Small render border

[Millwright]

Hi, I've got a small render border along the bottom perimeter of the house. Most of it is coming away now which will trap water behind it. I'm planning to remove it to stop damp from tracking. What is the purpose of it and do I need to replace it?

Thanks.

 

[Flyboytim]

Remove it completely as it is bridging above the DPC, and theoretically a source of damp penetration. It may have been added following an injected DPC to mask the injection holes. Hopefully it will not have disfigured the wall significantly.

 

[conny]

Nice brickwork. It would be a shame to damage that.
I would suggest a broad cold chisel such as a 6" bolster and try to lever it away rather than attack it with a hammer.
As stated, it is bridging your damp course and could cause problems if left in place.

 

[stuart45]

What is the purpose of it and do I need to replace it?

The purpose of a render plinth was to protect the bottom of the brickwork, especially from the freeze/thaw cycles. Those LBC rustics are well known for trapping moisture and the faces coming away.
However, as said the plinth can cause more problems, but you may damage the bricks when you take it off.