Surface-bonding cement is a popular method for covering cinder block walls, as it helps insulate the building and keeps moisture out. This method is particularly suitable for southwestern-style homes and is easy to apply to vertical surfaces. Surface bonding cement contains acrylic and fiberglass, making it a practical choice for those not used to working with concrete. To cover cinder block walls, apply a 1/4 in (0.64 cm) layer of cement on the wall, then apply a 1/4 in (0.64 cm) layer of scratch coat, which can be scratched after 5-10 minutes. Vinyl siding can be installed by installing furring strips and vinyl siding on the wall.
If the walls are unpainted and gray, the gray undertones may make the end result look darker. For a classic finish with endless color, cover concrete block walls with stucco, a sandy cement-like material made of silica, lime, and concrete. Paint can also be used to stain concrete block walls, allowing the porous material to breathe while giving it a more esthetically pleasing appearance.
📹 Using Furring Strips to Attach Drywall to Block Walls
In order to install new electrical and drywall on block walls we installed wood furring strips to the concrete. Now bear in mind we …
How do you make basement cinder block walls look nice?
Concrete block walls are often used in construction, but their appearance can diminish curb appeal and resale value. Covering them can improve outdoor space appeal and prevent cracking, rot, mold, and structural failures due to moisture infiltration. Permeable concrete absorbs water, expanding pores, and damages the concrete. Oil settlement and hydrostatic pressure can lead to hairline cracks and leaks.
To protect the concrete block wall, contractors can use decorative stucco, vinyl siding, artificial stone panels, natural stone, and natural green coverings. Polyguard recommends using a quality sealant like Airlok Flex® VP to maximize moisture resistance.
What should be done to the outside of a block foundation wall?
Foundation damage and water penetration in block foundations can be prevented by preventing water from entering the concrete blocks. This can be achieved by excavating and waterproofing the foundation wall, or by installing an interior weeping tile or perimeter drainage system. Both methods significantly decrease the rate of foundation deterioration. Foundation walls often need to be rebuilt or reinforced to avoid failure due to years of neglect.
The cost of rebuilding or reinforcing a wall is significant, so waterproofing is a recommended repair method. To select the most appropriate repair method for leaking block foundation walls, consider the cost, time, and location of the problem.
How do you make a new block wall look old?
The dispersion of fallen leaves on cement during rainstorms permits the transport of minerals in solution. However, the maple trees situated in the front yard are unable to maintain the same level of foliage, resulting in the cement surface appearing aged within a relatively short timeframe.
Can you put wallpaper over cinder block walls?
Wallpaper can be applied to various surfaces, including drywall, plaster, concrete, masonry, paneled walls, tile, and nonporous surfaces like concrete block or synthetic laminate paneling. To apply wallpaper, lining paper is often needed on these surfaces. Proper preparation is crucial for success. The wall surface should be clean, dry, and free of mildew, grease, stains, and loose paint. Sand bumps down, repair small holes with surfacing compound, and wipe clean. If there are many repairs, consider using lining paper. A wall covering primer/sealer, tinted to match the background color, is also recommended to hide tiny gaps.
A primer protects the wall, helps the wallpaper bond to the surface, and makes it easier to move the paper into position. If the paper needs to be removed, it is easier to use a primer, especially for new drywall with a thin coat of paint. It is essential to buy a primer specifically designed for wall coverings, not a paint primer.
How to waterproof exterior cinder block walls?
Concrete blocks are commonly used for foundations and outbuildings due to their uniform size, ease of stacking, and hardness. However, they are more permeable to water and water vapor than poured concrete, making them particularly vulnerable. To protect them from water intrusion, it is essential to use the best block wall waterproofing products. Concrete blocks and cinder blocks are particularly vulnerable due to their larger pores, making them semi-permeable.
The permeability of concrete is 3. 2 perms per inch of thickness, while an 8- to 10-inch-thick poured concrete wall is about 0. 4 to 0. 3 perms. Once moisture intrudes into a block, it makes the pores even larger, reinforcing the cycle of damage to the structure. To waterproof concrete blocks, apply a coating directly on the bare wall, use a breathable/permeable barrier, use a weather-resistant elastomeric layer, repair cracks and fill voids first, and install an air and moisture barrier.
How to make block foundation look better?
The article presents a variety of foundation refacing concepts, including the incorporation of flora and fauna, the application of stucco, the installation of latticework, the use of paint, the creation of a border with rocks or gravel, the application of stone veneer, the use of steel sheets, and the utilization of bricks.
How do you fix a cinder block basement?
The process of repairing a broken cinder block wall involves several steps. First, the area needs to be cleaned and filed, followed by hosing the wall with water and allowing it to dry. If any blocks are beyond repair, they must be removed. Next, the broken blocks should be replaced with new ones, using mortar to the edges of the opening and inserting a new block. Small cracks and gaps can be resolved by patching them with a cement mixture.
The final step is to wait for the mortar and cement to dry, which should take about 24 hours. This will allow the wall to be fully functional again. Some common causes of cinder block wall damage include moisture, freezing and thawing, hydrostatic pressure, settlement, and natural forces. Moisture absorbs water, leading to cracks and other forms of damage. Freezing and thawing can cause water to expand and contract within the materials of the cinder block wall, causing both the mortar and blocks to crack.
Hydrostatic pressure, which is the force that water exerts on surfaces it touches, can cause the wall to fail if it is a retaining wall. Differential settlement, where uneven foundation shifts occur, can also cause foundation damage, including cracks in the cinder block walls.
In summary, the basic steps for fixing a broken cinder block wall involve cleaning, filing, replacing, patching, and allowing the wall to dry.
Should I paint my cinder block basement walls?
Bricks and blocks are traditionally porous, designed to absorb and release water. This can cause issues over time if walls have not been properly maintained. Bricks are made from clay, sand, water, and heat, making them brittle. Water can come from anywhere, including inside your building, and waterproofing the outside of your wall traps moisture inside the structure. As bricks and blocks age, they are more likely to deteriorate through natural expansion and contraction with the seasons.
Over time, moisture enters the walls, freezing and expanding, putting pressure on the hardened aggregate and breaking apart granules. This process continues during freezing rain or winter seasons with rapid temperature drops, leading to microscopically destabilized bricks and mortar, and causing them to be swept away. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid painting over brick and block walls to prevent potential issues.
How do you cover exterior foundation walls?
This article explores various ways to cover exposed house foundations, including bricks, cement blocks, conceal and paint, flower beds, gravel, high bush and hedges, river rocks, and steel sheets. House foundations are crucial for maintaining a home’s strength and durability, as they serve as protection during harsh weather conditions. However, not everyone is fond of having exposed foundations as they can be an eyesore.
Some ideas include creating a lattice with bricks, using cement blocks, concealing and painting, flower beds, gravel, high bush and hedges, river rocks, and steel sheets. By considering these options, homeowners can protect their homes from deterioration and moisture intrusion, ensuring their structural integrity.
How do you change the look of a cinder block wall?
Henry Parker, a home improvement enthusiast, offers various ways to transform plain cinder block walls into more unique and functional spaces. He provides easy-to-follow guides and reviews on topics like painting, flooring, windows, and lawn care, helping homeowners make informed decisions and achieve desired results. His articles cover topics such as the best electric riding lawn mower, how to remove paint from flooring, and signs of bad tile job.
Parker lives in Florida with his wife and two kids and enjoys DIY projects around the house. He regularly contributes to Today’s Homeowner, where he shares his work. His expertise in various home improvement topics is invaluable for homeowners looking to enhance their property’s appearance and functionality.
Are cinder blocks good for basement walls?
Cinder block foundations were the norm before the 1970s, and they were built with a masonry foundation. They have better lateral strength and compression strength, allowing them to hold more weight on top of the foundation. However, they require skilled bricklayers, which can increase labor costs and make them more prone to bowing and buckling. Additionally, they are more prone to leaks due to grout lines and water and weather wear.
Poured concrete foundations are stronger than cinder blocks, with better lateral strength and easier waterproofing. They can be formed in any foundation design and can be adapted for last-minute changes. Constructing a poured wall is faster and more efficient, but it can be expensive if the cement plant is far away. If the concrete truck has to travel farther than 90 minutes, a cinder block wall foundation is likely the better choice.
House foundations are constructed from the strongest materials, such as concrete, to ensure that houses remain in place during severe weather and natural disasters, including earthquakes. Most people opt for poured concrete basements over cinder block foundations, as concrete is the strongest construction material and foundation for a house.
📹 How to Waterproof Concrete Block, Best Waterproofing for Concrete Block
Waterproofing #waterproofingmembrane View more info here: https://semcofl.com/best-waterproofing-for-concrete-block/ While …
So I get you’re in the desert so vapor barriers and insultation aren’t totally necessary (I guess). What caught my eye was the CMU block wall looked like there are/were mortar joints the seemed cracked/open. If they are compromised, I assume you repaired them? Also, when anchoring furring strips, you probably discovered that they should be sunk into the wood. That makes the drywall seat on the strips more securely. Hope your progress is smooth!
Do you need vapour barrier between the bottom plate and concrete because of moisture? Or just use a pressure treated bottom plate instead? Also I think another viable option would be to have 2×4 strapping that is not touching the wall and have a bit of gap so you can pack it with more insulation since it’s not load bearing. Looks good though
FLORIDA HOME BUILT IN 2005 – I have noticed some moisture reading on my drywall and I made some holes…I discovered the concrete block home does not have insulation; there is simple drywall attached to half inch wood with silver aluminum I guess backing to maybe capture the moisture but there is only half inch empty space…and no foam, no other type of insulation. FOR SURE THAT IS NOT ENOUGHT TO MEET CURRENT BUILDING CODES IN THE POLK COUNTY; BUT IN 2005 MAYBE IT WAS LEGAL??? ANYADVICE HOW TO INSULATE THIS HOME? ITHOUGHT ABOUT SPRAY FOAM TO FILL THAT HALF INCH EMPTY SPACE. concrete block is filled with concrete to the top and there is stucco.
Great article!! Question as I’m attempting a similar project…Have a detached cinderblock garage. Only using it for storage so I wont be insulating. I only plan to attached 1×4 studs then the drywall right on top of that. When putting on studs, is it important to get the frame of windows as well? In addition, what can you do about protruding electrical wall outlets? If I put the studs on, the electrical outlet comes out slightly further than the stud and so it won’t be flush with the drywall
For the wood along the floor can it get just glued down with liquid nails instead of nails driven into the concrete? Wondering so I can get my basement done but I do not want any water seepage from nails in the floor, ? I had a section in my basement that had nails in my floor that always cause a trail of water when it heavy rain?
The blocks are hollow. I’m having a very hard time. I tried tap con screws but since it’s hollow, doesn’t hold. I thought I would use short ones so that it didn’t penetrate into the hollow part of the block. No luck. So longer ones, now is that helpful. concrete screws? I may have the same problem. I am just looking to put up drywall on the lower portion of a kitchen block/plaster wall –long story as to why.. the house was built in 1935 and they put up drywall on top of plaster before adding cabinets. I’m doing a renovation as a newbie. I’m replastering where an old pantry was and am trying to adds 1×3 at the base to attach drywall to at 36 inches to flow with the old portion. I can’t get the tap cons secure. Anyway
Wow…couldn’t get away with that in Minnesota…those are above grade at least it appears….looks like some of the walls were at least moisture treated…cold air against warm walls = condensation…with the air website it could be better or be worse…hopefully you don’t have to tear it out in a few years…I can’t count how many installs like that I’ve redone after mold developed, that was a common way of doing it for a lot of years though.
I own a house in North Alabama. The exterior walls are cinderblock without exterior cladding. I always felt cold in the winter despite having a good hvac. The walls are freezing despite mild winters and very warm in the Summer. There is NO insulation between the cinderblocks and the sheetrock. The blocks and the airgap aren’t enough to provide comfort. I’m slowly building up the frame, one room at a time, in order to have adequate rockwool and make it easier to cool and warm up. Thank you for posting your article. It’s great to see your family learn as you build your dream home!
I’m planning to cover my concrete block house (not basement) with drywall, I live in Alabama so a lot of humidity here, what advice would you give to me? Please, I’m so ignorant with this so would you use concrete sealer or vapor barrier, if vapor barrier how would that be? 1) IDEA 1 : Studs, then vapor barrier between the studs and then the foam insulation and last thing drywall?, 2) vapor barrier the whole wall then install studs and then insulation between studs? Thanks