Concrete cinder block walls are sturdy and easy to build, but can often be unattractive when compared with the rest of your home. By covering the wall with surface bonding cement, you can increase the water resistance of the wall as well as the durability while creating a uniform surface that will blend with most architectural styles.
While many people may think that stucco should be used on a cinder block wall, surface bonding cement is actually what should be used. A good surface bonding cement will contain fiberglass as well as acrylic to further enhance the strength and flexibility of the product. These additives also make surface bonding cement easier to work with for first time users.
Prep the Cinder Block Wall
Begin this project by cleaning the cinder block wall thoroughly and repairing any cracks. Soak the concrete cinder block wall thoroughly with a hose to help the surface bonding cement adhere. Wet a portion of the wall that you will be able to cover within ten minutes and work on that section, wetting and applying surface bonding cement as you go to prevent cracking.
How Much of the Cinder Block Wall Should I Work at a Time?
To start, mix enough surface bonding cement to cover about 20 feet of the concrete cinder block wall according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply on to the moistened wall using a square trowel with small upwards strokes. Plan on applying thinly: a depth of 1/8" is best for this type of work. Take your time to make sure that the surface is as smooth as possible.
After a single section of your concrete cinder block wall is covered, use a new, wet trowel to further smooth the surface of the cement. Continue working the surface bonding cement until the desired texture is reached. Then move on to the next section of wall until the wall is complete.
A Cure for Cracking
Covering a concrete cinder block wall with surface bonding cement can cause some cracking. For this reason, you should plan on using a groover to cut vertical lines in the cement to prevent any random cracks. Control joints, as these vertical lines are called, should be cut to a 1:2 height to length ratio, although extra control joints can be added for design purposes.
A Great Project for the Methodical Homeowner
This project is a great way to protect the durability of your cinder block wall while enhancing the overall appearance of your backyard. This is a good project for a homeowner who is patient and willing to work carefully and methodically. Anyone else should contact a professional to complete the job for them.
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A cinder block basement is now just below the water table. Can the water in contact with exterior of the blocks cause deterioration of the blocks, weaking the foundation of the house?
What do you do if the wall was painted?
Thanks
Eric
DEAR AMY,
IVE GOT A BASEMENT MADE OUT OF CINDER BLOCKS AND WAS WANDERING IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO OUTSIDE TO IT TO STRENGTH IT AND MAKE IT LOOK BETTER. THE WALL HAS BEEN PAINTED ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO BEFOR I
BOUGHT IT WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO THERE. THANKS JON