Cinder blocks are primarily used for the foundation of buildings. They are also common materials used for the construction of garages and other structures. They are quite durable and strong, but at times they are liable to breakage and damage. The cracks formed with time in the cinder blocks can affect the building as it will cause leakage and damage the walls and ceiling. This water can affect the foundation of your home and needs immediate attention if you want save the remaining part of the foundation from getting damaged. The water that seeps into the cinder blocks often freezes repeatedly. This process constantly creates a tension on the blocks and they eventually breaks. If you have a damaged cinder block in your home wall then it is always advisable to replace it completely instead of simply patching it. It is necessary to replace damaged cinder blocks to prevent heat loss and water leakage.
Instructions for replacing damaged cinder blocks:
Look out for pipes and wires
Before you start with the replacement work, make sure that you check the presence of pipes and wires running through the wall where you are doing the replacement. You need to be extra careful about this as damaging wires and pipes can cause more trouble and can be dangerous too at times. It is rare to find wires and pipes, but if you do come across them, make sure to take help form a plumber or electrician before you start with the replacement work.
Remove the old block
After you have inspected the damaged blocks carefully, start with the removal process. Use a hammer or a cold chisel as they are handy tools that will be helpful. While doing this you need to be extra careful with the hammer orelse you will end up damaging other blocks and create unnecessary hassle for yourself. Try and chip out as much of mortar as possible when you are taking out the block. Take out the broken pieces as well and clean up the area and make enough space for the new block to fit in. You will need to place the new block and secure it with mortar.
Bond beams
You will face some difficulty if you discover a bond beam while replacing the damaged block. Bond beams are used to provide extra stability to the cinder blocks. They are placed over a row of cinder blocks and they are mostly made of metal. They usually run the entire length of the wall and so if you find one, its a difficult situation to handle. You can start with scraping off the mortar form the bar. This will create extra space and will give you the idea whether the new cinder block will fit in or not. This will also not be very easy as mortar tends to stick to the metal bar firmly. Scraping it off will demand a lot of extra effort. If you fail to remove the mortar then get hold of a bold cutter and remove that particular section of the metal beam, which is causing the obstruction. This will give you an easier and firmer grip without affecting the wall.
Visit a home improvement store
Once you have cleared out the area, you need to get the materials required to make the mortar. You will find the essential materials in a nearby home improvement store. Use the right ratio of water and other materials and mix the mortar. Once it is ready, apply it on the open surface of the space that you have created to place the new cinder block. Apply more mortar than you think is required. To keep the new block in space with the other blocks, you may have to use a spacing shim. Choose the perfect size of the shim and place it at the top of the block at the bottom of the hole which is open.
Final step of placing the new block
Now you are perfectly ready to place the new block into the wall. After you have placed it, fill the extra spaces with mortar. Use a mason’s striking tool to give a perfect finish to your job. The whole process of replacing the damaged cinder block will hardly affect the environment. The old block can be reused if possible.
