Black plinth

[CantonaLives]

hi all,
Newbie here and hoping I can get some advice. I have a black piece of something at the bottom f my house which I am assuming is some damp layer but may just be decorative? Ideally I would I keep to repair this myself so any advice on how and with what wood be much appreciated.


See photos.


Thanks for any assistance.


-CL

 

[vinn]

Its a plinth - typically made from sand and cement (just like mortar) and, also typically, plinths should be removed entirely from around the house, no matter what material they are composed of.
Why? Because they usually bridge the DPC and allow the possibility of damp penetrating into the inside of the house.