How Do You Replace Cinder Block Walls In A Basement?

How Do You Replace Cinder Block Walls In A Basement?

While poured concrete is now the norm for most residential basements, cinder block foundations are still common in some places. Because cinder blocks are a masonry product, they are durable and structurally sound when reinforced with steel and filled with concrete or mortar.

Basement cinder block replacement is a large undertaking that necessitates excavation as well as the use of support beams and house jacks. Unless you have prior expertise spreading weight loads, this is a job best left to the professionals.

Support Structure.

You must first support the structure that the current cinder blocks are now supporting before you can begin removing the old cinder blocks. This entails constructing structural beams in the basement that span the same distance as the wall section being removed.

The beams will be held in place by hydraulic house jacks. The jacks must be supported by concrete or a barrier that prevents them from shifting.

Extraction.

It is feasible to dig out the exterior of a basement with a shovel, but it is not recommended. A skilled backhoe operator can swiftly remove the dirt directly close to the foundation, forming a trench to access the cinder blocks.

Before you begin digging, contact your local utility providers to confirm that there are no electrical lines or pipelines beneath the area to be excavated.

In some towns, you may also be required to get a permit before beginning the job, and the excavator may be required to build a stair-type trench, which is safer than a straight-side trench but requires digging up a significant amount of the yard adjacent to the foundation. You may also be required to build trench safety supports.

Removing The Blocks.

Cinder blocks are installed in a stair-step arrangement, and they are removed in the same manner. The tried-and-true method of removing the blocks is to smash them out, but this may rapidly become tiring. The professionals employ rotary hammers and demolition hammers, which may be rented from construction rental outlets.

However, utilizing them is equivalent to using a jackhammer, therefore hiring a strong person for this duty.

If you’re simply removing a piece of the broken blocks, you’ll need a circular saw with an abrasive blade to cut the mortar joint beneath the last bricks you remove cleanly. Horizontal steel bars should be found between each row of blocks, while vertical bars may be found in the centre of the blocks. These bars will be cut with a reciprocating saw.

Installing New Blocks.

Arrange the new blocks in the same arrangement as the previous ones. Steel rebar, which fits into grooves between the courses, is required, and local regulations may also demand vertical bars. Use a mortar that has been properly designed for structural use.

The standard mortar used to lay bricks on a house’s side is insufficient. As you continue, fill the spaces in the blocks with mortar or concrete mix.

Wait a couple of weeks after installing the highest cinder blocks beneath the house sill before backfilling the soil near the foundation. The house jacks and support beams can then be removed.

Can You Replace A Cinder Block Foundation With Poured Concrete?

Yes, you can add poured concrete to an existing cinder block foundation. There are many reasons why you might choose to replace a block wall. Maybe the blocks have started to crumble, or maybe you just don’t like the look of them. No matter the reason, there are a few different ways you can go about replacing a block wall.

One option is to simply remove the blocks and replace them with a poured concrete wall. This is typically the most expensive option, but sometimes a necessary one and a more permanent solution too.

Another option is to build a new wall next to the existing one. This can be a more affordable option, and it can also give your yard a fresh, new look.

Finally, you could simply cover the block wall with something else, such as wood or stucco. This is a less expensive option, and it can be a good way to disguise a block wall that you don’t like the look of.