- Plan ItBack
- Design ItBack
- Build ItBack
- Homes
- ProductsBack
- CostsBack
- Self Build Cost Calculator
Estimate your project costs instantly with Build It's interactive self-build cost calculator
Calculate Now - Costs & Finance
- Contracts & Warranties
- Build It Estimating Service
Get an accurate, detailed cost breakdown of your project
Submit plans
- EventsBack
Q&As
Would a brick garden wall need drainage holes?
I want to build a brick wall between next door and my home. The neighbour’s drive is above mine and I want to put soil two thirds up the wall to put in a rockery. Do I need to put holes in the wall with pipes under the soil for water to escape? I will be employing a builder but want to know the answer before deciding on the builder.
Answers
In this kind of scenario is important that water can escape, as water retained against brickwork will deteriorate it.
Typically it is recommended that the wall is sealed internally using a bitumen paint and weep holes included in the second to bottom course of bricks at 900mm intervals. Then lay a perforated pipe behind the weep holes and cover in gravel. This will help channel water to the weep holes.
It is extremely important to ensure the wall is strong enough to support the soil it will be retaining (including when it’s laden with moisture). The wall needs to be at least 225mm thick (double skin).
Paul Baker, Holland Landscapes
