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

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The preparations required for plastering are the same as those for pointing, except that you need to pay a little more attention to the consistency of the mortar, since you'll be putting a coat of concrete over the outside of the foundation. As noted earlier, the only additional tool you'll need is a plastering trowel, which is a long, narrow-handled device with square ends.

Apply the mortar in globs and then spread it over the surface with sweeping circular strokes of the trowel, all the while carrying the leading edge just a fraction of an inch above the working material so the tool doesn't gouge it. After applying a few square feet of the cement, go back over it carefully to put on the finishing touches. Some folks like a smooth surface-which you can get with a little practice and patience-while others prefer a rough, grainy look. It's really just a matter of taste.

A quarter of an inch of concrete coating on the foundation will usually be sufficient, but up to two inches can be used. (You can also employ a base of chicken wire or wire mesh to give the plaster increased strength and to prevent cracks.)

AND REMEMBER ...

Filling holes is only part of the job of weatherizing a foundation. Insulation should be added to crawl space covers, and if you have a basement with windows, those should be given some attention, too. A good way to keep cold air from getting in around the windows (and the ventilation blocks) is to cut fiberglass insulation to fit the opening, back it up with fiberboard, and then drive a couple of stakes in the ground to hold the "sandwich" in place.

So, grab a trowel, mix some grout, and get down to the basics of making your home more energy-efficient.

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