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Building Homes or Extensions/Siding over ornamental concrete blocks

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Expert: - 7/19/2009


Question

Concrete Blocks
My home's lower basement level has 2 small walls constructed
with flower-patterned ornamental concrete blocks (see
attached photo).  I would like to attach siding to cover up
the unsightly blocks as well as seal the walls from the
elements.  The previous owners just basically placed
aluminum sheets on the inside walls to try to keep the water
out.  I was wondering if I would be able to use an adhesive
to attach the siding to the blocks instead of using concrete
nails or screws.  The concrete blocks are quite brittle and
I am afraid of the concrete chipping away.  If you have a
better solution, such as filling the voids in the pattern
with something, I am willing to hear it.  I might add that I
live in Oregon where it rains a lot.

Answer
Hi Jack, I would use both tapcon concrete screws and exterior liquid nails to attach your siding.  The screws basically hold the siding in place until the glue sets up. Locate your screws in the mortar joints and use a long enough screw to get a decent bite like a 2" tapcon.  Use a good bead of glue along the edge of siding that you will be screwing and snug the screws up tight.  Only a few screws will suffice as long as you use the glue.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

Bruce E. Johnson

Expertise

I can answer any construction related question in regards to carpentry, concrete, drywall, masonry, structural elements of any type of building, residential or commercial. Interior or exterior.

Experience

Custom Commercial and residential buildings. Churches, theaters, schools and auditoriums. Most recently I am working with the Catholic Church on several design build committees. I have a website related to scheduling and project supervision. Although my expertise is more related to multimillion dollar commercial, educational and theatrical projects my generous credentials in residential and remodelling construction make me a viable source of information regarding all forms of building questions.

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