Patching the cracks in foundation blocks?

Question

I'd like to keep some of the cold air from getting under the house this winter. I've got a lot of cracks and missing mortar between the blocks used for the foundation of my old house. I'm using mortar mix to fill them and finish them. Is there a better way? This seems like it will work but if there is a better way I'm open to suggestions. I'd buy the stuff in a caulking tube but it's going to take a lot and I'd have to buy out Lowe's to get enough to do the job. I'm using the ready mix mortar.

Tony Hwang · Accepted Answer

Hi,Expanding spray foam or concrete/masonry sealant?Tony

default · Answer

Umm.... why is your block foundation coming apart?

ZZonka Tonka · Answer

My old house was built on hand poured cement blocks.  The blocks are two halvesheld together by wire.  They are only one block below grade and high claycontent soil.  You've heard of floating floors?  Well I have a floatingfoundation.  I think the old house was built between 1910 and 1920.  It isballoon frame construction and had only wood siding, 2x4, lath, plaster forwalls.  The floors are bouncy, except where I braced them and nothing is squarebut it's home to me and my three dogs.  I'm slapping (and I do mean slapping!)mortar mix on the joints and it seems to be working.  So far I've used a 40 lbbag and I'm about done with one side.   I stopped the foundation job to put in amuch needed new hot water line to the kitchen sink, the old pipe would hardlyflow any water and in winter the cold/hot cycles put a lot of rust particles inthe water messing up the sink faucet sprayer.  Next years project is to replacethe roof, probably with some kind of metal roof so I won't have to worry...

Patching the cracks in foundation blocks?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?