Question
Mr. Chapelle,

First off, thank you so much for this service you provide!

My question is pretty simple... is it safe to line our foundation with decorative landscaping bricks, considering said bricks be sitting one high (not stacked), and run flush with the bottom of our siding? We are considering this because our foundation doesn't sit far above grade, and we'd like to make a mulch area with bushes and flowers along the front of our house, without having the mulch or dirt close to the foundation.

Thanks so much, Mr. Chapelle!!!

Zak

Answer
Hello -
I took some time think about this question, as I wanted to consider all of the possible ways you could connect brick to the foundations of a home.

IF your siding is also brick, I don't see a problem with brick-on-brick.  IF your siding is stucco, I also don't see a problem with it, as long as you use a vapor barrier or mastic (kind of a gooy oil-based paint that creates a water-inhibiting layer).

IF your siding is wood or composite I would avoid having the brick touch the wood, and the Uniform Building Code recommends a 6-inch gap between earth/dirt/soil/planting media (including mulches) and any wooden structure because of the concern for wood rot &/or entry points for termites.

Here are examples of planters & brick patios that are brought right up to the edge of homes.  Some utilize flashing or moisture barriers at the point of contact with the structure:

http://www.anthonyread.com/patios.html

I generally AVOID dirt around the sides of houses, as it has the potential for water damage under the foundation or crawl-space, as you irrigate these planters.  It can also trap and hold rain-water from downspouts & off the roof eves, after a rain event...Not good.

After re-reading your question, can you pave up to the sill-plate of the foundation?  is that what you are asking?  The "mulch area" can be in an area slightly away from the foundation, like a walkway between the house and planter.

If so, the answer is YES, if you provide drainage AWAY from the home.  
http://www.jeremyjarrett.com/uploaded_images/mar_patio_curb-718201.jpg

(Imagine the low wall in the background is actually the side of your house, and hte walkway is between your house and the tree/planter)

You DO NOT want to pile dirt onto you house's siding like this fellow did:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2953736198_1170479a48.jpg

Notice how this guy kept the planter & dirt BELOW the sill-plate of his home but the pavers go right up to it:
http://www.stevesnedeker.com/wp-content/2009/06/picture-110.jpg

Hope I didn't make it too un-clear!  

~Marc