Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Mortar Joint Deterioration
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tmart
09-24-09, 03:18 PM
I have a 25 year old home in North Florida. It has poured concrete slab with cement blocks around outside placed on a poured footer. The mortar between the blocks has been separating and deteriorating. I think the moisture has caused most of the problem. I do need to install gutters. How would I repair this mortar problem?
Thank You!
Thank You!
Smitty
09-25-09, 12:11 PM
Gutters are a great investment to help eliminate the root problem water..Drainage is very important as well, you may require site grading near your house to correct drainage issues as well. You don't want water collecting around your house... Once you solved your water problems the deteriorated mortar needs to be removed and replaced with new mortar. This process is known as "pointing" or "tuck pointing".
In your post you mentioned separation, do you mean cracks(step cracks) or just random badly deteriorated vertical (head joints) from water erosion? A 25 year old footer should be done settling, if you have cracks that are growing in size that is an indication of foundation/footer damage. If this is the case, Where are the cracks located exactly? Recognizing foundation defects and where they are located help separate cosmetic low-risk condition, from those likely to be costly and problematic down the road if not addressed due to continuing movement.
In your post you mentioned separation, do you mean cracks(step cracks) or just random badly deteriorated vertical (head joints) from water erosion? A 25 year old footer should be done settling, if you have cracks that are growing in size that is an indication of foundation/footer damage. If this is the case, Where are the cracks located exactly? Recognizing foundation defects and where they are located help separate cosmetic low-risk condition, from those likely to be costly and problematic down the road if not addressed due to continuing movement.
tmart
09-26-09, 12:01 PM
Hi Smitty,
Thanks for the info. The separation I was referring to is the separation of the motar joint from the blocks along a horizontal line. This is occurring at 3 corners of the house foundation.
Thanks for the info. The separation I was referring to is the separation of the motar joint from the blocks along a horizontal line. This is occurring at 3 corners of the house foundation.
Smitty
09-27-09, 01:35 PM
If there is any doubt to the seriousness of the cracks, it is better to be safe than sorry. Consult an expert (NOT A CONTRACTOR), but a structural engineer, and get an engineer's report. A seasoned engineer's advice is necessary for several reasons. The actual cause of the foundation failure needs to be identified correctly so that the proper solution is employed. There are many reasons for failure. Depending on the material from which a foundation is made, the location, size and shape of the foundation crack, and other site observations like poor construction, soil etc...to many possibilities to list..
Typically, an engineers report will have a one or two page report that contains a drawing and plans if needed. It Will also will include and identify the problems, if any. For example, un-level areas of the foundation, drainage corrections needed, foundation defects, causes of the defects, recommendations how the defects or corrections should be made, if any, be sure to ask the structural engineer about soil problems.
If you bring an engineer in, the contractor, that is eventually hired, must follow this plan to insure that the foundation is repaired properly. In which case, your covered, You don't get this same assurance from a repair company salesperson or contractor. The added expense is small in comparison to the latter.
Hope this helps
Typically, an engineers report will have a one or two page report that contains a drawing and plans if needed. It Will also will include and identify the problems, if any. For example, un-level areas of the foundation, drainage corrections needed, foundation defects, causes of the defects, recommendations how the defects or corrections should be made, if any, be sure to ask the structural engineer about soil problems.
If you bring an engineer in, the contractor, that is eventually hired, must follow this plan to insure that the foundation is repaired properly. In which case, your covered, You don't get this same assurance from a repair company salesperson or contractor. The added expense is small in comparison to the latter.
Hope this helps