What is Parging? Also Known as Stucco Embedment, a blog about the basics of parging.
In its most basic form, parging is a thin layer of mortar applied to masonry walls, be it brick or concrete block (cinder block). There are many types and styles of parging but the most common in this area is what’s known as “smooth” or “sand finish” parging. In general any wall made of concrete blocks will have a parge coat over top to give it a more finished look.
Parging has been used for hundreds of years and is still a cost effective way to renovate an old foundation and give it a more modern look. It can also act as a waterproof sealant on older foundations that may have some leakage problems because of the age and degradation of the existing mortar joints.
Parge finishes are usually applied in one of two ways:
1) A sand finish gives the wall a rough textured appearance; this type is usually applied by trowel or rough float and then finished with a stiff bush after the material has set up but not completely cured. This type of finish is often applied over original block or brick masonry to hide imperfections
What is Parging?
Parging is the process of applying a layer or layers of a special material over existing masonry and concrete surfaces. It is also known as Stucco Embedment and it is used for structural waterproofing. Parging can be made from a variety of materials, such as cement, concrete and even mortar. Parging is an effective way to encapsulate and protect masonry walls from weather and other environmental conditions.
Parging can be done on any vertical surface, provided it’s flat. However, it is usually applied on concrete foundations (basement or crawl space), chimneys and retaining walls. On top of protecting against the elements, parging can also improve the look of your home and increase its value.
What are the benefits of Parging?
-Parging will protect your home against moisture and water infiltration
-Parging will help cool down your home during hot summer days
-It will protect your foundation against cracks
-It increases the life span of your home
-It improves the curb appeal of your home
Parging, also known as stucco embedment, is a process in which a cement mixture is applied over the foundation walls of a home. Parging has several benefits. It can help to prepare the wall for painting or stuccoing. Parging can make the wall look more attractive and hide water stains or blemishes. If you choose to paint your house, it might be worthwhile to parge first. If you are looking to parge your home but are not sure how to do it yourself, consider hiring a professional contractor to complete the job for you.
What is Parging?
Parging is the process of applying a thin coat of cement over a concrete foundation or chimney. Parging is primarily used to improve the appearance and waterproof the walls. Parging can be applied to bare concrete or over masonry surfaces such as brick, stone, block or stucco. The most common use of parging is on basement walls but it can also be used on exterior masonry walls.
The proper steps to ensure a good basecoat are:
– Clean surface to remove any loose material and dust
– Fill in any large voids or cracks with a patching compound
– Apply a bonding agent to promote adhesion of the parge coat
– Apply a scratch coat using a metal trowel or wood float
– Allow scratch coat to set up until very hard before applying finish coat
Parging is the application of a thin coat of mortar to walls, columns or piers. The purpose of parging is to smooth out the surface, cover surface imperfections and improve appearance. Parging may also be used structurally to repair distressed masonry surfaces. Parging can be applied to concrete, block, brick and stone foundations.
When Parging:
– Patch all holes and cracks with Portland cement patch
– Wash down the walls with water and a scrub brush
– Make sure the wall is damp but not dripping wet before applying parge
– The parge mixture should have consistancy close to cottage cheese
– Apply the mix with trowel and smooth out (see picture below)
Parging is a cement spray, scratch and brown coat finish. It is commonly used to smooth out the exterior of concrete block, brick, or stone walls. Parging will also seal block and brick walls from water penetration.
Parging can be used on both residential and commercial buildings. It can also be used on foundations, fireplaces and chimneys. There are several different types of parging finishes that include both textured and smooth finishes. Coatings for parging can include natural colours and stains, artificial pigments and tints, marble dust and a variety of other texturing options.
The first step in any parging process is to clean off the base material by sandblasting, sandpaper or some other means to remove dirt and loose material. The next step is to apply a bonding agent or primer over the entire surface area that will be parged.
Once the primer has dried completely a scratch coat is applied into all rough areas of the wall surface using a hawk and trowel method. The scratch coat must be hand troweled to ensure proper adhesion between the layers of parging and to eliminate air bubbles in the final product.
After about 24 hours a second thin layer called a brown coat
Parging is the application of a cement-based plaster to the exterior surfaces of concrete foundation walls and chimneys. Parging protects masonry from moisture penetration, provides a uniform surface for painting, and sometimes serves as an aesthetic enhancement to your home.
Parging should always be applied in 2 layers. The first coat is called the Brown Coat or Scratch Coat. It is applied with a trowel and is about 1/8” thick. The second layer, called the Finish Coat or Parge Coat, is applied with a steel trowel and is 1/16” thick.
The Brown Coat must be dry before the Finish Coat can be applied. For this reason, it may only be possible to apply 1 coat per day.