Browse Forums Renovation + Home Improvement 1 May 23, 2013 12:49 pm Hi all, I've posted this in another forum, just looking to get some more advice. We have a suspended light timber code extension that will use some variant of rendered polyfoam (Masterwall etc) on the outside. We have 400mm+ clearance under the bearers in the whole extension, and want to have a patio/tiled area outside of this with a small step down (50mm or more). We are on a sloping block so the ground is cut out to get the extension on piers with that clearance. I'm looking for a way to have a slab/patio outside of the extension area as shown in the image, that is termite and water safe. Ideally I don't want a suspended floor outside, both for cost and other reasons (we may need to drive some significant weight on it at a later point). So what I want is a retaining wall close to the house that is filled with dirt (most of which is already there), appropriate drainage, and a slab on top (which itself will be angled away from the house), then pavers/tiles on top of that. The retaining wall height will only be around 400mm itself. Given that there is enough room for full underhouse inspections, is there any issue with this design for termites or water? Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ There should be plenty of ventillation from the rest of the house so I'm not too worried about that. Re: Patio design help, termites, water etc 3Aug 27, 2013 6:34 am I would recommend 25 mm clearance between wall cladding and paving to eliminate possibility of termite bridging and concealed termite entry and for inspection. Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog Re: Patio design help, termites, water etc 4Aug 27, 2013 9:37 am building-expert I would recommend 25 mm clearance between wall cladding and paving to eliminate possibility of termite bridging and concealed termite entry and for inspection. And maybe get advice from a termite inspector/professional. Termi-mesh or like that. Re: Patio design help, termites, water etc 5Aug 27, 2013 10:14 am With due respect Saint Mike I am professionally qualified, accredited and experienced timber pest inspector as you would have found out if you visited my web site. Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog Re: Patio design help, termites, water etc 6Aug 28, 2013 7:04 am building-expert With due respect Saint Mike I am professionally qualified, accredited and experienced timber pest inspector as you would have found out if you visited my web site. Respect taken BE. I was not attacking your credentials. I'm sure your website is good. Merely suggesting that HoB get someone to ensure it is ok - ie on the spot. A professional who can actually see what is there and make judgements in accordance with what he/she sees. Advice from a blog forum will not stand up in 5 years time should something go wrong. If I was going to change/amend/alter my house and it could affect termite barriers etc - I would have someone come and look and maybe approve my actions. But ... that's just me. If you have an agreement with a termite company (eg a Termimesh type company where they have installed their product in your house)) and your actions breach any agreement with them - your cover with them might be jeopardised. I have no issues with what you say - merely pointing out what I would do. Thanks for the insights, that makes perfect sense, and yeah, I will be leaning on the experience of the excavator operator entirely. 6 16147 Firstly the ableflex that has been installed needs (manufactures specification) a sealant cap over the top, preventing water draining down between the slab and the… 3 7788 If your patio is going to be 35 sqm then that's going to need Council Approval. The fact that they previously approved your 25sqm patio will be irelevant 1 5507 |