Weep holes, paving and the hidden way in
How landscaping around a slab home changes its termite risk.
In short: Weep holes let a brick wall breathe. Bury them and the wall stays wet, and termites gain cover.
What weep holes do
They let moisture drain out of the cavity behind brick veneer. They sit just above the slab edge for that reason.
What we see
Weep holes mortared shut or sitting too close to paving that was laid after the house was built.
The termite angle
The slab edge is meant to be visible so termite mud leads can be seen. Paving and soil built over it hide that inspection zone.
New homes too
At Manor Lakes handovers we have recorded weep holes filled with mortar, which should be cleared before the owner moves in.
What owners can do
Keep paving and garden beds below the weep holes and slab edge, and clear any blocked holes.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Manor Lakes. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
