T2 Blue vs T2 Red Framing
Both T2 Blue and T2 Red treated timber framing come with a 25-year guarantee against structural damage as a result of termite attack. However, T2 Blue framing is designed for protection against termites found in areas south of the Tropic of Capricorn, while T2 Red is designed for protection against termites found north of the Tropic of Capricorn. The Tropic of Capricorn is the circle marking the latitude 23.5 degrees south, where the sun is directly overhead at noon on December 21, the beginning of winter in the northern hemisphere. In Queensland, the Tropic of Capricorn runs through the Rockhampton city area.
Although T2 Red can be used south of the Tropic of Capricorn for additional peace of mind, T2 Blue cannot be used north of the Tropic of Capricorn due to the incidence of Mastotermes Darwiniensis in tropical areas.
The most veracious termite species in Australia is the Mastotermes Darwiniensis (also known as the Giant Northern Termite or Darwin Termite), which is only found in Queensland and the Northern Territory. It is the most primitive termite species alive (with uncanny similarities to some cockroaches) and is very destructive to timber - especially within 70m of its nest. Where food is plentiful, the colony will form independent sub-colonies close by. The average soldier length is 11-13mm. T2 Red has been tested extensively against the Mastotermes Darwiniensis species and is guaranteed to remain resistant for 25-years.
The most widespread and damaging termite species is the Coptotermes Acinaciformis, which is found in all states and territories in Australia other than Tasmania. It may travel more than 100m underground from its nest in search of food and has been known to attack and destroy lead sheathing on electricity / telephone cables. The average body size is 4-6mm. Both T2 Red and T2 Blue are guaranteed to remain resistant to the Coptotermes Acinaciformis species.
The West Indian Drywood Termite (WIDT) is the world’s most destructive drywood termite and a Notifiable Disease under the Diseases in Timber Act 1975. Any damage suspected of being caused by this species must be reported to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. According to the Department, 10-20 homes are fumigated each year to control the West Indian Drywood Termite's presence. The West Indian Drywood Termite is also a winged species, which can render traditional ground-based pest management systems impotent. However, studies have proven that both T2 Blue and T2 Red are impervious to the WIDT threat. No other treated timber product available in the Australian market can currently offer a guarantee against the West Indian Drywood Termite.
