My house’s basement has a ceramic block foundation, apparently not uncommon in the early 20th century, and because of water issues, the interior masonry coating has sloughed off the blocks. I wish to replace the coating, now that the water issue has been solved, and I’m open to suggestions as to what material to use. The original product seemed to be somewhat lightweight, so it wasn’t a heavy mortar. I would want something that would readily stick to the blocks. Any ideas? TIA.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Listeners write in about insulating an attic roof in a balloon-framed house, sizing a new heat-pump system, attaching extension jambs to a window or exterior door, and more.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Fine Home Building
Follow
-
Fine Homebuilding
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now -
GBA Prime
Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
basement has a ceramic block foundation
Just to be sure, do you have regular-sized block with a glazed coating, or is a unit with some sort of vitreous glaze?
The block has a smooth glaze on it. Color is light reddish brown.
Wanted to be sure. Helped demo a couple of dorm on campus a ways back. Structure was 16 x 16 x 8" wide terra cotta blocks. About a 1" thickness, too. Left hollow, too. Middles of the blocks are wher they usually broke. The dorm also had vitreous glazed "sanitary" block for partitions in the shower/bath areas (structural walls had matching tile over the TC).
Now that I'm more certain you have a masonry block wall (it's tc not concrete block, is all), then the answers will be (relatively) easier. Best way to keep the moisture out is on the outside, before it gets in. As to your interior finish, my inclination is to tell you to veneer a finish wall, just like with any other block wall. You could use furring strips & DW--but only if you solve the moisture problem.
Depending on how cold the wall is, I'd also be tempted to get some rigid foam in between some sleepers for the finished wall. Fairly standard stuff, really. Other than what's 'behind' the wall.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Thanks for answering. My intent isn't to finish the wall but to recoat it, as this is in a utility area. I think parging is an appropriate term for this. The original masonry sheathing has fallen off from the moisture I mentioned originally, and I'd like to resurface the block. Just wish to know what material could best be troweled over the block without sagging off. I've had this happen a lot with plain mortar, so maybe there's something a bit thinner and stickier, yet also substantial.
You may want to to ask for a bonding agent. You put a thin coat on, and it makes a "bridge" between a slick surface and plaster or cement parging. Brain refuses to cough up proper initials, but it is a thin white liquid, that does not seem like it would add anything at all to the adhesion.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
CBA
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....