Lack Of Load Path Reinforcement - Concrete block homes are often touted as the best choice for hurricane resistance. But a block wall with stucco finish develops hairline cracks with only minor settlement, and they need to be repaired as they happen to avoid further problems. Find out more at What causes raised white lines of residue on a block wall that are crusty and crumbling?Ĭracking Due To Minor Settlement - A wood frame home with vinyl, wood, or cementitious siding can absorb minor movement of the structure without cracking. Although primarily just a cosmetic problem, the water in the wall can lead to problems at the interior surface over time. Like spalling, it’s an indicatation that water is getting into the wall. For details, go to How do termites get into a concrete block house?Įfflorescence - These powdery raised lines or areas in a block wall are caused by moisture accumulation in the wall that leaves behind a mineral deposit as it evaporates on the surface. But they do, and the way that many older block homes are constructed actually makes them more likely to a have a termite infestation that’s invisible until major damage has been done. Termites - Florida homeowners often assume that concrete block homes don’t get termites. See our article There's cracks running along the home's concrete tie beam. The key to avoiding this problem, and a very expensive repair, is to keep the walls well sealed and repair any minor cracking as soon as it appears. Eventually chunks of the wall will start to fall out if not repaired, as in the photo at right. The rust causes the steel bars to expand, which opens long cracks in the surface, like in the photo above. The concrete is reinforced with steel bars that will rust if moisture reaches them. The walls are strengthened by a poured concrete tie beam running around the top of the walls, and also concrete columns or poured block cells from tie beam down to the foundation slab. Spalling - A concrete block home is not 100% concrete block. It’s not susceptible to rot, termites don’t eat it, it’s dimensionally stable, tolerates minor moisture intrusion, is hurricane resistant, and considered by many homebuyers as a superior construction type. Concrete block has plenty of advantages as a material for house walls.
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