Concealed Slab Edge
The slab edge is hidden from view by paving, soil, garden beds, or render, preventing visual inspection of the most likely termite entry point on a modern brick-veneer home. AS 3660.1 and the termite-management standard both require a minimum 75mm of exposed slab edge at every external wall so an inspector can see whether termites have bridged between the soil and the wall framing.
Severity rationale
We see this go from moderate to severe based on how complete the concealment is and what's covering the slab. A single garden bed encroaching 50mm up the wall is a 2 or 3 - access is restored with an afternoon's work. Perimeter paving laid flush with the wall, or render finishing into soil, is a 4 or 5 because every external wall becomes an unverifiable termite-entry path and remediation means breaking up fixed landscaping. The modal score across 2,970 observations is 4, with 62% of findings at 4 or above.
Causes
- Paving, concrete paths, or pavers laid up to or over the slab
- Soil, garden beds, or mulch banked against the slab edge
- Render, cement sheet, or skirting concealing the slab-wall junction
- Retrofitted extensions or patios burying an originally exposed slab edge
Symptoms to look for
- No visible concrete edge above ground level at any external wall
- Render or finish running continuously from wall cladding down into the soil
- Garden edging or paving finishing flush with the wall, no 75mm step-down
- Inspector unable to confirm absence of termite entry during a visual inspection
Remedies
- Expose a minimum 75mm of slab edge around the full perimeter - excavate soil, cut back paving, or remove garden edging as required
- Re-grade beds so topsoil sits below the slab edge, not against it
- Install a termite inspection zone (concrete or pavers) along high-risk boundaries
- Annual termite inspection by a licensed pest inspector (AS 4349.3 / AS 3660.2)
Get an inspector through this property.
If this turns up on a pre-purchase inspection, get quotes for remediation before settlement. Concealed slab edges are a conducive condition for termites, and Perth's timber-frame brick-veneer stock is highly susceptible.