Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Concrete Paths - setdown 2Sep 14, 2015 7:48 am I'm fairly sure in qld at least that its 50mm below weep holes if it's a concrete path. It's not to stop the termites getting in its to be able to see when they do Re: Concrete Paths - setdown 3Sep 14, 2015 8:28 am Hi bluesteel, My understanding of the NCC is that the 75mm rule applies in two areas: 1) in the case of the height of adjacent paving below the Damp Proof Course (bottom of weepholes). In Part 3.3.4 Weatherproofing of masonry, the NCC states that weatherproofing of masonry must comply with AS 3700 which in turn states that the DPC must be at least 75mm above finished surface level of adjacent paving. It can be 50mm above finished paving if it is protected from weather by some sort of roof - patio etc. and, 2) in the case of termite protection. In 3.1.3.3 of the NCC Concrete slab-on-ground edge exposure, it states: The edge of a slab-on-ground may be used as a perimeter component of a termite management system provided— (a) the slab edge is left exposed, not less than 75 mm above finished ground level; and (b) the face of the exposed edge is not rough or honeycombed and does not contain ripples caused by folds in the vapour barrier or the like that could conceal termite activity; and (c) the exposed surface is not rendered, tiled, clad or concealed by flashing. So your paving should be 75mm below your weepholes and, if you have a physical perimeter termite barrier (not chemical), then 75mm of your slab should be left exposed as well. Having said all of that South Australia actually has a special condition in the NCC where they delete 3.3.4.0 and insert the following: (c) in low rainfall intensity areas where the site classification is A, S, M, M-D, H, H1, H2, H-D, H1-D or H2-D in accordance with AS 2870, the height of the damp-proof course may be — (i) 15 mm above finished paved, concreted or landscaped areas; or NCC 2015 Building Code of Australia - Volume Two Page 158 3.3.4.0 MASONRY (ii) 0 mm if the damp-proof course is protected from the direct effects of the weather by a carport, verandah or the like. But in your case it seems to be more of an issue about 2 - the termite barrier. What sort of barrier do you have? It might be worth ringing your termite people and asking them what they recommend. Re: Concrete Paths - setdown 4Sep 14, 2015 9:11 am We don't have a physical barrier the concreter had included that in his quote (done by a reputable pest company). We would be a low rainfall area. But I think we will stick to 75mm. I was checking as a matter of "did he know what he was talking about" I have previously found concreting an area of gung ho ness! Thanks so much Liliana! You are a font of great knowledge I have read many of your posts and know that a lot of your posts have been helpful to others and you have gone though your own share of building issues. Re: Concrete Paths - setdown 5Sep 14, 2015 9:21 am Anything I know I've learnt from Homeone but I'll remember your words the next time my teenage son chooses to contradict me - which is about every second sentence. Obviously he is not yet aware that I am a font of great knowledge ! Re: Concrete Paths - setdown 6Sep 14, 2015 9:23 am It sounds like the concreter is saying that since you have a perimeter termite treatment, then you don't need to use a visible slab edge as a component of the termite management system. Even if that were technically true, for a timber framed house I'd still want to keep it as an extra prevention measure. Re: Concrete Paths - setdown 7Sep 14, 2015 12:48 pm Liliana Anything I know I've learnt from Homeone but I'll remember your words the next time my teenage son chooses to contradict me - which is about every second sentence. Obviously he is not yet aware that I am a font of great knowledge ! I'd like to see his expression when you say it! OJ we are going to stick to the 75 peace of mind and a bit of insurance... Hi all I need a guidance on how far I need to space expansion joints in the concrete driveway and its type (keyway/foam.) Contraction joints are at 3m max for a 125 slab. Thanks 0 11050 I couldn't attached the photo for some reason. Here is the link to the photo https://pin.it/79jwdMp 1 3186 |