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Compost heap ok to touch brick shed?

CraighBCraighB Posts: 758
in Problem solving
I have a brick built shed at the bottom of the garden and there is a 2 meter gap to a brick wall. Its in this gap I want to build a compost heap. Would it be ok for the compost to be right up to the brick or would this cause the bricks to crumble over time?
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Posts

  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    I suppose there's a risk of damp getting into the shed over time, so I think I'd stick some stout polythene sheeting to it before putting in the compost material?
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    I agree. Keep a barrier between your compost and any permanent structures.
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    I would leave a space between the compost heap and the walls, certainly the shed wall.  A membrane of some kind would stop damp being transmitted directly to the wall but rain water could still get down behind it.  An air gap, it doesn't need to be wide will avoid any risk.
  • CraighBCraighB Posts: 758
    Cheers guys. Think I might go down the route of building one out of wood and leave a gap where it meets the wall. I've even seen some built using corrugated metal roofing.
  • strelitzia32strelitzia32 Posts: 758
    Absolutely don't put anything like that against a brick wall. Bricks are porous, so any liquid will simply absorb and eventually pass through the brick into your shed. That's why houses have a DPC and low absorption bricks at the bottom of exterior walls. 
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    The reason I advocated 'sticking' a waterproof material to the wall is because, as repeatedly discussed before, any gap will fill with leaves and other detritus which will get wet and damage the wall like the compost would.  A strong polythene with some sort of mastic-type adhesive between it and the bricks would be my answer.
  • StephenSouthwestStephenSouthwest Posts: 635
    I'd lean a pallet up against the wall, with a polythene sheet stuck to the wall above it and draped over it, so you don't get a build up going into the pallet,, but you do get some ventilation to the wall. then build the compost heap next to that
  • WeaveyDaveyWeaveyDavey Posts: 575
    @CraighB : The solution which was offered by stephentame just now sounds realistic to me - I'd add some stout mesh to the side of the pallet nearest the 'heap' - might just deter Master Ratty from taking up residence...?? Good luck with your gardening in 2021.
  • CraighBCraighB Posts: 758
    Thanks guys,
    Excellent suggestions there and I can't wait to get started! The aim is to have a hot compost heap.

    I saw a video years ago where Alan Titchmarsh suggested covering the heap with old carpet. Is this necessary or is it best to leave it uncovered?
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    If you want it hot, you probably need a cover. I'm too lazy to bother any more and make good compost, but more slowly!
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