AU704025B2 - Termite barrier - Google Patents

Description

P/00/0 11 Ri~gUlation 3.2 A U S T R. A L I A Patents Act 1990 COM PLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STAN DARD PATEN T

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Grailgard Pty Ltd Donald McGregor EWARI' Johni B~ernard MIAWSON Address for Service: OB ERINS Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 530 Collins Strcet Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia Invention Title: Te'rmite Barier The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best 1mecLlod of imefornhing it known to me: 11gb/stts/3UO23X93 The present invention relates to improvcments to termite barriers for buildings.

More particularly the invention relates to the protection of buildings against subterranean termite attack.

The need for the protection of houses and other buildings against subterranean termite attack is well known. Perhaps the most common method of protection has been to spray DDT or other insecticides on the ground immediately beneath and surrounding the building requiring protection.

However spraying the ground with insecticides having long-lasting potency can have adverse consequences particularly about dwellings as severe allergy and other adverse reactions may result. Accordingly it is most prreerable to avoid such spraying wherever possible.

It has long been known to form a concrete slab as a footing upon which a building is erected. The technique typically involves levelling the site, and digging one or more trenches which, when filled with concrete, form beams to strengthen the slab and to distribute the weight of the structure erected thereon across the substratum. Such beams typically extend around the perimeter of the slab and there may be one or more transverse and/or longitudinal beams depending upon the design of the desired slab and building.

Typically such strengthening beams are required below any load-bearing wall. The desired building can be erected on the upper surface of the slab after the concrete in the slab has cured to a sufficient strength.

eIn earlier Australian Patent Application No. 15980/92 there was disclosed a sacrificial formwork for concrete comprising a plurality of panels adapted for lining the walls and optionally the base of a trench for forming a beam beneath a concrete slab. The prior application also disclosed a method for forming a concrete building slab utilising sacrificial formwork in which the walls and floor of each trench and the site below the slab are covered with a physical termite barrier.

In our co-pending Australian Patent Application No. 59166/94 we disclose forming a physical termite barrier beneath a building slab by providing a substantially horizontal layer of graded aggregate between any substantially horizontal surfaces on the substratum and the underside of the slab.

In our co-pending Australian Patent Application No. 61874/94 we disclose a method for forming a physical termite barrier for a new or existing building including excavating a channel around the periphery of the building or proposed building, and filling the channel with a barrier matel: to form a moat, which may then be capped with a substantially impervious cap, whereby to form a physical termite barrier.

We have found that whilst the alorementioned methods are effective in protecting buildings against termite infestation, in some instances, such as due to subsidence or other movement, the slab or cap may become separated from the barrier material, leaving a gap between the barrier material and the underside of the slab or cap. The gap so formed becomes a prime site for termite access to the building.

Accordingly the present invention provides in one embodiment a method for forming a physical termite barrier for a new or existing building, the method including the steps of excavating a channel around a building or proposed building, placing a physical termite barrier material in the channel whereby to form a moat, at least partly embedding a baffle in the physical termite barrier material, the baffle capable of acting as a barrier to and/or deflector of termites, covering the moat with a covering medium and securing the baffle to the covering medium, whereby to form a physical termite barrier.

The present invention provides in another embodiment a method for forming a physical termite barrier for a building, the method including the steps of placing a layer of a physical termite barrier material comprising a graded aggregate over a clay or soil base on which the building is to be erected, at least partly embedding a baffle in the physical termite barrier material, the baffle capable of acting as a barrier to and/or deflector of termites, laying a covering medium comprising a building slab over the physical termite barrier material and securing the baffle to the covering medium, whereby to form a physical termite barrier for the building.

The present invention provides in another embodiment a baffle capable of use in the methods described herein.

A baffle for a physical termite barrier according to the present invention is preferably capable of forming an interface between a physical termite barrier material and a covering medium for the barrier material by maintaining contact between the barrier material and the covering medium on separation of the barrier material from the covering medium.

A baffle according to the present invention is preferably adapted to prevent concealed passage of termites through any gap between the physical termite barrier material and the covering medium. A baffle according to the present invention preferably acts as a barrier and/or deflector for termites therchy enhancing the termite protection properties of the termite barrier.

The baffle is preferably capable of being embedded at least partly within the physical termite barrier material. The baffle should preferably be embedded into the barrier material a distance sufficient to deter termites from by-passing the baffle by forming a pathway through the barrier material. Preferably the baffie is embedded into the barrier for a distance of at least 75 mm, most preferably at least 100 inn. The baffle is preferably capable of being at least partly embedded within or bonded to the covering medium. The baffle may in one embodiment be bonded to the covering medium by adhesion.

Prior to covering the barrier material the baffle is preferably positioned so as to extend, in use, between the barrier material and the covering medium whereby upon installation of the covering medium the baffle becomes partially embedded in or bonded to the covering medium and thereby positioned to form an interface between the barrier material and the covering medium.

A baffle according to the present invention may be oriented relative to the covering medium and the physical termite barrier material so as to substantially prevent termites from penetrating the covering medium, the barrier material and the baffle in the event that the covering medium becomes separated from the barrier material. In this arrangement termites striking the baffle are delected into the barrier material or towards the covering medium, thereby halting their progress into the building. In a preferred embodiment, the baffle is disposed substantially vertically whereby to extend between the covering medium and barrier material.

A baffle according to the invention may be of any suitable configuration. For example, the baffle may comprise a sheet of material to act as a termite barrier and/or deflector for termites. The sheet may be, non-exhaustively, planar, corrugated, V-shaped or L-shaped in cross-section.

S: The shape and design of the baffle is preferably such as to facilitate jointing of one or more baffles to one another, and to maintain the integrity of the baffle when installed around a building. The jointing may be by way of, non-exhaustively, lapping, rivetting, adhesion, welding or soldering.

The baffle is preferably constructed from a material which is substantially impervious to termites. The baffle may be constructed from metal, plastic or other materials, such as unplasticised PVC, a mesh or a woven fabric.

A baffle according to the present invention may also be corrosion resistant.

A baffle according to the present invention may be capable of being anchored to the barrier material and/or to the covering medium. Accordingly the baffle may include an anchoring arrangement. The anchoring arrangement may assist the baffle to maintain its position relative to the covering medium and the barrier material. The baffle may terminate at one or both ends in a hook-like anchoring arrangement. 'Tie anchoring arrangement may be capable of bonding to the covering medium. In one embodiimeut the anchoring arrangement comprises one or more hooks, ridges, wings or lugs. The ancho./ ,g arrangement may include perforations to assist bonding to the covering medium to be laid.

In one particularly preferred arrangement according to the present invention a baffle comprises a pair of opposed leaves connected at their base having outwardly extending wings at their upper extremities extending out of the planes of the leaves. The wings may include perforations to assist bonding of the baffle to the covering medium when laid.

A covering medium according to the present invention may be any medium which is used to cover the physical termite barrier material. The covering medium is preferably such as to be substantially impervious to termites. The covering medium may include pavers, concrete paths, trimming, acrylics, epoxics, rubber, rubberised plastics or bitumen.

In another embodiment, the covering medium may comprise a concrete or similarly durable cap. In another embodiment, the covering medium may comprise a seal, such ia a paving seal.

A physical termite barrier materihl according to the present invention preferably comprises a graded aggregate. The graded aggregate used in accordance with the present invention for forming a physical termite barrier may be of any suitable stone type. The graded aggregate is preferably a graded igneous or metamorphic stone aggregate and most preferably a graded granite aggregate which has received National Accreditation from the Australian Uniform Building Regulations Co-Ordinating Council (or equivalent). One product suitable for use as a graded granite aggregate in accordance with the present invention is marketed under the trade mark GRANITGARD.

Most preferably the graded aggregate used in accordance with the present invention comprises graded granite screenings having a dimension generally in the range of 1.18 to 5 mm and preferably in the range of 1.18-3.15mm. The aggregate should preferably be graded to facilitate packing or bedding and to minimise interstices. Most preferably aggregate is graded for size, shape and composition.

A graded aggregate layer in accordance with the invention may be laid directly into a channel and the baffle at least partly embedded therein, followed by covering with a covering medium. Optionally a fully compacted clay base or a fully compacted soil base is provided in the base of the channel. The aggregate may be lightly compacted in the channel.

Where the baffle is used in conjunction with a moat. the moat should be formed of a barrier material which is impervious or substantially impervious to termites. Most preferably tlhe moat comprises a layer of graded aggregate as described herein.

The moat preferably fully surrounds the building to be protected. The moat is preferably formed by a continuous channel extending about the periphery of a building.

The baffle may accordingly extend along and within toat cither partly or fully around the building.

The moat preferably extends outwardly from the building iin". The inner periphery of the moat preferably abuts the building line. The moat may be located outwardly of the building line. Preferably the moat is located within 1 metre (most preferably within 500 mm) of the building line.

The channel in which a moat is preferably formed may be at least 100 mm in width and preferably between 100 mm and 300 mm in width. The channel may be of a depth of at least 150 inm.

Where the moat is formed about an existing concrete slab the inner periphery of the moat may abut the outer periphery of the slab or be separated outwardly therefrom.

The moat preferably extends to a depth greater than that of any existing slab's perimeter beam.

iThe channel may be substantially filled with a graded aggregate to form a moat in "accordance with the present invention.

Drainage means may be provided within the channel. The drainage means may comprise an agricultural drain extending along the channel adjacent the base thereof. The Sdrainage means may be arranged to convey water outwardly of the moat whereby to retain a substantially dry area in the channel and inwardly of the moat including beneath the building. Drainage means may accordingly be provided inwardly of the moat and remote therefrom.

In one particularly preferred arrangement in accordance with the present invention an agricultural drain is laid within a channel most preferably on the base thereof.

The drain outlet may be remote from the channel whereby to convey any moisture collected by the drain away from the channel.

A graded aggregate may be laid in the channel over and about the drain and may be compacted to form a moat in accordance with the present invention.

Preferably any tree roots or other organic matter such as vegetable matter is cut and removed before the graded aggregate barrier is installed so that no such matter breaches the barrier layer. It has been found that the drainage means creates a dry area beneath the building so that re-growth of tree roots and the like is discouraged.

The graded aggregate should also be carefully packed around any intrusions such as pipes, cables or other building services so as to form the closest possible contact between the aggregate and the intrusion. In this way the possibility of termites breaching the moat at a site of a pipe, cable, conduit or other intrusion is minimized. Where a baffle according to the present invention is used to prevent termites from moving along any void between a pipe, cable, conduit or other intrusion, that penetrates the inoat, the baffle may include a flared collar or sleeve to be secured to the pipe, cable, conduit or other intrusion. In this e IIIL Y embodiment, the baffle may be constructed and arranged to flare away from the pipe, cable, conduit or other intrusion into the physical termite barrier material. The flared baffle may be a concertina-type flare to accommodate different sized intrusions. The sleeve or collar in this embodiment may be semi-circular.

The baffle may be capable of being secured to the pipe, cable, conduit or other intrusion.

A moat according to the invention may be fitted with a covering medium substantially impervious to termites. The covering medium may be in the form of capping which preferably forms part of the moat and is laid so that there is no soil, leaf litter or other debris or organic or soluble material between the capping and the graded aggregate which could form a possible pathway for termites.

The capping may be in the form of a paver, poured concrete or other formed in place material covering part or all of the channel width. Examples of other suitable capping include epoxies, acrylics, rubber, rubberised plastics and bitumen. The capping may comprise a durable path, edge or trim extending outwardly of the channel.

In another embodinment the capping comprises a bitumen layer. The bitumen capping is most preferably laid immediately above a channel of graded aggregate in accordance with the present invention.

Capping according to the present invention preferably slopes outwardly whereby to direct water such as rainwater, water from garden sprinklers etc. outwardly of the moat.

A baffle according to the present invention is preferably bonded to the capping at the time of fitting the capping to the moat. Where the baffle is to be attached to a pipe, cable, conduit or other intrusion penetrating the moat, the baffle is preferably installed prior to the channel being filled with the physical termite barrier material whereby to form a moat.

To further assist in the understanding of the present invention, particularly preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: FIGURE I is a cross-sectional view of a baffle according to one embodiment of the present invention positioned in a moat surrounding a typical building slab; FIGURE 2 is a partial perspective view of the baffle of Figure 1; FIGURES 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D show sectional views of alternative baffle arrangements in accordance with the present invention; FIGURES 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of a baffle according to another embodiment of the present invention used in conjunction with a monolithic raft slab and as suspended floor respectively; I FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view of a baffle according to another embodiment of the invention positioned around an intrusion; and FIGURE 7 is a section along the line A-A of Figure 6.

In the drawings, like features are indicated by like numerals.

FIGURE 1 shows an existing building slab 1 of substantially conventional form and being erected immediately over substrate 2. Slab 1 incorporates a perimeter beam 3 in the form of an endless wall extending around the perimeter of slab 1. In addition, an internal beam 4 of conventional form is provided and steel reinforcement 5 is embedded within the concrete forming the slab and also within perimeter beams 3. A building is erected on slab of conventional form having internal and external walls 6,7. Internal wall 6 may comprise a timber frame. External wall 7 may comprise a brick veneer wall.

The termite barrier protection provided in accordance with the present invention comprises a moat 8 which at least partly surrounds the building erected on slab 1. The moat is formed by a channel, which may be continuous, which extends outwardly from the building line represented by the external wall 7.

As the embodiment illustrated relates to the provision of a moat 8 about an existing concrete slab 1, the inner periphery of moat 8 abuts the outer periphery of slab 1.

As is clearly evident, moat 8 extends to a depth greater than that of perimeter beam 3. In the embodiment illustrated, moat 8 extends to a depth of approximately 500 mm below ground level and is about 100 mm in width.

Drainage means in the form of an agricultural drain 9 extends along the base of the channel of moat 8 on the left-hand side of Figure 1. A physical termite barrier material, such as a graded aggregate is laid in the channel over and about drain 9. The graded aggregate is compacted to form moat 8. At the top of moat 8 a covering medium in the form of capping 10 is provided. Capping 10 may slope outwardly to direct any water away from slab 1 and moat 8.

The upper edge of cap 10 is marginally above step 11 on which wall 7 is erected, which provides a visual form of inspection for termite activity.

It can be seen that moat 8' on the right-hand side of Figure 1 is shallower than that of moat 8, and does not include any drainage means at the base of the channel. This arrangement has also been found to provide an effective termite barrier protection.

As can be seen from Figure 1, a baffle 12 is partly embedded in substantially vertical configuration in moat 8. Baffle 12 in the embodiment shown is of substantiaily Vshape and includes a pair of opposed leaves 13 and 14 connected at their base and bonded to capping 10 by outwardly extending wings 15 and 16. Perforations 17 in wings 15 and 16

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assist bonding to the capping material when laid. FThe extent of the penetration of baffle 12 into the aggregate forming moat 8 is preferably such that a minimum pathway of 75 mm (most preferably 100 mm min.) through the aggregate is required for termites to pass beneath the baffle The embodiments of figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D show alternative baffle arrangements in accordance with the present invention. Baffle 18 of Figure 3A is a substantially planar sheet adapted to be embedded in the physical termite barrier in substantially vertical configuration, and may be bonded to or embedded in the covering medium in any suitable manner.

Baffle 20 of Figure 3B is adapted to be oriented in a substantially vertical plane in the physical termite barrier n'ateral and comprises a substantially planar body portion 21 having an anchoring arrangement in the form of a head portion 22 and a foot portion 23.

Head and foot portions 22 and 23 are in the form of hooks to prevent to any appreciable extent vertical movement into the barrier material and to ensure intimate contact with the covering medium.

Baffle 30 of figure 3C comprises a corrugated sheet. The corrugations ofl the sheet may be oriented either vertically or horizontally within the barrier material, and allow for thermal expansion and contraction without significant movement against the covering medium such as a concrete or bitumen cap.

Baffle 40 of figure 3D is of substantially L-shape and includes a substantially planar sheci having a body member 41 and a transverse leg 42. Leg 42 may act as an anchor for embedding in the barrier material. Baffle 40 may be inverted from the orientation shown so as to facilitate bonding of leg 42 to the covering medium when the covering medium is laid. In an alternative arrangement baffle 40 may include a transverse head in addition to leg 42 to facilitate embedding or bonding of the baffle 40 to the covering medium and the barrier material.

Figure 4 shows part of a monolithic raft building slab 1 erected over substrate 2.

Slab 1 incorporates a perimeter beam 3 in the form of an endless wall extending around the perimeter of slab 1. Steel reinforcement 5 is embedded within perimeter beam 3. A building is erected on slab I of conventional form having an internal frame 6, which may be of timber, and an external wall 7, which may be of brick veneer.

The termite barrier protection provided in accordance with the present invention comprises a moat 8 which surrounds the building erected on slab 1. The moat is formed by a channel, which may be continuous, which extends outwardly from the building line represented by the wall 7.

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As with figure 1. the cmbodiment of figure 4 relates to the provision of a moat about an existing concrete slab. The inner periphery of the moat 8 abuts the outer periphery of the slab 1. It will be noted that in this embodiment the moat 8 extcnds to a depth which is less than the depth of the perimeter beam 3.

Baffle 40 is partly embedded in moat 8. Baffle 40 in the embodiment shown is of a substantially inverted L-shape. Body member 41 of baffle 40 extends substantially vertically into the physical termite barrier material of moat 8 to a depth of at least as indicated by the numeral Leg 42 of baffle 40 is secured to capping 10 in suitable manner. Capping 10 in the embodiment shown comprises a relatively wide path of a material selected so as to be substantially impervious to termites.

~Figure 5 shows a strip footing 60 on which a pier 70 is erected for supporting a suspended floor (not shown). Otherwise the construction and arrangement of this embodiment is substantially the same as the foregoing description of the embodiment of figure 4. Again it will be seen that the moat 8 extends to a depth which is less than the depth of strip footing Figures C .id 7 show a baffle arrangement for a pipe or other intrusion in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. An intrusion in the form of pipe 80 crosses moat 8 providing a potential entry site for termites. In order to prevent termites from moving along any void between pipe 80 and the graded aggregate layer around pipe 80, a baffle 70 is positioned around pipe 80. Baffle 70 includes a collar 71 and a flare 72 extending from the collar 71 arranged to flare away from pipe 80 into the physical termite barrier material of moat 8. Baffle 70 is capable of being secured to pipe in suitable manner, such as by adhesion.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing embodiments that the bafl'le is adapted to extend in the direction of the moat or other physical termite barrier medium.

Accordingly whilst the various embodiments of a baffle according to the presnt invention are only shown in section in the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that the baffle is in a preferred embodiment constructed and arranged in discrete lengths.

In use in one embodiment of the present invention, a channel is excavated about a building or proposed building, and the channel filled with a physical termite barrier material such as a graded aggregate layer whereby to form a moat. A baffle in accordance with the present invention of termite resistant material is partly embedded in vertical configuration in the barrier material and a covering medium such as a capping is laid over the moat in contact with the barrier material, and the baffle bonded to the capping. If for any reason the capping becomes separated from the barrier material, the bafflc acts as a barrier and/or deflector to block the progress of termites trying to gain access to the building through the gap.

Should it be necessary to breach moats 8 or 8' after installation, for maintenance, installation of new services etc., care should be taken to reinstate the integrity of the moats 8 or In particular, any intrusions should be carefully cleaned and re-packed with aggregate so as to minimize interstices. The cap 10 should be replaced or restored to re-seal moats 8 or Particular care should be taken to avoid soil, debris, organic matter and the like entering a moat during maintenance, installation of new services and the like as this may adversely affect the integrity of moats 8 or 8' and allow a possible pathway for termites to breach the moat.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiment shown in FIGURE 1 relates to an existing slab and that perimeter moat 8 can be formed cither shortly after slab 1 is poured during the construction phase of the building, or alternatively after the building has been completed. The moat may be spaced from the building.

SIt is also to be appreciated that a moat according to the present invention as illustrated in FIGURE 1 may be advantageously applied about a building having strip footings and suspended wooden floor. Likewise, such a moat arrangement may be advantageously provided about a weatherboard house having no strip footings but a floor suspended on concrete or wooden stumps. In the latter case, the depth of the moat may cry.iiid below the depth of any stumlp, The present invention accordingly provides the added advantage that it is applicable to pre-existing buildings and is not restricted to installation at tile commencement of construction. Accordingly the present arrangement provides a number of advantages over previously known methods in addition to the avoidance of potentially harmful longlasting insecticides by providing an effective chemical-free barrier applicable to new or preexisting buildings, While it has been convenient to describe the invention herein in relation to particular preferred embodiments, it is to be appreciated that other constructions and arrangements are also considered as falling within the scope of the invention. Various modifications, alterations, variations and/or additions to tlhe constructions and arrangements described herein are also considered as falling within the ambit and scope of the present invention.

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Claims (32)

1. A method for forming a physical termite barrier for a new or existing building, the method including the steps of excavating a channel around at least part of a building or proposed building, placing a layer of a physical te.,nite barrier material in said channel whereby to form a moat, at least partly embedding a baffle Is aid physical termite barrier material, said baffle capable of acting as a barrier to and/or deflector of termites, covering said moat with a covering medium and securing said baffle to said covering medium, whereby to form a physical termite barrier.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said baffle is embedded in said physical termite barrier material to a depth of at least

3. A method according to claim I or 2, wherein said baffle is capable of being bonded to said covering medium.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein said baffle includes an anchoring arrangement whereby to anchor said baffle to said physical termite barrier material and/or to said covering medium. S

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein said anchoring arrangement comprises one or more hooks, ridges, wings or lugs.

6. A method according to claim 3, 4 or 5 wherein said baffle includes perforations whereby to assist bonding of said baffle to said covering medium to be laid.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said baffle comprises a pair of opposed Ictves connected at their base having outwardly extending wings at their upper extremities extending out of tlhe planes of said leaves, said wings including perforations whereby to assist bonding of ,rid baffle to said covering medium when laid.

8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said baffle comprises a corrugated sheet.

9. A method according to any one of claims I to 6, wherein said baffle comprises a substantially planar body portion hlving a head portion and a foot portion, said head and foot portions each capable of anchoring to said covering medium or said physical termite barrier material.

A method according to any one of claims I to 6, wherein said baffle is substantially L-shaped in cross-section.

11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said physical termite barrier material comprises a graded aggregate.

12. A method according to claim It wherein said graded aggregate is a graded igneous or ietanmorphic stone aggregate.

13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said graded aggregate -omprises graded granite screenings have a dimension in the range of 1. 18 to 5m1m.

14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said moat fully surrounds said building or proposed building.

A method according to claim 14, wherein said moat is formed by a continuous channel extending about the periphery of said building or proposed building.

16. A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said moat extends outwardly from the building line.

17. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said baffle extends along and within said moat either partly or fully around said building or proposed building.

18. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said covering medium comprises a cap or seal.

S19. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a baffle is capable of being secured to a pipe, cable, conduit or other intrusion crossing said moat.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein said baffle for a pipe, cable, conduit or other intrusion includes a flared collar or sleeve to be secured to said p;pe, cable, conduit or other intrusion.

21. A method according to claim 20, wherein said baffle for a pipe, cable, conduit or other intrusion flares away from said pipe, cable, conduit or other intru 'on into said I lysical termite barrier material. C

22. A method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said flare is a concertina-type flare to accommodate different sized intrusions.

.23. A method according to claim 22, wherein said collar is semi-circular.

24. A method for forming a physical termite barrier for a new or existing building, substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings. A method for forming a physical termite barrier for a building, said method including the steps of placing a layer of a physical termite barrier naterial comprising a graded aggregate over a clay or soil base on which said building is to be erected, at least partly embedding a baffle in said physical termite barrier material, said baffle capable of acting as a barrier to and/or deflector of termites, laying a covering medium comprising a building slab over said physical termite barrier matelial and securing said baffle to said covering medium, whereby to form a physical termite barrier for said building.

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26. A baffle when used in the method of any one 'it the preceding claims, said baffle including a body portion and an anchoring arrangement capable of anchoring said baffle to said physical termite barrier material and/or to said covering medium, said anchoring arrangement comprising one or more hooks, ridges, wings or lugs.

27. A baffle according to claim 26, and further including perforations whereby to assist bonding of said baffle to said covering medium to be laid.

28. A baffle according to claim 26 'or 27 being in the form of a corrugated sheet.

29. A bafl!e according to I im 26 or 27, wherein said baffle comprises a substantially planar body portion having a head portion and a foot portion, said head and foot portions each capable of anchoring to said covering mtlium or said physical termite barrier material.

A baffle according to claim 26 or 27, wherein said baffle is substantially L-shaped in cross-section.

31. A baffle according to claum 26 or 27, comprising a pair of opposed leaves connected at their base having outwardly extending wings at their upper exlremities extending out of the planes of said leaves, said wings including perforations whereby to 4" assist bonding of said baffle to said covering medium when laid.

.32. A baffle when used in the method of any one of claims 1 substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to any one of the accompany i. Jrawings. Dated this 23rd day of February 1999 OBERINS ARTHUR ROBINSON I.IEDDERWICKS ,Patent Attorneys for: GRANITGARD PTY LTD S (I io o Ib o ABSTRACT A method for forming a physical termite barrier for v new or existing building is disclosed. The method includes the steps of cxcavating a channel around at least part of the building or proposed building, placing a layer of a physical termite barrier nmaerial in the channel to form a moat, at least partly embedding a baffle in the physical termite barrier material, the baffle being capable of acting as a barrier to and/or deflector of termites, covering the moat with a covering medium and securing the baffle to the covering medium, to form a physical termite barrier. A baffle capable of use in the method is also disclosed. *S e o o