Johnny Jekyll Posted May 23, 2022 Share Posted May 23, 2022 I'm building a brick plinth to the front elevation on our new build. DPC, wall ties, foundation is all prepared. My question is: 1 - should there be a small air gap between the brick plinth and the blockwork? 2 - should mortar be applied between the brick plinth and the blockwork? 3 - should the bricks simply butt up against the blockwork? See image below to help. I understand the top edge will need to be filled to stop water getting between the brick plinth and blockwork. Thanks very much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted May 23, 2022 Share Posted May 23, 2022 (edited) (2). But please explain the purpose of the plinth. Edited May 23, 2022 by saveasteading Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Jekyll Posted May 23, 2022 Author Share Posted May 23, 2022 Just now, saveasteading said: (3). But please explain the purpose of the plinth. Plinth was designed at the start of the project together with half brick cill and soldier courses to windows, is just visual, nice bricks, non-load-bearing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted May 23, 2022 Share Posted May 23, 2022 (edited) Sorry i meant (2) and have edited it. It needs to be tied to the blockwork too. I would rather see the top brick inset into the block, otherwise rain runs down onto a mortar joint constantly. Edited May 23, 2022 by saveasteading 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Jekyll Posted May 23, 2022 Author Share Posted May 23, 2022 2 minutes ago, saveasteading said: Sorry i meant (2) with mortar ! It needs to be tied to the blockwork too. I would rather see the top brick inset into the block, otherwise rain runs down onto a mortar joint constantly. @saveasteading Number (2) understood thanks. Yes it will be tied to the blockwork. There will be a bell drip from the render above to push the water outwards. Sorry do you think there will be any problem with brick efflorescence or salt petering with no air gap behind the bricks? I heard someone say this and just wanted to ask someone in the know? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saveasteading Posted May 23, 2022 Share Posted May 23, 2022 No. Effloresence is caused by salts coming out of masonry or mortar, and will only appear on the outer face, and wash off. A gap would fill with all sorts of crud as well as all the water running down the wall. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Punter Posted May 23, 2022 Share Posted May 23, 2022 It looks like you may need some lead flashing into the wall above the bricks. If the blockwork is rendered you should be OK as is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Jekyll Posted May 23, 2022 Author Share Posted May 23, 2022 Thanks guys. Blockwork above plinth is rendered with bell drip so all sorted now. Great answers as usual. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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