How to Repair Cracked Cinder Block Foundations
Cinder block foundations are sturdy, but continual wear over time can cause cracks and holes. Fortunately, repairing these issues is fairly straightforward.
To begin, wet the wall down with a washcloth or bucket of water. This will help your repair materials adhere to the surface more effectively. Allow the wall to dry for about an hour before continuing.
Cracks and Holes
Cinder block is used as a foundation for many homes because it is inexpensive and easy to work with during construction. However, the lightweight blocks can crack, chip and crumble over time due to moisture, freeze-thaw cycles and ground movement.
If your cinder block foundation is showing signs of crumbling, such as stair step crack patterns or efflorescence, you may need a professional inspection and repair. Licensed professionals can determine the cause of the damage and recommend repairs such as helical piers or resistance piers that stabilize the sinking portion of the foundation.
Before making any repairs to the cinder block wall, make sure you wear gloves, goggles and a respirator mask because inhaling cement dust can irritate your lungs. Also, clean the cracked or holed area of the foundation wall with a scrub brush to remove any loose debris and dirt that may be inside the cracks or holes. Once the wall is cleaned, you can prepare to patch the surface by removing any rough edges with a metal file.
Efflorescence
A cinder block foundation that displays signs of efflorescence does not necessarily have serious structural damage, but it should be repaired promptly to limit further moisture intrusion. Efflorescence is a powdery, chalk-like deposit that appears on concrete or clay products when water evaporates, carrying salts from soil and other sources to the surface and pores of masonry or brick. Generally, the presence of these water-soluble salts poses no major health or safety issues and may fade naturally over time.
The best way to deal with efflorescence is to prevent it from forming in the first place, by using proper grading, water-cement ratio and curing practices. Efflorescence can also be removed with commercially available cleaners that are specifically designed for concrete, but this should only be done as soon as possible after the white deposits appear, and by strictly following all label warnings and instructions. Allow the masonry surface to dry before beginning any repairs. If necessary, gather your repair materials while the wall dries or towel off any areas that refuse to dry quickly.
Sealing
If you notice any damage to your foundation, it's important to get it repaired as soon as possible. Even small problems can grow worse over time and endanger the integrity of your home's structure.
The first step in any repair is cleaning the wall to remove dust and dirt. If you can, hose down the foundation or use a washcloth in more resistant areas. Then, allow the wall to dry before starting your work. If the surface is moist, your repairs will not adhere properly.
Before applying your mortar, be sure it has enough Portland cement and lime in it to make it sticky. This is the primary ingredient that makes concrete stick to something else, just like paint or glue. You can buy bagged mortar mix or combine it with water yourself in a bucket or wheelbarrow. Before you apply the mortar to your walls, you need to agitate it with a trowel to help it suck up moisture better.
Repairing
Although cinder block foundations are strong, constant wear and tear over time can develop fractures and holes. Repairing these damages is simple if you catch them early.
Cinder block can be repaired with concrete patching, a product that hardens into a new surface. However, the repairing process is labor intensive and requires skill.
The masonry cement used in concrete must be mixed with the correct amount of water to ensure strength and stickiness. Too much water weakens the concrete, according to the Portland Cement Association. The ideal mixture resembles whipped mashed potatoes or warm cake icing.
A concrete expert can assess your foundation’s damage and recommend a permanent solution for crumbling concrete. In some cases, helical piers, resistance piers or floor joist jack tiebacks can stabilize the sinking sections of your foundation. For the rest of the foundation, a concrete mason can repair cracks and other minor issues with your concrete. These repairs will protect your investment in your home.
https://www.foundationrepairtulsa.com/
Cinder block foundations are sturdy, but continual wear over time can cause cracks and holes. Fortunately, repairing these issues is fairly straightforward. To begin, wet the wall down with a washcloth or bucket of water. This will help your repair materials adhere to the surface more effectively. Allow the wall to dry for about an…