Brick courses in block worl

[Jimmy_shy]

Ok may be a daft question, but when you see a block wall with a course of bricks in it, I'd always though that was to get the wall to a correct size without excessive block cutting - either vertical height or horizontal. I saw a big garage recently that had a course just above ground level, and one mid way. What's that all about - something to do with joists inside?

When do bricks and blocks need mixing? And are there any dos and donts about using blocks laid either vertically (standing on their short side) or laid flat (laid on their large face).

One final daft question - if modern dpc is waterproof, doesn't it imply that the whole house is resting on a non-bonded material, albeit tied between leafs?

be gentle ...

 

[TexMex]

Taking your last question first.

One final daft question - if modern dpc is waterproof, doesn't it imply that the whole house is resting on a non-bonded material, albeit tied between leafs?

DPC used in brickwork (or blockwork), is either keyed (has ridges moulded in) or has sand bonded to the surface. so it IS bonded in to the brickwork.

Lightweight blocks are not suitable for use below the DPC (they are subject to degredation under damp conditions, particularly in the event of frost). So it is quite common to use bricks upto DPC and then continue in blocks.

Lightweight blocks are also an unsuitable finish for an external wall, as they could be subject to damp/frost damage. IMHO Even dense concrete blocks should not be left as a finish to a wall (because they are ugly). It is therefore quite normal to render blockwork walls. Brick courses are quite often added to break up the monotonous appearance of a large expanse of render. Where this is done, you may notice that the face of the brick course is laid proud of the blockwork. This allows the finished panel of render to be flush with the brickwork.