Cinder Block hack

[ilikebeer]

I'm looking to purchase a 90' x 35' cinder block building and it's pretty run down. The front was a half a**ed attempt at vinyl siding the back is still block. I'm going to have to tare the siding off the front, it's uneven and wavy. I was thinking of using steel barn siding to replace the hack job to front. Does anyone have any comments or suggestions for covering cinder block walls? Or a better idea on how to cover up and cleanup the front without breaking the bank?

 

[flashpuppy]

How structurally sound is it? If all is well, then Tapcon away.

 

[ilikebeer]

The block and the roof are fine aside for what ever hack job is under the vinyl siding. To go a little further the building has three parts two of witch are block the third is wood framed. I think that's part of the problem they tried to tie this all together and run horizontal siding the across the front. Each needs to have room to move so adding expansion joints to the butted sections should take care of that problem.

 

[econoaddict]

My shop is 2 buildings that were made to be one, one building cement block and the other stick built. They used the colored metal siding to cover the front and sides so it looks to be one large building. It worked well and looks good.

 

[djjsr]

If you find any surprises under that siding, like masonry that needs a lot of repair, you might consider stucco.

 

[scofo]

Surface bond cement looks like stucco texture and can strengthen the wall and cover some damage.

 

[ilikebeer]

can surface cement be painted? Would I use a wire mesh for adhesion?

Thanks

 

[bigdav160]

can surface cement be painted? Would I use a wire mesh for adhesion?

Thanks

Yes, it can be painted.

No, it uses fibers. No mesh needed.

 

[scofo]

^^^ What Dav said .The fibers are already in it like "Kitty hair" auto body filler.

 

[tcianci]

Is it cinder block or cement block?

 

[ilikebeer]

The blocks have a hollow pockets so I believe the correct term is cinder block. They have the two pockets.

 

[tcianci]

The reason I asked is because I think it is a regional thing, I haven't seen a "cinder" block in years. People erroneously refer to concrete blocks as cinder blocks. Real cinder blocks are made form concrete and coal cinders, concrete blocks are just that, The size and core structure is the same. You would treat them the same for the work you are proposing. Cinder blocks tend to be a little lighter and not quite as strong as cement blocks. The correct term for concrete block is CMU, which stands for concrete masonry unit.

 

[Wow]

The blocks have a hollow pockets so I believe the correct term is cinder block. They have the two pockets.

Actually they're probably "concrete blocks", "cinder blocks" are old old style building blocks that actually used burned cinders in the mix.

 

[ilikebeer]

Beats me. The building is definitely from the 50's I wasn't born until mid 70's. There isn't asbestos in old cinder blocks is there? I know they put it in dam near everything back then. I can remember the house I grew up in had asbestos insulation, floor tiles and siding.

 

[Holedgr]

The reason I asked is because I think it is a regional thing, I haven't seen a "cinder" block in years. People erroneously refer to concrete blocks as cinder blocks. Real cinder blocks are made form concrete and coal cinders, concrete blocks are just that, The size and core structure is the same. You would treat them the same for the work you are proposing. Cinder blocks tend to be a little lighter and not quite as strong as cement blocks. The correct term for concrete block is CMU, which stands for concrete masonry unit.

Thanks for pointing this out!!! I run across so many cinder block foundations and they are UNQUESTIONABLY weaker than concrete block foundations.

I would try to get a local mason who is probably bored out of his F'in mind by now to come give you an "estmiate" and tap his brain about what you may or may not have.

As a contractor I myself HATE people that use me when they don't own the building, but in this case, I believe you haven't said who's doing the masonary work if there is some to be done, so.........get some free estimates!

Good luck

-T