How to spot issues with your foundation's concrete block structure from the past?

Oct 1

To create foundations for old houses and buildings, cinder blocks were prevalent at one time. The majority of concrete foundation problems are caused by poor maintenance. A few issues that affect your concrete block foundation could be fixed by you, and others will require assistance from a skilled block walls Albuquerque mason.

Due to excessive dampness, the coating on the concrete block foundation may have begun to peel.

Concrete blocks have been in use since the Romans in various ways. Concrete blocks were made in Wisconsin until 1900, along with coal clinkers. Today's concrete block walls Albuquerque consist of sand or gravel. Cement was extensively used back at the time.

Early concrete blocks were solid. Today's hollow concrete blocks are made to bear huge weights. The honeycomb-shaped surface of a block is called a honeycomb.

Concrete Block Foundation Issues

To find out the causes of issues with foundations for concrete blocks and foundations, consult a preservation mason professional. The most frequent issues in concrete block foundations are described here.

Your concrete blocks lack mortar or are deteriorating.
Your blocks of concrete are broken.
Your basement is getting wet because the mortar between concrete blocks is starting to degrade. Below the ground, there was no exterior waterproofing. A competent mason should dig up the foundation and waterproof it. While the foundation is exposed, ask the mason to inspect the mortar for mineral deposits that may cause damage to the mortar. In this case, your exposed foundation may require repointing. To keep water off the foundation, the mason has to lay tiles.
The cement coating on the wall of your foundation (parging) is deteriorating. Hire a competent mason to dig around the foundation and then waterproof it. It is possible to relocate the foundation. The mason needs to put tiles around the foundation to divert water away from it.

Restoring Historic Masonry Mortar

Concrete blocks that aren't in good shape are usually damp and decaying. To address this issue, you will need to drain the water out of your foundation. Gradually level the ground around your foundation before installing ground extenders on the gutter spouts of your downspouts.

Cleaning Your Historic Home's Gutters

Your foundation walls in your home are parged or painted, and the parging or paint is flaking away, trapping water.

Take off any paint or cement, and let it fall away naturally. A layer of paint on concrete blocks in Albuquerque will stop the water from flowing out. It could cause deterioration or spalling of concrete blocks.

Your foundation wall is sagging outwards or crumbling due to external factors like water and tree roots.
Stair-step fissures are present in the wall of your foundation.
The efflorescence is a white powdery substance that gets absorbed by bricks.
The foundation of your home has sunk or been heaved.
Concrete blocks that have not been well sealed can become affected by mold or filth.

We're noticing issues with Your Old Brick Building.

Your concrete blocks are deteriorating.
Concrete blocks are granular and shed sand.
Concrete exposed to the elements gradually wears away over time, but it rarely compromises the foundation's structural integrity.

Masonry Albuquerque Contractors

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