Cladding and weep hole clearance on new Truganina homes
Why 150mm between cladding and soil matters for termites and damp, and why the gap disappears after landscaping.
In short: The gap at the base of the wall is what lets you see a termite lead before it is inside. Garden beds and paving often close it within a year of handover.
The required gap
Cladding needs at least 150mm clearance to the soil, and weep holes need to sit at least 150mm above the adjacent surface, or 75mm on graded sites. We recorded both falling short on a Truganina handover in August 2026.
Why it matters for termites
Termites build mud leads up the face of a wall. A clear gap lets you see them. When soil or mulch sits against the cladding, they can enter unseen.
Why it matters for damp
The same gap keeps ground moisture off the wall and the weep holes clear to drain the cavity.
After you move in
Landscaping is where most new homes lose their clearance. Keep beds and paving below the weep holes, and check the line again after any garden work.
Moisture readings
Where we see damp beside wet areas or at the base of walls, we take moisture readings and note them in the report.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Truganina. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
