To bitumen or not to bitumen

[alprod]

Untitled

• alprod
• 29 Jun 2009
• 1

Untitled

• alprod
• 29 Jun 2009
• 1

Untitled

• alprod
• 29 Jun 2009
• 1

Hi guys,

I am going to waterproof/ paint the small level of exposed brickwork at the bottom of my external wall. My neighbours was originally done with black bitumen paint which is what I was going to use. Having searched a few other posts on this forum i'm not sure if this is the best thing for it as the bitumen paint doesn't let any moisture in the brick evaporate and locks it in.

I really want the bricks black. Is bitumen paint a bad idea?

Should i be using something like this http://www.screwfix.com/prods/82281/Building/Building-Chemicals/Thompsons-Water-Seal-5L or will it not really make a difference as its only two levels of brick and it isn't black!

Thanks for any advice.

 

[alprod]

Can anyone help?

 

[noseall]

Paint it black, the wall does nor 'breathe' below dpc.