I’ve got poured in place concrete foundation walls that have the simulated brick look. It was all you can get around here when I built the house 3 years ago. The problem is, I find it very unattractive. Painting it is what everyone does in my area, and for the most parts makes it look reasonable, but its not an aesthetically pleasing option to me as the house is cedar. I admire the look of a rubbed concrete finish ( smooth), and am considering parging the wall to acheive that look.
I am concerned that the parge coat will shrink and crack with time and I’ll be in even worse a predicament. I know there are non shrink grouts available but are there non shrink mortars, and would something like that be recommended? Are my fears of shrinkage cracking and debonding warranted? The walls are sound and clean.
Thanks in advance for any advice/opinions.
Replies
I had my vibrator die on me during a pour a long way from any rental co. Rodding helped, but not enough. Ended up parging with portland, sand, and concrete adhesive. That was 10 yrs ago. Customer recently hired me to pour a concrete house for him in another location. Must have been pleased with the parging. And I learned to always have a spare vibrator for every pour. Like anything else, they rarely break sitting on the shelf. Use the adhesive and you'll be fine.
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!