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Groundwork & Foundations

Base line bricks at rear of property - should these be waterproofed?

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.47 PM

Have a recent french aco type drain along one exterior wall, it has perforated pipework with required fall and discharges to nearest rain surface water gully. Non woven geotextile membrane used with pebbles and finishing with aggregate layer which lines up with base of wall. It's approx 6 inches below the slate dpc which is low anyway. Problem? Some of the bricks at the base are showing algae. This could mean the dpc is doing it's job. BUT I have been told by a builder that this base line of bricks (not engineering bricks) should have been waterproofed? Realise there's a difference between using sealant as opposed to water repellent products. Concerned because idea of drain (for want of a better word) was to redirect water away from the wall due to damp issues in property) IS it correct that the base level bricks should have been waterproofed? IF yes them can can you advise what is the best product for this job? Thank you in advance for reading this:)

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4 Answers

JW Groundworks + Landscaping

Rating: 5 out of 5
Cardiff
I now tend to waterproof old brick the best I can nowadays just as a double measure but I would say it’s not absolutely necessary
Answered30 October 2023
2

Harvesters Groundworks

Rating: 5 out of 5
Attleborough
I waterproof old, existing brick as a precaution although its not completely necessary, it doesn't do any harm by doing so.
Answered2 November 2023
1

Moores Outdoors

Rating: 5 out of 5
Fulham, South London, London
I would advise to waterproof them to seal the old bricks all cracks and dents covered
Answered3 November 2023
1

Linken Services Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5
Redditch
If the gap between dpc and ground level is approx 150mm or two courses of brick then you have adequate clearance and should not need the drain or the waterproofing. As you have the drain then it this is also good of course as it all helps. I can’t see any point waterproofing below damp. You cannot stop or even mitigate damp in this way. If your doc is working and you have 150mm you should be good.
Answered13 November 2023
0