Two - H1D4 explanatory information and QLD H1P3
3. NCC 2022 Volume One - Referenced documents (AS 3660 Part 3 2014 listed)
4. AS 3660 series (AS 3660.1 and associated parts) for termite management design, installation and assessment

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