Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    mumzze18's Avatar
    mumzze18 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 23, 2011, 11:09 PM
    The foundation blocks around my house do not have concrete between them is this OK?
    The foundation is cement blocks and I have recently noticed that there is no cement between them. Should there be?
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #2

    Nov 24, 2011, 09:52 AM
    There should be mortar between the blocks not cement. What do the blocks sit on, that is your actual foundation.
    smearcase's Avatar
    smearcase Posts: 2,392, Reputation: 316
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #3

    Nov 24, 2011, 06:34 PM
    Mortar containing cement might be more accurate. In my humble opinion, blocks without the proper mortar installed on their horizontal and vertical intersecting surfaces are of basically no structural value. (except maybe those used for no real structural purpose and special designs such as surface bonded cement block walls). It has always been my understanding that a block or brick structure gets it basic strength from the mortar-not from the block or brick. If you stand back and look at the joints in such a wall, it is almost like the blocks or bricks are "forms" for the "real" cement mortar structure.
    SpringtimeHomes's Avatar
    SpringtimeHomes Posts: 78, Reputation: 12
    Junior Member
    		  
    #4

    Nov 27, 2011, 06:54 PM
    I bet OP means that there is no concrete poured into the cells of the CMUs. Pretty standard practice for stemwalls or crawlspaces.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Pour concrete adjacent to house, how high should new concrete be to house foundation [ 1 Answers ]

I will be pouring concrete for a patio, concrete will be next to house foundation, the house has a metal around the outside wall, what measurement should I have new concrete not to obstruct the function of the metal piece in the outside wall?

Can I use liquid nail as mortar for foundation blocks [ 2 Answers ]

Can I use liquid nail as mortar for foundation blocks and which one to usa

Extending a concrete slab patio using concrete blocks [ 11 Answers ]

I currently have a 14x16 concrete patio I am about to build a pergola over and have also decided to lay stone tiles over the concrete instead of staining it to give it a new look. I was looking at my plans and realized this would be a perfect opportunity to extend my patio out another 5ft so it...

How to fix a foundation in a house that the concrete floor appears to be sinking [ 2 Answers ]

The house is about ten years old there is visible signs that the concrete floor is sinking as the ceramic tiles are cracking in some areas

1950's Cinder Block Foundation blocks falling apart [ 1 Answers ]

The foundation in my Grandparents house was built in the 1950's with cinder blocks. Water is leaking through the blocks and if you lightly rub the blocks they are very soft. A white mold substance is on much of the surfaces. My dad told me that they did put a sealer on the exterior of the...

View more questions Search