Help! I have a opening in my cinder block foundation- approx a full stretcher- as a result of venting from a previous furnace. The sheet metal is still in the opening with chicken wire on the outside. Additionally, the opening is approx two feet above grade with a uneven, rough sand like texured finish to the exterior. Home was built in 1919.
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What is your question? Do you want to plug off the opening with masonry, or what?
Yes. I have a cinder block I do need to know type of masonary patch I need to use - type M or N? I also need to know technique to matching exterior facing which is a undulating rough sand like finish.
Without a photo, I'm not sure of your finish, but it could be either split-faced block or a parged coating, such as Tamoseal (just one brand of several) which is a waterproofing overcoat which can be mixed with an admix and brushed on and/or troweled to a given texture.
If it's a split-faced block, the "hole" will need to be cleaned out and a split-faced block mortared in. If it's a parged finish, you can fill the hole with a common block flush to the adjoining blocks and coat with the mix.
I suggest you drop by a local masonry supply and they will likely be able to explain the process in more detail and set you up with the right materials. (HomeDepot or Lowes is not a masonry supply).
What you want to do is not beyond the abilities of a "Do-it-yourselfer" since it's only one spot and, while you may have to buy a couple of inexpensive tools, you can save a few bucks over having a mason come out and do it.
Of course, a mason is going to charge you what might seem a rediculous amount for such a small job, but realize that a lot of time is involved in doing a small job like this....the actual repair is easy, but the site visit, a trip to get the materials and then the actual work might consume half a day of the man's time. But the results will be good, if the craftsman is experienced. The masonry supply should be able to refer you to some local masons.
Since you're new to this site, it would be helpful if you'd click on your screen name and fill out your profile...if you hang around here long, you'll find that there are a lot of regional differences in the way things are done, the materials we use vary and methods are often climate driven.
If you have a digital camera, photos are helpful, but are best posted at under 100kb since many of us are on dial-up. Many photo programs enable you to resize your photos. I use Paintshop pro, but there is a free download a lot of folks use called Irfanview.
Stick around. As a homeowner, you'll learn a lot here!