Understanding Your Historic Concrete Block Foundation
In the past, it was common to use cinder blocks to build the foundations of old homes and buildings. A lack of maintenance is the most significant cause of concrete foundation problems. A few issues with your foundation's concrete block could be fixed by you, while others will require the assistance of a specialist block walls Albuquerque mason.
Because of the excessive dampness, the paint on the concrete block foundation could have started peeling.
Concrete blocks have been used since the Romans in various ways. Before 1900, coal clinkers were commonly employed in Wisconsin concrete blocks. Modern concrete block walls Albuquerque comprise sand and gravel. By then, cement was widespread.
Concrete blocks of the past were sturdy. Today's hollow concrete blocks are constructed to support huge loads. The honeycomb-shaped surface of a block is known as a honeycomb.
Concrete Block Foundation Issues
To identify issues with foundations for concrete blocks, employ an expert preservation mason. The most common issues that concrete blocks face are.
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Concrete blocks with no mortar or are susceptible to breaking might not contain mortar.
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Cracked concrete blocks are found in your home.
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Your basement is getting wet because the mortar between concrete blocks is starting to crack. Below the ground, there was no waterproofing on the exterior. Engage a professional mason to go around your foundation to protect it. As the foundation is exposed, ensure that the mason checks the mortar for mineral deposits that may cause damage to the mortar. The foundation may need to be repointed in this case. The mason needs to lay tiles to stop water from entering the foundation.
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The cement coating on your wall's foundation (parging) is degrading. Hiring a skilled mason to go around the foundation to seal it with waterproofing is a good idea. The foundation that is exposed may need to be rebuilt. To divert water from the foundation, the mason has to place tile.
Historic Masonry Mortar Repair
Concrete blocks not in good repair are usually damp and decaying. Removing the water from your foundation is necessary to remedy this issue. Gradually incline the ground around your foundation before installing ground extenders on your gutter downspouts.
Cleaning Your Historic home's gutters
The walls surrounding your foundations are painted or parged, and the parging or paint is peeling off, trapping water.
Let the paint and cement loosen up, then let it fall away naturally. Any coating inside a concrete block wall Albuquerque will stop moisture from escaping. It can lead to deterioration as well as spalling of concrete blocks.
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The foundation wall of your home is sliding inward or collapsing due to external forces like water and tree roots.
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Stair-step fissures are present in the wall of your foundation.
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Efflorescence, a white powdery substance that seeps into the bricks, is found.
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Your foundation wall has sunk or collapsed.
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The concrete blocks you have are filthy or even moldy.
Troubleshooting Your Old Brick Building
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Your concrete blocks are deteriorating.
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Concrete blocks are grittier and are shedding Sand.
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Although exposed concrete slowly erodes over time, it seldom compromises the foundation wall's structural strength.
Masonry Albuquerque Contractors
9912 Rio Corto Ave, SW Albuquerque NM 87121
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