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Lynn Ostenson (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted on Monday, January 17, 2022 - 03:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Curious: If membrane installation on CMU stipulates that joints be struck flush, what do you stipulate for *existing* CMU joints that are concave?
Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: michael_chusid

Post Number: 633
Registered: 10-2003


Posted on Monday, January 17, 2022 - 05:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

parge coat. not necessary to cover full surface. use trowel fill joints with a mortar or a concrete repair compound
Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS 1-818-219-4937
www.chusid.com www.buildingproduct.guru
ken hercenberg
Senior Member
Username: khercenberg

Post Number: 1428
Registered: 12-2006


Posted on Monday, January 17, 2022 - 05:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

After that, surface prep is always the critical aspect. Considering the number of failures I've had to deal with over the past few years, I suggest getting an independent BEC onsite before membrane application to ensure that someone on-site knows what they're doing. It seems like fewer people know or care anymore and it's a lot easier to catch failures before they happen.
Brian E. Trimble, CDT
Senior Member
Username: brian_e_trimble_cdt

Post Number: 130
Registered: 08-2005


Posted on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 - 10:58 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Agree with Michael.
(Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 - 12:38 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Michael - Any prep work required on the existing mortar to ensure bond?
Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: michael_chusid

Post Number: 634
Registered: 10-2003


Posted on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 - 03:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Basically, the CMU needs to be free from anything that would interfere with bonding. I suspect that the surface prep requirements for the membrane will be sufficient for the membrane.

Depending on the membrane, you may have to wait 28 days for the mortar to cure before applying a covering. (Or use a quick setting product such as those offered by CTS Cement).

If the anticipated hydrostatic pressure is trying to force the membrane away from the CMU, then you may want to investigate further.

Also be sure to consult with the membrane manufacturer to see what their recommendations are.

I call your attention to an article In the Construction Specifier about the preliminary selection of waterproofing. I helped write it as part of the LA CSI Technical Committee.
https://www.constructionspecifier.com/preliminary-selection-of-exterior-waterproofing-systems-2021/
Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS 1-818-219-4937
www.chusid.com www.buildingproduct.guru
(Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 - 12:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Hi Michael - I was referring to the bond of the new mortar to the existing mortar.
Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: michael_chusid

Post Number: 635
Registered: 10-2003


Posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 - 12:46 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Try contacting https://ncma.org National Concrete Masonry Assoc. for assistance.
Michael Chusid, RA FCSI CCS 1-818-219-4937
www.chusid.com www.buildingproduct.guru
ken hercenberg
Senior Member
Username: khercenberg

Post Number: 1429
Registered: 12-2006


Posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 - 01:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Depends on your project and conditions.

At CMU, see https://ncma.org/resource/maintenance-of-concrete-masonry-walls/ as Michael suggested.

In general here's a good primer: https://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/2-repoint-mortar-joints.htm
Phil Kabza
Senior Member
Username: phil_kabza

Post Number: 697
Registered: 12-2002


Posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 - 04:27 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Consider a fluid applied product rather than parge + sheet goods.
Phil Kabza FCSI CCS AIA
SpecGuy Specifications Consultants
www.SpecGuy.com
phil@specguy.com
Dan Helphrey
Senior Member
Username: dbhelphrey

Post Number: 79
Registered: 12-2018
Posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 - 07:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Budget permitting, I'd still do a parge coat with a fluid-applied barrier.
Ron Beard
Senior Member
Username: rm_beard_ccs

Post Number: 482
Registered: 10-2002


Posted on Friday, January 21, 2022 - 01:35 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

In line with Michael's early post, "...use trowel fill joints with a mortar or a concrete repair compound...": try a surface bonding cement. It is a superior structural project, bonds well other mortar, inexpensive, and dries in a couple of hours.
"Fast is good, but accurate is better."
.............Wyatt Earp

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