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| >>Foundation
parging
Parging is the process of plastering the foundation
with concrete. Really it is the same as stucco; water,
sand, lime and cement are mixed and troweled onto
the foundation wall surface. It is used as a decorative
coating to hide imperfections in the foundation surface.
Block foundation walls look look more attractive after
parging. Concrete foundation walls may show honeycombing
roughness and rusted foundation ties. Parging helps
to give it a clean consistent appearance.
Dirt and debris should be cleared away from the foundation
to a depth of 4"-6" below finish grade.
The surface needs to be clean and dry. All paint and
foundation tar should be ground off the foundation.
It is a good idea to moisten the foundation surface
with water. The reason this is done is so that the
foundation will not suck the water out of the plaster
and cause it to weaken.
There are several types of mixtures used for parging.
Type "N" mortar or pre-mixed stucco can
be used. Or you can mix your own combination of sand,
lime and cement. A mixture of 1 part cement with 3
parts sand and 1/4 part lime is common.
The stucco mixture is applied to the wall with a hand
trowel. The wall surface is then allowed to dry. It
is important to help the plaster to cure by moistening
with water during the next several days.
Another foundation treatment that is gaining a lot
of popularity is the use of cultured stone and tile.
Cultured stone is a man-made stone made from light
weight cement and sand. It is colored to look and
feel like real stone. The thickness of cultured stone
usually varies from 1"-2". It doesn't need
horizontal support like real stone and easily attaches
to the foundation with mortar.
Ceramic tile is used more than ever for a foundation
treatment. Like cultured stone, it is attached to
the foundation using a cement based adhesive.
Foundation parging is not required by code, although
it may be required by subdivision building covenants.
Many owner builders will often put off this task until
later, and they often do it themselves.
It's important to remember
that the plaster will not make a lasting bond with
the foundation wall if the following conditions are
not met:
