More on Split faced block

[William J. Decker]

I am seeing a lot of split faced block buildings that were never sealed. To try to avoid getting sued, many of these builders and "sealing" the block (way after the fact) with a linseed oil product.

If you see this, dried crusty white stuff, on the surface of the block, the builder probably used linseed oil. The oil leeches out and combines with efflorescence, and this is the result.

In my experience, the best sealer is In Crete Systems Clear Coat. Have it applied during construction.

Hope this helps;

[Marcel R. Cyr]

I've had good luck with this product Will.

http://www.conproco.com/ProductSelection.htm

[Rick Maday]

Why are split-faced blocks more prone to issues than "standard" CMUs?

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by rmaday

Why are split-faced blocks more prone to issues than "standard" CMUs?

There are more and larger "pores" on the exposed surfaces for water to enter.

[Rick Maday]

Thanks.

[William J. Decker]

Originally Posted by rmaday

Why are split-faced blocks more prone to issues than "standard" CMUs?

1) More absorbant.
2) Most times, the builders use them in a single wythe wall. Not a good idea, in the Chicago area.

Hope this helps;

[Linas I. Dapkus]

Here's one they didn't finish.

[William J. Decker]

Originally Posted by ldapkus

Here's one they didn't finish.

To your photos:

1) Was that split faced, or just in veneered cinder block?
3) Notice, just furring strips. Most plans call for 2" furring strips, but the builder just splits a 2 x 4, which is not the same. Also, most plans call for 2" foil faced rigid foam (provided a duel moisture barrier at both the interior wall of the masonry and behind the drywall. I know that this is not the current national standard, but id works in Chicago, because of our weird climate. Most builder "substitute" 3 1/2 unfaced fiberglass crunched into 1 5/8" space. This is just a water trap.
4) Notice how the joist pocked flashing is just plain crap.

Permission to use these photos, with attribution, Linas? I am preparing a paper for Inframation 2009.

[Larry D. Kage]

Split faced block: