Sealing Exterior Cinder Block Walls

A cinder block is much more porous compared to a standard concrete block or poured concrete.

Sealing exterior cinder block walls.

Cinder block walls are strong and inexpensive but they aren t always pleasant to look at. Cracks in basement walls allow water to enter the basement which leads to mold and mildew growth. If you see wet spots you need to let them dry out. Filling a small and moderate crack is necessary to prevent unhealthy conditions in the home.

They chemically react below the surface without changing the look or color of the block and they won t leave behind a visible surface film. Manufacturers cast cinder block also known as concrete masonry units from pumice or clay and concrete to form a lightweight hollow block. I am still not sure what cause the blocks to crumble but i m hoping that by applying a sealant or some type of weather protection on the new cinder block walls will keep this from happening in the future. Fortunately you have many options for improving a cinder block wall.

Also for the exterior walls retaining walls and non load bearing partition walls. Otherwise water will seep in through the walls of your basement. Concrete is an inexpensive way to create a strong cover. Several masonry patching products such as hydraulic cement do an adequate job of filling cracks in concrete.

Most block sealing is done with a high performance penetrating sealer that seals and waterproofs while leaving a completely natural sheen and appearance. Heavyweight concrete blocks are semi permeable 5 perms and less so when the hollow cores are filled and packed with a slurry mix of concrete about 2 perms. The cracks might indicate a more serious structural problem. Foundation armor penetrating sealers and water repellents can be used to seal both interior and exterior cinderblock and concrete block walls.

Why cinder block walls leak. If you notice large recurring cracks or bulging walls at your house don t try to fix these conditions yourself. These products work 100 below the surface to protect from. Home blog cinder block sealers and how to seal cinder block walls.

Deco 20 clear penetrating sealer a green product producing a highly breathable moisture barrier that stops water vapor transmission. Stucco is similar to concrete but more decorative. Concrete block sealer products. By waterproofing your basement you will be preventing health dangers and also costly repairs.

Let the cinder blocks wall dry completely you can t apply radonseal or any other sealing product until the blocks are dry. The original cinder blocks had crumbled and no longer were supporting the concrete pad adequately. Cinder blocks are classified as permeable to water and water vapor 10 perms. Call in a structural engineer for an in depth evaluation.