![]() Allow the products to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before applying flashing and air barrier. Smooth and fill rough flush concrete, surface protrusions, defects, and voids greater than 1/2-inch in depth with a high-quality product like Detail Sealant PW™ or Polyguard BB GF (Blue Barrier Gap Filler). ![]() To ensure the successful and long-lasting performance of the moisture barrier products, gather your tools and materials and properly prepare the substrate.Ĭlean the concrete surfaces to remove all damaged mortar, overcoating, paint, efflorescence, or contaminants to achieve an open pore profile and ensure adherence and performance of the sealant. Follow manufacturer instructions, and pay special attention to the application products in recommended temperature conditions. Therefore, waterproofing professionals strongly recommend using products from a single manufacturer for your system. Waterproofing manufacturers vet and test their products to work seamlessly together. Successfully covering and sealing concrete block walls against moisture and air leaks by hydrostatic pressures, capillary action, hairline cracks, worn down mortar, etc., involves the proper application of a system of high-quality waterproofing products like Improperly reinforced concrete blocks create weak walls.Ĭoncrete block foundations may bow and buckle if the water around a structure's soil builds up, which can result in expensive repairs.Ĭoncrete block walls have good load-bearing strength, but can lose lateral stability if not fully grouted with rebar. Other Problems with Concrete Block ConstructionĬoncrete blocks are heavy: 8-in blocks weigh 36 lbs, and 10-in blocks weigh 42 lbs. ![]() ![]() Hydrostatic pressure rises with depth and soil wetness and causes moisture to infiltrate through joints and cracks, that will permeate solid concrete through wicking (capillary action). Hydrostatic pressure happens when gravity pushes static (stagnant-dense) water (hydro) against below grade walls built entirely below the water table, or partially on a hillside. Joint areas will develop hairline cracks as the wall responds to soil settlement and hydrostatic pressure. Water and weather can wear down the mortar used to join concrete blocks together which can cause leaks. Capillary action refers to water's ability to flow into narrow channels between porous building materials, like concrete. Concrete Blocks Are PorousĬoncrete blocks' large pores make them semi-permeable (3.2 perms per inch of thickness) and susceptible to water and vapor intrusion due to capillary action. Moisture problems with concrete block walls mandate quality air and moisture barrier coverings. The uniform size of concrete blocks makes them easy to stack. Properly built concrete block walls offer more compression strength than a poured concrete foundation, which means a concrete block wall can hold more weight on the foundation's top.Ĭoncrete blocks do not require forms (like those needed for poured concrete foundations) to configure and secure the blocks.Ĭoncrete blocks do not require a ready-mixed plant, like poured concrete foundation.Ĭoncrete blocks do not require curing time, like poured concrete walls.īuilders can reinforce concrete blocks with steel rebar and mortar to create strong walls. Next, mortar joins the blocks together, which rest on concrete footings. To optimize stability and strength, workers install the blocks in a running bond pattern with steel reinforcing bars inserted in the core of the blocks. Concrete Block WallsĬoncrete block walls typically use large (8-in or 10-in wide and 16-in long) hollow concrete blocks however, the size varies depending on the building's weight load. For help selecting the best products and methods for coving your concrete block walls, contact our Polyguard waterproofing professionals today. Polyguard waterproofing products help to ensure protection against moisture and air infiltration by hydrostatic pressures and capillary action in the most severe conditions to maintain a building's long-term integrity, safety, and health. Designing a concrete wall without adequate waterproofing can cause uneven floors, cracked walls, and expensive and complicated repairs. Waterproofing also provides insulation benefits and can reduce insect problems. Concrete block walls made of concrete masonry units (CMUs) are an economical and efficient method for constructing above grade and foundation walls.Ī building's long-term integrity and safety depend on covering the concrete walls in order to prevent water infiltration.
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