Face brick water absorption below DPC, advice required

[Ruggers]

Could someone advise on the best type of brick to use below DPC on a house. I need to select a black brick for 3 courses below DPC, 1 course will be under the side path level and the other two courses will be above finish ground level up to DPC. Some searches say 4.5% and others say 7.5% water absorption is required for below DPC.

I was recommended the following brick which is 12% absorption, and is F2 S2.
My facing bricks above DPC are <10% and F2 S2.

I don't want them popping because of frost in winter.

 

[23vc]

Blue class B engineers with dark coloured mortar? Or is that not black enough

 

[stuart45]

NHBC guidance for bricks below DPC. F2 S2 to be used if in any doubt.

 

[noseall]

Could someone advise on the best type of brick to use below DPC on a house. I need to select a black brick for 3 courses below DPC, 1 course will be under the side path level and the other two courses will be above finish ground level up to DPC. Some searches say 4.5% and others say 7.5% water absorption is required for below DPC.

I was recommended the following brick which is 12% absorption, and is F2 S2.
My facing bricks above DPC are <10% and F2 S2.

I don't want them popping because of frost in winter.

Anything F2 S2 rated will do. I'd go for Staffy blues as said. (Edited)

 

[Ruggers]

Staffordshire blue smooth were my original preference but a guy who sources the bricks for a living at good prices can get them black ones in packs of 400 plus any extras I might need. I'm going to calculate how many but it was looking like 800 and staff blue's were in packs of around 560 depending on which brand, I don't want loads of spares so a stocked item is probably best.

I think blacks would go better with a light grey brick & anthracite windows than a blue but not if the frosts going to damage them. It's quite wet the ground around where I'll build so need good drainage, thats why i wondered if the 12% was worse than a 7% if both marked as S2 F2

 

[Ruggers]

F1 isn't for under DPC or is exposed areas

 

[noseall]

F1 isn't for under DPC or is exposed areas

Meant to type F2 sorry for the confusion. Edited too.

I was quoting from 5 a.m. till about 2:00 pm solid.

 

[Ruggers]

Meant to type F2 sorry for the confusion. Edited too.

I was quoting from 5 a.m. till about 2:00 pm solid.

No worries noseall. thanks