Damaged bricks next to gravel drive

[Merlin83b]

We have a gravel driveway that runs right up to the edge of the house. The course of bricks up against the gravel looks like it's been damaged by damp holding against it, especially badly near the bottom of a drainpipe. On digging a little, the gravel seems to be in two layers, a small grey stone, then a layer of felt, then the top layer of yellow stones.



Now for the questions:

1. Why is the felt there?
2. Should the gravel be right up to the house?
3. Does this course of bricks need to be replaced?
4. If so, what should be done to stop the same thing happening again?

 

[KenGMac]

Merlin83b, good evening.

The damage to that row of bricks has probably been caused, because this area of bricks that is water damaged is below the Damp proof Course, ground water cannot rise further up the wall passes the DPM, so in effect, these water damaged bricks are constantly [at times] very wet.

As for removal of the damaged brick? only replace the severly damaged ones, do it carefully and do not damage the Damp proof Course, the DPC could be fragile !!

As for the "Felt" that looks like a Weed Suppression layer placed there do do as it said stop weeds.

It is common to have gravel up to the walls of a property.

Ken