Repair That Foundation... You Can Do It Yourself!

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Don't, however, rush off to the hardware store and pay a big price for professionalquality trowels. Such flexible tools, which will spring back to their original shape, are certainly the best, but less expensive models will work just as well for a short time, and the difference in price is usually $10 or more. Better yet, if you plan ahead by looking around at garage sales and flea markets, you'll probably be able to find quality tools at secondhand prices.

GETTING READY

Now that you have your implements assembled and have arranged to have the cement and sand delivered, it's time to prepare the foundation.

Carefully clean "rotten" mortar out of all cracks that need repair. Use the heavy-dut% screwdriver and putty knife to pry out the decayed grout, which will be grainy and crumbly, and then go over the cracks with the wire brush. Finally, sweep out any remaining small particles with the whisk broom and wipe out the dust with an old terry towel.

MIXING THE MUD

The rule of thumb for making grout is two parts sand to one part cement. This ratio produces concrete that's rich enough to bond well to the existing foundation material. Before adding water to the cement and sand, though, make sure they are thoroughly mixed. Each grain of sand must be coated with cement if a good cohesion is to be established. Do the dry-mixing by folding the two components together until the whole batch is gray-dark gray if the sand is damp-and make sure there isn't a hint of yellow sand color anywhere, and that there's no caking at the bottom of the container.

Next, stack the mixture to one side of the vessel and pour water, a bit at a time, into the hole you've created. Pull the sand/cement blend into this reservoir, mixing constantly. Continue until the mortar has the consistency of extra-stiff cake batter.

The proper thickness of the cement will depend somewhat upon the skills and preferences of the person applying it. If you'd like a stiffer grout, sprinkle a little cement on the mixture and blend it in. If, on the other hand. the mud is too thick to suit you, mix in a few squirts from the water bottle.

When you're satisfied that the mixture is right, it's time to apply it to the foundation. First, though, spray water on the area to be worked so that the mortar will adhere to it (this process is especially critical in warm weather).

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