The foundation of your home is the silent protector of your home, the invisible support system that holds everything else together. Like any other component of your home, it also requires protection from weather and the effects of the passing of time. This is where the parging process is a must.
What is Parging?
Parging is the act by which you apply a very thin coating of cement-based mortar on the masonry wall, which is typically the house’s foundation. The mortar mix, generally composed of sand, lime, and cement provides a smooth, polished surface. While it can be used for aesthetics, parging has an even more important benefit: it protects your foundation.
Why Does Your Home Need Parging?
There are a variety of reasons why a parging system can be an investment you should consider in your residence:
- Protection from Water Damage: Water is the biggest threat to foundations. It can penetrate cracks and small imperfections which can cause major damage over the course of time. It acts as a barrier to water that stops water from entering and protecting the structural solidity that your foundation has.
- Improved Insulation: A laid foundation will add layer of insulation that keeps your home warmer during winter months and cooler in the summer. This could result in lower energy bills as well as more relaxing living conditions.
- Prevention of Cracks and Erosion: Exposure to the harsh weather elements could cause cracks to form within your foundation. The cracks may expand as time passes allowing water to get in and could lead to structural issues. Parging can prevent cracks from appearing and shield the foundation from the effects of erosion caused by rain and wind.
- Enhanced Curb Appeal: A slicker curb appeal the look of a concrete foundation exposed isn’t the ideal example of beauty. Parging provides a sleek and polished look that improves the overall look of your house. This is particularly beneficial when you’re thinking of selling your home shortly.
- Increased Longevity of the Foundation: To protect your foundation from cracks, water damage, and erosion, a parging system can greatly extend the lifespan of your foundation. This means less repairs and less maintenance costs later on.
Signs You Need Parging
Here are some indicators that your foundation might benefit from parging:
- Visible Cracks: Hairline cracks are a commonly occurring feature of concrete, but more extensive cracks (wider than the size of the width of a dime) may be a sign of foundation issues. Parging may help stop these cracks from becoming worse.
- Spalling: This refers to the flaking or chipping away of the concrete surface. Spalling is often caused by water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles. It’s a clear sign that your foundation needs protection.
- Water Leaks in the Basement: If you’re seeing a boost in water seepage within your basement it could be an indication that water is making its way into cracks in the foundation. Parging may help to solve the issue and prevent further leaks.
- Uneven Foundation Walls: Foundations should be level and even. If you notice irregularity or bowing in the foundation walls, it’s important to correct the issue before it gets worse. Parging is a part of your solution but it’s essential to talk with a specialist in foundation repair.
Is Parging Right for Your Home?
The decision of whether or not your house requires a septic tank is based on a variety of aspects, such as the condition and age of your foundation as well as the climate you live in, as well as the existence of any issues. Here are a few more factors to consider:
- New Construction: Parging isn’t essential for foundations being constructed. However, it’s an excellent preventative measure, especially in areas that have extreme winters or large amounts of rain.
- Existing Homes: In older houses, parking could be a great option to raise the foundation’s function and appearance. If you’re seeing any of the indicators that were mentioned earlier that suggests parging could be an investment worth making.
- Climate: Houses in regions with cycles of freeze-thaw or heavy rainfall are more benefited by parging over those living in climates that are dry and temperate.
The Parging Process
Parging is a skilled task best left to professionals. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Preparation: The wall of the foundation is cleaned thoroughly and any loose debris is eliminated.
- Surface Texturing: A foundation’s exterior can be made rougher to make a better bond to the mortar.
- Moisture Control: The foundation wall is humidified to warrant that the mortar is properly adhered to the mortar.
- Mortar Application: This mortar mix is then sprayed onto the wall of the foundation in two or one coat, based on the thickness desired.
- Finishing Touches: The parging is smoothed out, and then allowed to set.
Maintaining Your Parged Foundation
A regular maintenance program can prolong the life of your foundation and parging. Here are a few tips:
- Regular Inspections: Check your foundation walls regularly to check for spalling, cracks, or evidence of water infiltration.
- Address Issues Promptly: If you spot any problems, don’t hesitate to take care of the issue. A quick intervention can stop small problems from becoming big issues.
- Proper Drainage: Make sure you have the drainage of your foundation in order to stop water from getting into cracks and pooling. You may want to consider extending downspouts as well as making sure the soil is graded away from your home.
- Basement Humidity Control: Keep a moderate level of humidity in your basement to avoid the build-up of moisture that can damage the parging. Think about an air dehumidifier in the event of need.
Beyond Parging: Additional Foundation Protection
While parging can be a useful instrument for protecting the foundation, however, it is not the sole option in certain situations. Here are some additional considerations:
- Foundation Drainage Systems: If you have recurring water issues in your basement, a foundation drainage system might be necessary to redirect water away from the foundation walls.
- Foundation Crack Repair: For existing cracks in your foundation, specialized techniques are available to repair and reinforce the structure.
Conclusion
Parging is a reliable and inexpensive method of protecting the foundation of your home, boosting its energy efficiency, and increasing its curb appeal. If you are aware of the advantages of a parging system and the indicators that indicate your foundation may require it, you’ll be able to make educated decisions regarding the protection of your most valuable asset, the home you call home. Be sure to speak with a certified foundation repair expert will benefit you and decide on which is the accurate course of action for your particular situation.
