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    coblas's Avatar
    coblas Posts: 137, Reputation: 2
    Junior Member
     
    #1

    Sep 5, 2016, 08:48 AM
    How do I seal the open tops of cement blocks in front of my house?
    When my house was built in 1971, the cement block foundation was extended forward about 4" to accommodate a future stone front. Shingles (now rotted) were nailed at an angle overlaying the tops of the block openings. I've removed the shingles and placed 2x4s and loose pavers over the tops of the block openings (after removing all critters). Now I'd like to permanently seal the open tops of the blocks in case water is getting in. What's the best way to do this? I've considered placing strips of shingles the depth of the shelf or with a slight extension ("awning") with a waterproof concrete and masonry product that comes in a tube, but I don't know if it would seal to the shingles. If it does, I'd add pavers with concrete grout or more of the stuff in the tube and could caulk every joint with it. Would this be effective? Maybe omitting the shingles would be better and just using concrete with the pavers would work. I'm considering the pavers because I'll have to lay on the deck and reach down about 30" in a space 9" wide to do the work. Should I leave the 2x4s that are there and apply something over them instead? They're not attached to anything. With cement products, I would need to use something that doesn't set up too fast. Thank you for your help.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #2

    Sep 5, 2016, 01:25 PM
    Tightly stuff newspaper into the hole, leaving a space about 3". Then, pour quickcrete into the hole and leave a small taper to the outside. Just mix small bat ches of the cement so it won't all set up at the same time. You can also use expanded plaster mesh by cutting an oversize piece and jam it in.
    coblas's Avatar
    coblas Posts: 137, Reputation: 2
    Junior Member
     
    #3

    Sep 6, 2016, 08:23 AM
    Thank you for your input. Sounds reasonable, but I'm not sure I can manage it because of difficulty reaching down to access the holes and my lack of experience. I thought using the pavers, buttered before placing, would make it easier, but I don't know if they'd keep water out as well as Quikrete. Any comments?
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #4

    Sep 6, 2016, 01:38 PM
    Without a picture of the actual layout, it is difficult to give you more ideas. The suggestions I made are ones I have used. Quickrete can be made fairly thin and run down a funnel or cardboard tube.

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