Poorly considered landscaping such as elevated garden beds against the building, can cause a range of issues such as moisture or damp penetration and concealed termite attack.
During a Building and Pest Inspection, we assess the location of garden beds relative to the building and its type of structure. Whilst a common architectural feature in some buildings, garden beds are not recommended against the side of buildings at all, but especially not above 150mm below the internal floors.
Excessive watering can contribute to excessively damp conditions. If gardens are located against a building, they should be kept below internal floor levels by a minimum of 75-150mm. Concrete slabs edges should be kept clear of gardens and vegetation as these areas are ‘inspection zones’, allowing visual detection of the passage of termites into the wall frames (due to mud tubes visible on slab edges).
Elevated Landscaping is a Common Problem
External ground levels should be lower than the internal floor levels – seems obvious but is a common building defect
Gardens or vegetation against the building – Not Recommended
Garden beds and vegetation can attract termites and cause moisture issues
Elevated Garden Bed with Timber Planter box Against Wall
Garden beds are a major invitation for Subterranean Termites
Weep holes covered by landscaping
Weep holes are like Doorways into your House, for Termites
Lawn, Garden and Paving Levels are Not ‘Differentiated’
Grass, garden beds and paving are on similar level – they need to be differentiated to help keep these areas separate and the paving / buildings free from surface water
External Paving levels are ‘too high’ – Relative to the Internal Floors
The hard landscaping can be a drainage or termite concern if elevated too high
Subterranean Termites require a constant reliable source of moisture as well as a ‘bridge’ into the building’s structure. Elevated garden beds and landscaping provide the ‘attractant and the bridge’ into the house walls.
As well as being a high termite risk, moisture around and on buildings accelerates material deterioration (such as decay and damage) and can cause structural issues such as ‘footing settlement’. Another reason to get a Building and Pest Inspection.