Hey folks! I'm noticing that the cinder blocks under our porch are starting to degrade. One spot is really bad—the outside layer is flaking off and exposing what looks like sand. Further down, you can actually see the holes in the center of some cinder blocks where the exterior has fallen away.
I'm wondering if there's a way to DIY these repairs while we save up for a professional. I'm thinking about doing other work on the porch in the next few years too. Could using some kind of mesh along with quick-setting concrete help seal these issues? Here's a link to some pictures I took: [https://imgur.com/a/5OaIUbG](https://imgur.com/a/5OaIUbG).
2 Answers
I’d recommend assessing how bad the damage is first. If it’s just surface-level, your idea with quick-crete should work. But if the structure feels compromised, keep an eye on it until you can hire a pro to avoid any safety issues. Also, make sure to seal the area properly after repairs to prevent further deterioration.
Hey! I checked out your pics, and it looks like a manageable DIY project. You could definitely use a mesh to reinforce the deteriorating areas before applying a quick-setting mortar. Just make sure to clean the surfaces well and maybe dampen them before applying the new material for better adhesion. Good luck!
Yeah, definitely clean it all up before you start. A wire brush can help get rid of loose debris.
Thanks for the tips! I’m planning to keep it maintained until I can afford more extensive work.