How I parge or plaster an old retaining wall. (Mike Haduck)

In my area of Pennsylvania there are a lot of old retaining walls that were built in the WPA (depression era). And when they fall apart some people start parging them to make them look better. well every year a part of the parge or plaster falls off. So I gave it what I call a cheap fix. all my videos are my ways and ideas, I always suggest anyone doing any type of work to consult professional help. www.amazon.com/shop/mikehaduck

[@vanmann8347]

It always looks so easy to do when your watching a pro do a job. You are truly a pro.👍

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Van, I appreciate the kind words, Mike

[@patrickmclaughlin6013]

Thanks Mike. You always make it look so easy.

[@lifeingreece]

Such a pleasure to see someone working with such integrity. Greetings from Greece.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Marcie, I appreciate it, I was in Greece once, great to see the masonry there, thanks mike

[@buzzroadguy]

I’m grateful for your work. You’ve helped me accomplish a lot of concrete work here at the house.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks buzz, mike

[@miker677]

Another EPICLY educational and informative Video Mike. Its incredible and helpful that Mike's shares all this experience and helpful tips and tricks with the world. Thanks Mike, great work!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mike, comments like this keep me going on, thanks mike

[@Arriscraft]

thanks for the answer Mike . I too am a stonemason by trade but learnt on my own parging foudations . Nice vid all the same . THANKS MIKE !

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks rob, I appreciate it. mike

[@uziloogiez6910]

That old plaster came off easily! Makes the day that much better! Great work, Mike.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Shane, mikw

[@banishedfromars]

Most helpful video I have found on this subject yet. Thank you.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Lonnie, mike

[@cwhiatt73]

Mike, than you so much for this video. I just larger a basement wall and it looks great. Just needs to fully dry and then paint it.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Chris, I’m glad it’s working out, I appreciate it, Mike

[@davidmcnamara7928]

I'm doing the exact same job but other videos did not show me the best way to apply the finish layer in this situation. This is perfect. Thanks.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks David, I am glad if it helps, mike

[@peaceagain6316]

Did mine. Thanks Mike for all your knowledge. Came out better than I expected. A contractor wanted 6000. Cost me around 600

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Peace, that's great, Mike

[@m.e.9974]

Thanks Mike for the pointers.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@Richard-qs8dn]

Always a job to do, since there is so many who built retaining walls, allowing water to go behind and push the wall, rather than going over the wall. Also like to mention it's you who thought me that, in many of your videos. Thank you Sir.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thank you Sir Richard, I appreciate it. mike

[@scottm344]

Thank you Mike for sharing your knowledge

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@pyrobell1185]

Excellent demonstration

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Pyro, Mike

[@johncoghlan5181]

thanks for the tips heading out to fix my backyard stoop

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks john I hope it helps, mike

[@ipguyman108]

Excellent, thank you Mike..!

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks, I hope it helps, mike

[@j19m12k14d1]

Excellent work. Old school to the bone

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Josue, I appreciate it, Mike

[@joetrevino9309]

Thanks Mike. I learned a new trade watching your video. I repaired a foundation and the home owner was impressed. He asked me how long I've been doing these. I lied and said over 40 yrs.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Joe, that's great, mike

[@ralexlu]

Mike, I subscribed to your channel a couple of years ago and I never really understood what drew me to your work. Maybe, at the time it was just therapeutic to watch you work. BUT! As it turns out, I now know why! I recently bought an old fixer upper house here in Florida and I soon realized that the foundation around the house near the vinyl siding needed some TLC. I quickly realized that I knew the right KZbinr to guide me through the repair process! Thanks, Mike!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, good luck with the house, Mike

[@johnnydeutschemark3620]

Nice to watch someone who knows what they are doing. I need to do a similar job (interior) good to know the process. Thank you.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Johnny , I hope it works out, mike

[@FireplacesRock]

It's Good! Great Info & details Mike, Thank You!

[@aaa-pp]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Now I need someone to do the job. Thank you.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@cocosmiles7369]

Nice job, Mike.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Coco, Mike

[@julierimer4544]

Beautiful work! You are so efficient. Thank you so much for the thorough explanation.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks. Mike

[@evanezell7913]

thank you Mike. I've been laying block for about 2 years. and now I'm learning​ the small stuff like parging in residential. you sir are a big help to rookie Mason's who ain't got there own way of doing things yet 😂😂

[@MikeHaduck]

THanks Even, I appreciate it, mike

[@Revelacion320]

I have to do a small patching job in my home my self, and he explain it so simple. I just have a question on the bonding agent, being that I have a very small peace do I still need to mix that or can I do without.

[@ryanscott5345]

Great video as always Mike. Thanks

[@MikeHaduck]

+Ryan Scott Thanks Ryan, I appreciate it. mike

[@brandonpryormusic]

Very nice work. This is my project for Saturday.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Brandon, I hope it works out, Mike

[@yxhankun]

excellent job.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks ,Mike

[@troylee3179]

Thanks Mike after watching your videos I tackled my pizza oven base. Without the knowledge I gained watching you I never would have attempted a stucco job.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Troy, Mike

[@robwiersma5537]

cant tell you how satisfying it is to watch you do masonry.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Rob, Mike

[@shanecostanzi]

Thank you Mike👍🏻

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Shane, I appreciate it. mike

[@dovgoldstein3755]

You're great, Mike!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks for the kind words, Mike

[@kawabungadad8945]

Your videos saved me a lot of money, if I'm ever in Pennsylvania I'd love to buy you a beer - Heck, I'd buy you a few!

[@jwojo7644]

Also thanks for all your help

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks J, mike

[@libsrcrazy9634]

Great job

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks lib,, Mike

[@tbiru6175]

Thank u 4 sharing ur knowledge. You r teaching the new generation ,ur technique. This is really a knowledge transfer. I see people dying without transferring thier knowledge. But u are so generous. U really inspire me and help me 2 have I can do attitude. Of course u helped me 2 save money. I am glad I subscribed ur presentations Thank you

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Tewolde, mike

[@timscan7273]

Great video👌🏻 You will learn a few tricks of the trade watching this! Thanks.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks ,Tim, Mike

[@shawnshaffer7408]

my masonry experience was twenty five yrs ago n it was forming n pouring footings, and poured foundations! I understand that some people's definition of a mason are brick n block layers but my definition is someone who has either poured concrete through a truck or mixed it themselves but that's beside the point just like roofers masons are a special breed I know some very booksmart men who just can't do any type of construction especially concrete or masonry work as you know you gotta have at least one level eye to rough the concrete in some guys with 20 20 vision can't see the low spot that's minor but the most respectful thing about masonry is that those who can get past the intense labor part n can develope or learn to do the work that counts such as forming n finishing concrete are a rare breed

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Shawn, very true, thanks for the comment, mike

[@gregk6622]

Great video thanks for posting

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Greg, I appreciate it. mike

[@joirjoja1]

Hello Mike, nicely done... I too am in my so call early 60's and was in the same trade for some years, only thing my father was a painter...He gave me my first taste of the work early too...He used to say anybody can paint, but very few know how to...Old school is still good school in todays world...I see we use the same bonding agent, and we keep it wet...I just wish you were near Philly so I could call on you when I need something done.. Thanks for the video it makes me feel younger just watching them...''Keep it wet'' JRC.

[@MikeHaduck]

+joirjoja1 Thanks JRC. its good to hear good comments like this, from your side of the fence. I appreciate it thanks mike

[@michelelanni9205]

i was born in 1987 and my father showed me old school and ive learned new school and i honestly have to tell you that i prefer way more old school cause new school stuff keeps on breaking or fallin off after not even 20 years but old school stays almost intact for hundreds of years

[@noelbrabant5111]

.

[@frankmartire2174]

Just checking in....love these videos. Im always looking for cement jobs to do around the house just so i can use my skills that I've learnt from you. Thanks mike

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Frank, Mike

[@h.b2029]

Excellent. Very helpful. Thanks. God bless.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks HB, God bless, Mike

[@pargingedmonton]

It is always nice to see fellow masons techniques. Keep up the great work!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks ,I appreciate it. Mike

[@painn415ifty]

mike I've been watching a lot of your videos, I have lots of years experience in the trades , picking up a lot of tips from your videos And the way you were taught . PS Portland is running through your veins, You're a bad ass mason man.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks painn,,Mike

[@dancindymolick1067]

Thanks for the video I have some Mason experience but this will be my 1st pargeing

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Dan, mike

[@geneticstar]

Thanks! That looks great. Appreciate the demo.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mica, Mike

[@johncasor9698]

Another Great Video....

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks John, I appreciate it. mike

[@Babsgelden]

Thank you soooo much for the video. It helped me a lot!!!! You are a star!!!!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Babs, Mike

[@artbonita]

Great job! Super helpful video. Thx!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Cassandra, Mike

[@derekfox7864]

thank you sooo much , really , you saved me so much money and time !

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Derek, mike

[@JM3jUiCe]

Your good dude! Fast and neat work. You make it look so easy! I'm gonna give it a shot.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks JM3, I am sure you will do well, mike

[@bobbybeasely6915]

It’s “you’re” not “your”

[@JM3jUiCe]

@@bobbybeasely6915 “YOU’RE” a grammar troll… and WOW!!! “YOU’RE” 4 years TOO late. lol That’s “TOO” not “TO” or “TWO”.

[@sushantbhatia9930]

sir thanku for telling the practical of repair wall

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@metaspencer]

Great video. I'm about to start work on a similar job, so it's great to see your technique. Thanks!

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks, I hope it works out. mike

[@spencercolgan]

You are good! I admire your craft.

[@MikeHaduck]

just passing along what the old timers taught me, thanks mike

[@robcal73]

You help a kindergarten teacher with this?! Now you inspired me to help my elderly neighbor!!

[@MikeHaduck]

there is no law against that, God bless, mike

[@therabbitswhisper]

thank you sir

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@mikebloom5606]

Thanks!

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Mike, I appreciate it. mike

[@rlalchanvine1792]

you are really good I learn a lot thanks

[@rlalchanvine1792]

here in Trinidad we call it plastering the wall

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks R, anything that works, mike

[@ExitPlanner]

omg.... every time I watch a video where you tear down crumbly walls and bricks etc, it makes me cringe... but each time you make it look nice!! good job!!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks ,mike

[@alantubehd1323]

Wow u are pretty fast at plaster

[@crazyhandshands9028]

Another great job hey Mike I use my hands with gloves. 😆 what a nightmare Mike , well they got the best man to do the job..

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, mike

[@JBIRD575]

Nice and simple teach me brotha!

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks JBIRD, I appreciate it. mike

[@wsss8816]

good

[@americanpatriot4080]

My knees hurt just watching him.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks , Mike

[@giannisf]

hello my friend hello from Athens good work ok

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Giammis, thanks, I appreciate it. I been to Athens, Loved it, mike

[@justwondering5540]

Nice job Mike ! I do odd jobs for the Nabior 74 years old and she is happy to have someone that is in her price range and does not take advantage of her.You showed me a lot and thank you but I don't see how you do it without knee pads or something

[@MikeHaduck]

+Donald Baus I got a keeler pad but it is probably in the way when I am filming so I move it. but yea, I would not feel right taking advantage of people. I might very welll be in the same predicament when I am older myself, and what comes around goes around they say , honest weights and honest measures is a delight of the lord. that's the way I look at it. thanks mike

[@ricklombardo7013]

Very cool love youtube great job,

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Rick, mike

[@josecanisales3491]

I love your comment about your 3 hardest years in school.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Jose, Very true, lol, mike

[@jpmonin7429]

Nice. Trick with the bonding agent. I've heard you could also use Elmer's glue. Idk how true. Love ur videos man

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Jp, Mike

[@Warkive]

This is really helpful. I'm trying to parge the 18" stem wall inside my climate-controlled garage (and create a rounded cove at the base) before epoxying but had issues on my first attempt. I used Quikrete Mortar Mix (which was recommended to me) but I think it was too dry and wouldn't stick so I ripped off what little I had done and regrouped. Ideally I'd like to do it all in one coat since I'm not very efficient and this is a pretty time-consuming effort (and it's going to be epoxied over anyway). I welcome any tips you'd like to offer.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi JD, I have a playlist called "foundation repair" Mike haduck, some of those techniques might help, thanks mike

[@dcforever3537]

you make it look so easy but for someone with no experience it aint faking easy

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi DC, but it will be satisfying when your done, thanks mike

[@trkstpbob1858]

I wish this guy was in NJ.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@dnorris654]

Thanks for the video, Mike. I was wondering about how you terminated the coating at the ground level. do you need to leave a gap of a certain width or do you just contact the ground.

[@MikeHaduck]

+David Norris its a little tricky but had to go with the old, I try to leave a little space so the water drains, hard call. thanks mike

[@milesaway3422]

You’re amazing. Thank you. Could I use this technique and the Portland + water + bonding agent to the water side of a crumbling sea wall?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi miles, I can't say but I got a lot of video on "foundation repair" might be similar. Thanks Mike

[@milesaway3422]

@@MikeHaduck thanks! Im going to use some tapcon screws, a lot of them, and some chicken wire mesh. I couldn’t tell exactly what you said, and what you meant when you were talking about mesh-that it’s good, or awful! Thanks!

[@godentertainer5523]

Always wet your area first, to stick and spread better. Wet concrete on dry surface will crack and not stick properly.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, I agree, Mike

[@bigjimbow]

Nice video mike. what's your thoughts on stucco over paint and or waterproofing tar on an outside basement entryway . do able? your thoughts

[@MikeHaduck]

+bigjimbow all I could say Is there is a lot of different circumstances that let you do things and then won't let you do things, so it all depends on how, where, and what your doing, best to ask the local guys for something like that, thanks mike

[@maxfreeland9050]

Pay attention folks OLD GUYS RULE Mike's right bet his works lasts

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mario, Mike

[@thomasbroking7943]

The new technology they have a tool for doing the scratching and he recommend you do it and wavy lines up and down and someone that second coat goes on any contracts it doesn't just can try vertically it contracts sideways also. They say that the wavy lines of the cement adhere better

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Thomas, after a while doing ThisYou just know what works and what doesn’t and usually how long it’s gonna last, thanks Mike

[@jamesfrank5162]

Great instructional video, Mike. By the accent you must be from the coal region above Pottsville. I'm in Reading and want to repair a dirt wall in the basement. Any suggestions for indoor patching other than what's in your video? Thanks a million! Jim

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Jim, you’re right, the Scranton area, I did a series of videos on how I repair an old stone foundation, or concrete foundation they might help, thanks Mike

[@Marcoosianism]

Can watch and re-watch your videos over and over. Great job. For some reason when I make my parge mix (usually 2-3 parts sand to 1 part portland and a bit of S-Mortar) it often has a brown tinge to it ... other times it doesn't. I have no idea what is coloring it. I even tried without the S-mortar and again the color is not consistent.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Marc, could be the sand , water, cement type, drying time , even the thickness makes it dry different colors, you could always Portland paint the whole project when your done, whatever works. Thanks Mike

[@Marcoosianism]

@@MikeHaduck Thanks Mike, truly appreciate the reply.

[@pensive69]

@@Marcoosianism .... Around our areas , Western PA/ USA , most of the sands available are brown tint. Sources tend to be river and waterway dredging. I find that they are the primary reason we get a brownish final coloration. If you tried out a small test batch with a fine silica sand you might see more lighter final results.

[@Marcoosianism]

@@pensive69 Thanks Pensive. Even with 3 box stores in my area it's hard to find anything other than play sand. Will keep looking though and will keep my eye out for the fine silica sand.

[@cndbrn7975]

@@Marcoosianism Play sand is usually the same as construction sand, give it a shot. The brown coloration is most likely your water. Some water is rich in minerals and metals, try adding baking soda or use distilled water.

[@wishneusky]

I got a question for you... when you put on the final (second) coat over the base (where the cracks show), what it you used a thin set mortar, like the stuff made up for tile floors? They add an "acrylic" (same stuff in latex paint) to the mix. I think that's supposed to make the thin layer stronger.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Peter, I never tried that, but I have to match also what is already there, so I use the traditional cement. Thanks, mike

[@healing2gether]

Mike I’ve noticed that you use “Rapid set” for many applications, would you still use rapid set to repair the plaster (reparge) the finish over the stone of an old Victorian house in Pennsylvania? Thank, Adam

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Adam, I like to use rapid set to fill the holes before I use traditional cement, I don't use it for a finish, unless it is small and I got to paint over it, thanks, mike

[@stevee5044]

WOW!

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Steve, I appreciate it. mike

[@joemommma6573]

mike, i always make sure its wet first. if i want to stick something

[@LegendaryWoke]

Youtue police not paying attention I see. He did WET it

[@emiliosancaro9371]

hi mike for very hot day and wall expose to sun all time you can make a carpet of water with sponge or anything else at the bottom of the wall and cover it with plastic yes sir water is the key for cement i hope i explain good my mind

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks w, I appreciate it. mike

[@davebrittain9216]

First time viewer and good video. Mike I have a question. What do you do if the wall has been painted?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Dave, I usually scar it up, I do I on my foundation repair videos, thanks Mike

[@roths7]

Great info. Could you do this over an old stacked rock(limestone I think?) retaining wall that had not been coated before?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Roths,, I can't say unless I seen it , I have a lot of videos on retaining walls and stone foundation repair that might help , thanks, Mike

[@pz5341]

Hi Mike. Your videos are great. How do I match a parge coat on a wall? Whenever I use store bought mortar mix (Quikrete), it always dries real white (and occasionally real dark), can never seem to figure out why. Plus store bought mortar mix does not have the larger pebbles (nothing bigger than 1/8" diameter) and multi color pebbles/sand in it like the old parge does. I just need to patch a piece that fell off the wall. The existing parge coat is relatively white and has coarser multi color (blacks, reds, yellow, white, etc) sand in it. I have coarse sand but not as multi colored as that on the wall. I don't have Portland cement and don't really want to buy a 94 lb bag of it for this small patch. I don't want my patch to stick out like a sore thumb visually speaking. Thanks.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi P Z, I just usually patch it with anything and the just mix up some cement paint a few days later, and everything matches thanks mike

[@leeb.7188]

Hi Mike, I had a mason build a 4’ rock wall (rocks covering cinder blocks) two years ago. Now about 1/4 of the capstones have come loose. I’m going to repair it myself. I don’t know what type of mortar he used, but the local brick and rock yards recommend Type N here in Maryland. Do you think it would be better to use mortar, or a tube of exterior construction adhesive to cement the stones back in place? Thanks!

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Laura, for stones outside in weather I use 1 part Portland cement and two parts sand, other masons disagree, but I never had a problem, check out my videos on how i repoint a stone wall, hope it helps thanks mike

[@jman4573]

Hi Mike I love your videos very informative do you ever come across like concrete structures? columns sauna tubes beams what do you recommend other than your cement products they all seem to not ever match the gray concrete look they're always lighter?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Josue, I appreciate it. concrete gets older naturally and it all depends on the stone they use to make it. hard call, thanks mike

[@jman4573]

Mike Haduck yes I was thinking of trying sand with Portland cement have you ever used that combo?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Josue, I usually show what cement I am using for which job on my videos, I do use it for lots of them, I hope it helps thanks mike

[@bobbyb7127]

You like the crazy professor of concrete repair. lol

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Bob, Mike

[@Brooklynraised68]

Portland should sponsor you

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, mike

[@doloresm7396]

So, I guess my retaining wall job won't be a five minute job. Sure would have helped if the guy who built this would have put in a drainage pipe. Really, it is now a nightmare mess. My mother loved to do this kind of work too but whoever bought our house will run into wire all over. Nice job as usual.

[@MikeHaduck]

+Dolores M thanks Dolores, mike

[@doloresm7396]

Thanks for responding Mike I have your videos bookmarked. Looks like your videos will be my guide. Take care.

[@rc1983]

Hi I cane across with your video s d so happy as this is what i want to do. Can you please add info on the proportion for the mixture? Thank you

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi RC, I got a playlist called foundation repair, I show what I used in each circumstance, I think that will help you most, thanks Mike

[@rc1983]

@@MikeHaduck thank you. I 've just watched some of your videos, very practical and beginners can follow. Thank you for sharing.

[@walterholly7306]

Hi Mike I have a parged block foundation which has been painted and now after scraping old cement to patch do I have to get all the paint off of foundation or just where I cement thanks for great videos also I live in Ohio so should I use just sand and Portland 2 to 1 thanks

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Walter, I paint over the paint and just like a dentist get what you got to, paint everything, I have a whole series called foundation repair, thanks Mike

[@bobgil3464]

Wet the wall use Portland cement and bonding agent. Got it.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Bob, mike

[@vivianaskew9668]

I live in New Jersey and in need of having my wall done. Can I get the exact measurements of materials used to fix wall.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Vivian, check out my playlist on foundation repair, (mike Haduck) all the different cements I explain there, i hope it helps mike

[@emmarieshiro1242]

Good morning Mike. I have a similar outdoor retaining wall and on hand, a 60lb pre mix s mortar bag 1800psi. If you were me would you add a few cups of portland to make it hold up better, in Queens NY? Thanks and love the videos

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Emmarie, that is what I do, , I hope it helps, mike

[@emmarieshiro1242]

@@MikeHaduck Yes, Mike thanks and keep up those great videos. I wish masons around here were as good and honest as you! Take care bud

[@gordongordon8600]

@MikeHaduck Why did you use two coats? You've said the first coat is expected to crack, but wouldn't putting on a second coat also make it crack? Will this eventually crack? And also, knowing that mortar will crack, why did you decide to use it instead of just 1:2 mix of portland to sand for the entire job? Thanks.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Gordon, it was a cheap job for a elderly lady, you can't overthink it, it's just plaster that sticks on a wall, I used a fast drying on the first coat and regular mix on second, one day job and saved her a ton of money, thanks Mike