Is A Concrete Block Foundation Good?

Is A Concrete Block Foundation Good?

Yes, concrete block foundations are good. Concrete blocks are a type of construction material that is commonly used in a variety of applications. One of the main advantages of using concrete blocks is that they are very durable and resistant to fire and weathering.

Additionally, concrete blocks can be used for walls, floors, ceilings, and commercial structures.

They also have good insulation properties, which can help to keep a structure warm in winter and cool in summer. Overall, concrete blocks have a long service life, which makes them a popular choice for many construction projects.

If you’re thinking about buying a property with a concrete block foundation, you should look into your choices for future upgrades. You can sometimes upgrade or replace it. For example, if your concrete block foundation has been damaged by flood or fire, you may be able to save some of the original building materials and replace the others with similar materials.

Why Is Your Concrete Foundation Crumbling?

Scaling is a process that might cause your concrete foundation to crumble (or spalling). Scaling occurs when your concrete foundation is exposed to freezing and thawing water, causing it to collapse or chip. Scaling can also develop as a result of age or if your foundation is pressure washed or sandblasted repeatedly.

Scaling may appear to be a minor aesthetic issue, but if left ignored, it can progress into a structural problem over time. Here are major causes of crumbling on concrete foundations;

Thawing And Freezing.

Although concrete appears to be a sturdy and lasting material, it is porous and will absorb water. When the trapped water within the concrete freezes, it forces the cement binder apart.

Crumbling is caused by this expansion and the subsequent contraction as the water melts again. Seal your concrete stairs or pathway with a sealer once a year if you reside in an area where winter temperatures are cold enough to freeze water.

Mineral Substances

Gravel is used as an aggregate in concrete. When the stone used for this gravel includes particular mineral deposits, these minerals progressively leach out and cause the concrete to fracture and crumble.

Pyrites are the primary culprit in residential concrete. Other minerals, such as silica and mica, cause degradation when present in high concentrations. Modern concrete testing requirements eliminate these difficulties in new concrete, but older concrete structures may be affected.

De-Icing Salt.

Walking on a frost-covered concrete driveway becomes slippery and unsafe. While sprinkling a little rock salt may stimulate melting and provide traction, it will also harm the concrete’s surface.

A chemical reaction causes pitting and cracking of the surface of concrete caused by rock salt, or sodium chloride. This is avoided by using other de-icing crystals such as magnesium chloride or potassium chloride.

Excessive Water.

Concrete is available in dry form, either as cement bags or ready to mix with gravel already added. Because cement reacts chemically to moisture, it begins to set as soon as you add water.

When too much moisture is added during the mixing step, the chemical linkages that form a strong and durable concrete surface become weaker. To avoid weak concrete that collapses under pressure, use only as much water as the mix’s design specifies.

How Do You Repair A Concrete Foundation?

Foundations are one of the most important structural components of any building. They are responsible for transferring loads of the building into the ground and providing stability. Because of this, it is essential that foundations are built properly and are in good condition.

If a foundation is damaged, it can cause major problems for the entire building. There are a number of different ways to repair a concrete foundation. Here are steps on how to repair cracks on a concrete foundation;

• Use triple-expanding foam insulation to fill the space inside the concrete block. Allow the foam to set for 10 minutes.
• Extend the crack in the wall using a hammer and a cold chisel. Then go outside and repeat, this time expanding the breach on the outside of the wall.
• In a 5-gallon bucket, combine mortar and water with a drill and mixing paddle.
• Re-mix the mortar with the acrylic bonding agent.
• Shave any cured foam projecting from the wall with a margin trowel. Then, using the trowel tip, press the foam within the wall.
• Dampen the fissure in the wall using a moist sponge.
• Using a margin trowel, push mortar into the cracks on the interior and external walls.
• Using a flat trowel, smooth the mortar flat against the wall. Allow around 15 minutes for the mortar to dry.
• Using a moist sponge, lightly scrape the mortared surfaces to give a textured finish.
• Allow the mortar to dry for two weeks before painting with masonry paint if desired.