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Foundation Skirt Questions:

Decorative Foundation Skirt:

Question:

My house is raised house about 2 to 3 cinder blocks high; I want to decorate the surface completely around my home. I need some ideas for materials and construction to make it look really finished.

Answer:

There are a large number of cultured stone and concrete products that apply very well and relatively easy to concrete blocks, they really accent existing siding, shingles, and stucco can be used with wood accents at the corners or as a belly band above making the transition. Since I can't see your house I can't really direct you toward the best choice but if you “Goggle” cultured stone and or concrete wall coverings, I'm sure you will find just the right mix to fit your tastes. Gordon

Dimensions for building pad:

Question:

I want to build an addition (18x18) on the back of my house. How thick should the pad be? Would I pour an 18x 18 or should it be wider and longer? How high above grade?

Answer:

Your Building Dept. officials will determine the size of the footers when you get you permits. Each jurisdiction has its own particulars as to size. They will also help you determine the height depending on your area. Sorry but it's better to inquire in your area, that way even if you don't obtain permits your are abiding by code. Gordon

Improving the look of ugly brick:

Question:

The brick on my home is an awful yellowish-brown with recessed grouting much like the brick most 60's and 70's era ranch style homes had. I am the second owner of the home and in my efforts to update and improve the look of the exterior I am stumped as to what to do about the brick other than paint it. I am going to a more tropical themed look and plan to add Bahaman style shutters, plantation window blinds, etc. I love the look of say New Orleans French quarter and Creole style homes and masonry and I have considered stuccoing the brick, but the cost to do so is pretty expensive. What would you suggest I do to improve the look of this ugly brick other that let ivy cover it?

Answer:

Good Morning, There are several products on the market, Hardy Board etc. that can be applied to the exterior to form a flat surface. You can then apply cultured stone veneers etc. to create a look. You can also by using shields set into the grout joints apply 1x4 wood strips and then put some sort of exterior siding to the surface. All these things are pricey. Perhaps a combination of pressure washing the bricks and painting them with some appliqué accents might do the trick? Good luck, Gordon

Brick installation facade:

Question:

I have a modular home set on a crawlspace foundation. We want to install brick from the footing over the crawlspace and over the existing Hardi board stopping just below the windows .Per our local inspector we are going to install flashing at the bottom of the Hardi board and weep holes at same location. The question I have is how to weep the water out of the area the brick is installed on the existing block? Inspector is recommending sealing the area between the brick and block with mortar but that will not allow for expansion and will add additional cost. Any approved method with diagram will be appreciated.

Answer:

Good Morning, I would use an admix to the thin set motor that is flexible (epoxy etc.). It allows for expansion and if applied correctly will weep out a vast majority of the moisture. Hope this is helpful, Gordon