How to Patch a Hole in a Cinder Block Wall
By MICHAEL DAVIDSONUpdated JULY 18, 2017
Cinder blocks are often used in the construction of basement walls.
Cinder block is a useful construction material since it is normally lighter than solid concrete and yet still durable enough to last under normal stress conditions. Cinder blocks can still be damaged by time and severe impact however. Patching a hole in a cinder block wall requires some time along with the appropriate materials to make the repair.
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Step 1
Chisel out any loose pieces of cinder block around the edges of the hole and brush away any loose debris with a nylon brush.
Step 2
Combine a mortar mix with water in accordance with the mortar instructions. Mortar is commonly used to patch concrete and cinder block. You need the mix to be solid enough that it will retain its form when shaped.
Step 3
Roll the mortar mix in your hands to form a cone shape, with the wide end of the cone being slightly wider than the hole you need to patch. Work as quickly as possible to prevent the mortar from hardening before you can patch the cinder block.
Step 4
Line the inside edges of the cinder block hole with cement epoxy. This will bond to the mortar plug to form a tight and reliable seal.
Step 5
Insert the narrow end of the mortar plug into the cinder block hole and push it so it flattens up against the edges of the hole, bringing it tightly against the epoxy. Wipe away any excess epoxy with a rag.
Step 6
Place a board up against the plug and hold it firmly against the mortar for at least five minutes to allow the mortar and epoxy to dry and bond together.
Step 7
Remove the board and leave the patch to completely cure. It will get stronger within hours as it interacts with the air and bonds more strongly with the epoxy.
Michael Davidson
Michael Davidson started writing screenplays in 2003 and has had a screenplay professionally produced. He has also studied martial arts since 1990 and has worked as a licensed security specialist. Davidson has written articles for various websites. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in advertising.
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How to Drill a Hole in Mortar
By ALEX SMITHUpdated JULY 18, 2017
Drilling into mortar must be done carefully.
If you are hanging something on a brick wall, you will likely have to drill a hole first in order to insert an anchor. Drilling into the mortar between bricks is much smarter than drilling into a brick itself. Bricks can shatter when they are drilled, and a hole in mortar will be much easier to seamlessly patch in the future than a hole in a brick. Drilling a hole in mortar is not difficult, but it can be hazardous if done incorrectly.
Step 1
Mark the position of your hole onto the mortar with a marker.
Step 2
Insert a sharp bit into a hammer drill’s chuck, located at the tip of the drill. If the mortar is relatively fresh, a standard masonry bit will suffice. If the mortar is older and has had time to fully cure, use a percussion bit.
Step 3
Plug the drill in, or insert a fully charged battery into a cordless model.
Step 4
Put on a pair of goggles to protect your eyes.
Step 5
Hold the drill against the mortar at the dot.
Step 6
Squeeze the drill’s trigger gently to establish the hole. This will help to prevent the drill from skipping, which could happen if you pull the trigger all the way at the start.
Step 7
Increase the pressure on the trigger until you are drilling at a pace that you are comfortable with. Hammer drills combine a standard drilling action with the pounding action of a jackhammer, and it may take some time to get used to.
Step 8
Stop drilling when you have reached the desired depth. Some hammer drills have a depth gauge that you can set before you start drilling, making it easy to tell when you reach the depth you want.
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