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I am currently building a custom house and we are about to the brick veneer stage. The plans call for a brick veneer 32″ high in some places and full wall height in others. I have been asked (as a change order) to include a brick planter on top of the concrete front porch (that is under the roof) and backed up to the exterior wall of the house. There is no siding on the exterior wall yet, so it should be easy to work in.
My question is: how should I protect the exterior sheathing and framing from the water? I have considered covering the exterior wall that is in the planter with “Ice & Water Shield” but have no idea whether that would hold up long term. I have also considered using a spray-on foundation waterproofing system on the walls. Or EPDM. Or ????
We will insert drain tubes through the brick on the low end so there won’t be standing water but the soil will always be damp. I thought I would cover the tube ends with landscape fabric then put in 8″ of coarse stone, then 8″ of 3/4″ minus gravel, then about 12″ of potting soil. The front of the planter will be 4″ block with the brick veneer.
Anyone had experience with such a thing? Any ideas/advice appreciated. RayT
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Protecting the house from moisture is easy. Protecting it from subterranean terrmites is going to be impossible. As long as there is a hidden path from earth to wood, you will have a problem. If you are in an area of subterranean termites don't do this.
*Hi Ray,If this house is in a cold weather area, try and change the owner's mind. You're introducing a weak point to your house's structure. During freeze thaw cycles these could spell trouble big time.Failing all this, line the inside of the box with 1" styrofoam as a buffer, install a (removable)box inside this buffer, made of galvanize metal with a drain in the bottom. Install the brick veneer against the house, this way the planter is not actually part of the house, but butts against it. If damage occurs, they simply remove this thing and no harm done to the house. Get it?Flash over the perimeter to both protect the assembly and for asthetics.GabePS, Make sure your clients understand the situation and risks.
*Mike,We have a few Carpenter Ants, but no termites here in western Montana. As Gabe mentioned, the freeze/thaw cycle could be a problem though.RayT