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The Natural Philosopher

wrote:
Andrew Gabriel wrote:
LBC Tudors seem to be rated MN (Moderately frost resistant,
normal soluble salt content). They won't last all that long
if in contact with a bank of wet soil. A damp proof membrane
behind the wall might help, but you need to work out how
water behind the wall drains away, depending on the local
soil drainage.

My garden had LBC windsors with no enginnering bricks in the
underground courses and no DPM or anything like that. Most was a bit
green but I can't remember seeing any of it that was frost damaged -
that's after 20 years. I'm near London though so the frosts aren't
usually too bad.

On a wall that I built I painted the back with bituminous paint to act
as the DPC and so far so good. I put a few pipes though so that the
soil could drain if it got very wet.

I didn't use any DPC, but I did use concrete block below ground, and
where the soil was in contact, using a good quality brick - from a pile
that had stood outside for 50 years without damage - for the visible facing.

Damage to less than ideal brickwork on exposed walls is usually confined
to an inch or three above ground level, and to exposed top surfaces,
these being the coldest and wettest parts usually.
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