Any masonry experts - or construction

Rusty Scupper · 03-11-2006, 07:54 PM

This home that I am looking at has a block foundation with 3 of the sides built into a hill. The forth side wood construction and entrance to the home. So the ground slopes down the two sides to the 4th side (exposed side)

The block that is exposed on the sides has some calcification on it. What causes this? Gutters need to be replaced. Is it water from the outside, Heat escaping from the inside?

The home doesn't have carpet on the main level (no basement) so are their water issues? Property disclosure doesn't indicate but who knows if the sellers are honest about water or moisture issues.

I have pictures if anybody is interested in looking at them. Just don't want to get into more than I bargain for. Home inspector looked at them and he said that they are inconclusive. The home needs a lot of work, but I don't want to have to gut it.

Invisible · 03-12-2006, 07:06 AM

It could be from hard water in the area. I'm no PE but I know someone who basically is. If you want to post some pics I can see what he thinks. But honestly, I would try to find a local structural engineer come look at it. He/she should be able to tell you what, if anything, is wrong with the wall. It could just be from moisture, or it could be damage.

70boss302 · 03-12-2006, 07:59 AM

If it is a very light and fluffy white formation, then it's called efflouresance and it is just a chemical reaction that happens w/ masonry. Wash the area w/ a good mix of soap and hot water with a stiff brush. Rinse w/ cold water and you'll be OK. Look for cracks larger than a pencil. They indicate movement and settling and are real concerns.

**RockWoRM** · 03-12-2006, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70boss302

If it is a very light and fluffy white formation, then it's called efflouresance and it is just a chemical reaction that happens w/ masonry. Wash the area w/ a good mix of soap and hot water with a stiff brush. Rinse w/ cold water and you'll be OK. Look for cracks larger than a pencil. They indicate movement and settling and are real concerns.

Sounds like that is what could be, also. But the way to eleminate efflouresance is with a 10 - 15% solution of muratic acid in water, then rince off with clean water. Soap if you choose. Light sandblasting in more serious cases is sometimes nessarry.

If the block foundation you speak of is block-lite (very common building material) then it is VERY porous, and is NOT waterproof. If you decide to buy the house, then I would look into some form of waterproofing for the block. Check the inside transition areas where the block wall meets the floor or substructure. Check for wetness or rot. You should get a termite inspection, too.

good luck,

WoRM

Rusty Scupper · 03-12-2006, 06:10 PM

No termites in Wisc.

Waterproofing the block isn't a big deal where it is exposed, but the thought of digging up around the foundation and proofing that doesn't sound like fun. I did check transitions and they seemed dry.

Thanks for the info.

70boss302 · 03-12-2006, 07:55 PM

If you are concerned about excess moisture, go and drop by right after a heavy rain. Just drop by unannounced. Explain to the owner that you saw the house once and just wanted to take a second look at the bedrooms. Once your in, look all you want. Yes, this is a little sly, but we are talking about a big expense here.

**Grape Ape** · 03-12-2006, 08:46 PM

You can purchase a sealer that can be painted on the inside of the block. As long as the transition from the floor to the block is good the sealer should solve any problems of water leaching through the block.

03-12-2006, 07:59 AM	#3
70boss302 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: NYS Catskills Posts: 83 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	If it is a very light and fluffy white formation, then it's called efflouresance and it is just a chemical reaction that happens w/ masonry. Wash the area w/ a good mix of soap and hot water with a stiff brush. Rinse w/ cold water and you'll be OK. Look for cracks larger than a pencil. They indicate movement and settling and are real concerns. __________________ Muscle cars rule

03-12-2006, 07:55 PM	#6
70boss302 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: NYS Catskills Posts: 83 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	If you are concerned about excess moisture, go and drop by right after a heavy rain. Just drop by unannounced. Explain to the owner that you saw the house once and just wanted to take a second look at the bedrooms. Once your in, look all you want. Yes, this is a little sly, but we are talking about a big expense here. __________________ Muscle cars rule

03-12-2006, 07:06 AM	#2
Invisible Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Taneytown, MD Posts: 253 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	It could be from hard water in the area. I'm no PE but I know someone who basically is. If you want to post some pics I can see what he thinks. But honestly, I would try to find a local structural engineer come look at it. He/she should be able to tell you what, if anything, is wrong with the wall. It could just be from moisture, or it could be damage.

03-12-2006, 06:10 PM	#5
Rusty Scupper Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: WI Posts: 37 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	No termites in Wisc. Waterproofing the block isn't a big deal where it is exposed, but the thought of digging up around the foundation and proofing that doesn't sound like fun. I did check transitions and they seemed dry. Thanks for the info.