I have a good customer that recently asked me what I thought “we” could do about the block foundation that shows around her home. It is a standard 8″ block with a few cracks and some flaking. It also has a couple of coats of paint or maybe Thoroseal on it that also is flaking.
I went to the local masonary yard and asked for some ideas. Maybe a Drivit type product or something. The suggested a product called Uko Seal. Said all the paint has to come off. I said I was really look for a cover up product also, no response just the look.
I thought about maybe nailing masonary screen on it and had troweling some mortar on like a stucco. Don’t think parging would work due to the paint. Any ideas? Thanks DanT
Replies
Dan,
I'm not a masonry expert as they go but it sounds like a total strip is the way to go unless you are looking for a bandaid. What ever bond you get from a new product will only bond to the foundation as good as whats under it. The screen idea sounds o.k. but I would use portland instead of mortar or at the very least as part of the formula.
k
Ok, but won't the screen if fastened to the existing foundation be enough of a mechanical bond to hold it? Myabe not but old style stucco uses only a mechanical fastening as there is a tar paper barrier between it and the wood base. So I am thinking the screen will act accordingly. The existing siding is 1 1/2" further out than the foundation if that is any help. I felt that gave me plenty of room to work with. DanT
>>Ok, but won't the screen if fastened to the existing foundation be enough of a mechanical bond to hold it?
That's a good point DanT. I would research the mix for the application though.
kcoyner