DeanAlan Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 The foundation design our architect has prepared, in consultation with the SIPs supplier / installer we are using, includes the use of plinth bricks and I've just seen how expensive these are! The functional reason for them is to ensure water run off way from the SIPS and the render carry board battened to that. A deck will be constructed that comes right up to that level externally, with small gap, so the aesthetics of that lower wall are irrelevant but it needs to be structural sounds and water resistant etc. Couple with this at one point there is likely going to be a 215mm high lintel crossing a public sewer and it ain't no plinth! So I'm wondering whether normal bricks, and the concrete lintel, can be used and then with an angle grinder create a chamfer to encourage water run off and not pooling. Sounds easy on paper. Thoughts? cheers, - Dean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roundtuit Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 Why not use blocks instead of facing bricks if it can't be seen anyway, and maybe a fillet of mortar to shed water? Alternatively, you might find smooth blue plinth bricks are a lot cheaper than ones that match your facing brick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanAlan Posted November 5, 2021 Author Share Posted November 5, 2021 Yes, I think blocks will be used (below that plinth brick) and then look for alternative to the plinth brick. As you say, maybe a regular brick at the top of even a cut chamfer on a block (easy to do with a masonry saw) and could always put a filet of mortar. I have seen the blue plinth bricks and they are indeed a bit cheaper. cheers, - Dean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ETC Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 Use blue/grey facing brick, deeper battens to push the external wall and cladding out and a bigger flashing at the base to drip the water away from the plinth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Temp Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 8 hours ago, DeanAlan said: So I'm wondering whether normal bricks, and the concrete lintel, can be used and then with an angle grinder create a chamfer to encourage water run off and not pooling. Cutting bricks and putting lead on top (and partly down the slope) would work. Not sure about cutting a lintel though. My builder told me the NHBC don't like large unprotected flat tops due to risk of water/frost damage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ETC Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanAlan Posted November 6, 2021 Author Share Posted November 6, 2021 Thanks all for the suggestions and for taking the trouble to draw a diagram as well @ETC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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