If you want to hide some imperfections or you simply want to level the walls to improve their appearance, you should consider parging. This is going to help protect your home from harsh weather and, at the same time, waterproof it.
The problem is that sometimes even parging fails. For this reason, it’s crucial that you work with an expert contractor who specializes in parging in Ottawa and can ensure that the process is performed correctly because when done right, parging lasts about 30 years or so.
In this post, we are going to share what you need to know about parging:
What Is Parging?
Parging is a wall finishing technique that involves applying a new layer of mortar or concrete onto the existing wall. This helps strengthen the walls and arrest cracks. Additionally, it’s a waterproofing technique that is used to increase the durability and longevity of your home’s foundation.
There are many reasons why you might want to parge your home’s foundation. The most obvious one is that you want to conceal any cracks or damage that has resulted from flooding. At the same time, parging helps absorb water and reduce the risk of seepage, which is great for homes that are located in areas with a lot of seasonal rain.
Why Do Parging Cracks Happen?
There are many reasons why parging cracks might appear. They could be caused by the following:
Poor or Improper Preparation
Improper parging preparation is one of the most common causes of cracks. It includes applying too much mortar, using the wrong type of mortar, and using mortar that is too wet. These are all things that you should avoid in order to minimize the appearance of cracks.
Expired Mortar or Parge
Parging mortar or concrete is only effective for a few years. After that, it loses its strength and durability, which means that the water may start seeping between the parged layer and the wall. This is why you need to regularly inspect your home and apply new parging if you notice the cracks.
Weather Conditions
Perhaps you’ve tried parging your home’s foundation, and you’ve noticed that it doesn’t last long. This could be because your home is exposed to harsh weather. Parging is usually done in the summer when the weather is mild and it requires warm, dry conditions. If you live in a place with harsh winters or a lot of rain, you might want to consider using a different parging technique.
Mixing
To make sure that you don’t see any cracks, you have to make sure that you mix the mortar or concrete properly. This means that you should use a machine and make sure that the material is fully mixed. Adding too much water, either manually or by using a machine that has a tendency for oversaturation, can result in cracks
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many reasons why parging cracks might appear. However, if you want to avoid them, you just need to make sure that you work with a professional who can help you with the application process. Make sure to contact a professional such as Gillespie Handyman, known as an expert in parging in Ottawa today, and ask them about their parging services.
Gillespie Handyman offers an array of services, including parging repair in Ottawa, among others. We offer our home improvement services at affordable rates. Get a quote for our services today!