Parging represents the very critical but most overlooked part of construction and maintenance processes. It is a process meant to coat the visible, above-grade portion of your residence foundation with a smooth or textured surface. The practice works by offering a layer of protection to the structure from elements, in addition to the aesthetic value it possesses. The following blog explains foundation and decorative parging, along with its advantages, the materials used to do it, and all the steps involved in the process.
Parging denotes the application of thin layers of mortar over exposed surfaces of concrete or masonry walls. It is comparable to stucco but designed for application over foundation walls. It majorly performs roles that include a smooth and finished appearance, thus protecting the underlaying masonry or concrete from factors such as water infiltration, cracking, and other environmental factors.
There are two main types: Foundation parging and decorative parging
1. Foundation Parging: This is the most common type of parging applied to basically protect and finish the foundation of any building structure. It generates a smooth and clean look about the base of the structure, and it helps seal minor cracks and imperfections.
2.Decorative Parging: The name itself tells that decorative parging adds some aesthetic value to the foundation. Different textures, colours or patterns can be added into it, matching the overall design of the building. Decorative parging can also include various colours and finishes to achieve special effect.
Protection from Weather
One major advantage with parging is in its protective quality. The layer of mortar prevents the penetration of water into the foundation. In heavy rainfall or snowy areas, this becomes very significant. Penetrating water makes its entry through cracks and eventually causes severe damages. Parging prevents water from entering, so it helps in preservation of the outer structure.
Improved Appearance
A bare concrete or masonry foundation is not that appealing, especially when it features visible cracks or uneven surfaces. Parging adds a nice, flat finish that improves the curb appeal of your home. Decorative parging takes this a step further by allowing homeowners to make their foundation really theirs, through an array of different textures, patterns, colours, and other desired appearances which owners choose to have in their foundations.
Improved Insulation
Parging can be used to insulate your foundation walls. Even though this is not a substitute for real insulation, nor provides a great number of R-value, having this extra layer of thick cement over the foundation walls will help in reducing the heal loss and provide more energy efficient for your home.
Increased Durability
Also, parging foundation to seal off minor cracks and irregularities in the surface area will certainly lengthen its life. But more importantly, it helps avoid further deterioration of the concrete or masonry, so that you can avoid costly repair works in the long run.
The basic material for parging is simply mortar, which is a mixture f Portland cement, silica sand, and dry-resins. It has excellent free-thaw stability and low water absorption. For decorative parging applications, pigments can be added to the mortar to give it colour and different tools are then used to give all sorts of textures and patterns.
Choosing the Right Mortar
A critical step in parging is choosing the right mortar mix for your project. This cement mix should be compatible with the substrate and suitable for the environment in which the project is based. Common foundation cement mix will include;
*Portland Cement: This provides the basic strength and durability
*Sand: Fills in spaces and produces texture in the mortar
*Water: Activates the cement and makes the cement workable
Preparation
Preparation of a sufficient amount is necessary for a good parging job. The surface to be parged must be free from dirt, debris, and loose material. All existing paint or coatings should be removed and surface lightly sprayed or sprinkled with water to provide good adhesion for the mortar mix.
1.Cleanliness: It should be free of dirt, dust, and loose material. You can clean the foundation walls by using wire brushing, then pressure or soft washing.
2.Repair of the Cracks: All large cracks or holes to be filled up with suitable patching compound.
3.Dampening: The surface needs to be slightly dampened with water to enhance adhesion of the cement.
Mixing the mortar
The mortar must be prepared to have the right consistency, so it can be applied easily according to the manufacturer's instructions It must be thick enough to contain itself on the wall and yet not too viscous that would bar its spread.
Application
1.First Coat(Scratch Coat): A layer of cement is applied and roughened a little to ensure good adherence between the coats. You can do this with a notched-trowel.
2.Final Coat: After scratch coat has set up, the final coat is applied and troweled and/or floated to a desired finish. This is also the stage where you can apply and sort of textures or patterns you desire.
Curing
Proper curing is essential to ensure that parging lasts long. The cement mix has to be kept damp for a period of a few days, so that it can cure slowly and develop its maximum strength. This may be done by misting with water over cement.
Decorative parging techniques will help you bring a little artistry and controlled and unique character to the home exterior. Some of the techniques are as follows:
-Trowel Finishes: Smooth or textured patterns made with the use of various-sized trowels.
-Stamping: Patterns are pressed into the fresh mortar to resemble brick, stone , or other materials.
-Colours: Colour pigments are added into the cement mix to achieve a different colour you desire
-Expsosed Aggregate: A mixture of various small stones or pebbles that are pressed into the the mortar for a rough and natural appearance.
-Textured Stucco: Simply a textured stucco application applied over the cured foundation cement to give it the textured look you desire.
While parging is extremely robust, it cannot be said to be maintenance-free. it will need to be checked for any appearance of cracks, chips or areas where the mortar could be deteriorating. Small patched and repairs can be carried out with the reapplication of some new mortar over the damaged spots. If the damage is big, then it will be necessary to scrape the loose area and re-do it.
Lastly
Foundation parge and decorative parge both offer functional and aesthetic purposes for every house. Thus, parging serves as a very worthy investment for the long-term and health and beauty for your property, be providing you with a protective layer from the elements and enhancing the look of your foundation. Whether it be to ramp up the value of your home by giving it a curb appeal or ensure it is structurally sound, knowing the basics of parging will help make informed decisions so that you get the best results for your home.
If you need some professional help for your parging project, you can contact us for a free estimate!
Related Content: Increasing your Home's Curb Appeal
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