Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 23, 1999 02:34am | #1

   *
   Tina:

   If it were me, assuming small gaps, I'd parge the exterior of the wall with come kind of fiber impreginated cement product such as Bonsal Surface Bonding Cement. Parging is an easy process and it gives a stuco like appearence to a block wall. I have used this particular product several times. On a job about 7 years ago, (oldest parge job to date) there is not a single crack in the surface. The product is a little expensive but I feel it increases the strength of the wall significantly in addition to improving the appearence.

   Not meaning to be a smart a$$, but let me guess - You got a great deal on a mason, or, it was a DIY project. In the case of the latter, I am not a mason by any means but have learned the hard way, it's much harder than it looks. The only time I lay block is when it won't show, or it can be parged.

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 23, 1999 02:49am | #2

   *If you are talking about the mortar joint with no mortar, have the wall tuckpointed.Dave

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 23, 1999 07:56pm | #3

   *Dave -- yes, there are places where there are blocks with no mortar between them. What's tuckpointing?

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 23, 1999 10:39pm | #4

   *Tuckpointing is the process of replacing old, deteriorated, or missing mortar from a masonry wall. The joints need to be cleaned out with a grinder, dust and debris removed, wetted, then new mortar put back. A good mason should be able to help you out.Dave

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 24, 1999 02:03am | #5

   *Thanks. I figured that was the explanation...tuck...point...pictured little trowel tucking mortar into joints.

2. 
   Guest_ | Oct 24, 1999 06:10am | #6

   *What's the line between tuckpointing and repointing? I had thought the tucking involved no grinding, just forcing in new mortar to fill gaps, i.e., it was the shortcut.