Repairing a broken concrete / cement block

When cutting block to frame for a future door, a needed block was inadvertently broken. Here's what we did to fix it.

[@dnp990]

Thanks for the great idea! I have a concrete block chimney at home that is missing a chunk out of a corner and someone had patched it with mortar... right idea, just wrong execution. The mortar patch fell out just tapping it with a hammer.

[@michaelatkins3819]

This is sort of what I was thinking to fix my wall outside. You confirmed my thinking.

[@JtBrown-el4xt]

Theres so much more wood being used here than necessary. Mortar is very sticky. I could've done this repair without a single piece of wood and in about 10 mins

[@CletusandCleetus]

Yes! I have a damaged cinder block pony wall in my front yard and this is exactly what i needed! Thank you

[@FamilyFriendlyDIY]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for the comment.

[@rh10033]

Thanks for this! I have two cinder blocks that need repaired under my front porch steps. Going to try this before calling a contractor.

[@FamilyFriendlyDIY]

I hope it works for you!

[@aytviewer2421]

The end result looked pretty nice... I own an old "block" home and may find this useful sometime in the future. Thanks for sharing.

[@FamilyFriendlyDIY]

Thanks.

[@tonyd1149]

Nice job on that. Thank you for making & posing this video.

[@FamilyFriendlyDIY]

Thanks for the kind comment, Tony!

[@endresj]

The studs that rest on the concrete pad that are adjacent to the block you repaired should have been treated lumber or they will rot. Anytime lumber comes in direct contact with concrete, it should be treated.

[@FamilyFriendlyDIY]

It might be hard to tell, but they actually are treated. Everything touching concrete on the build is treated. But that's a good point for anyone out there that doesn't know that. Thanks for the comment, @endresj!

[@skiprope536]

:This was painful the first 4 minutes! Special needs concrete repair !

[@aaronfagerstrom34]

Lol. I'm 2 minutes in and that was my exact thought

[@thomasmorrison3279]

Nice job. I have one cement block with a hole in it.

[@FamilyFriendlyDIY]

Thanks. And good luck with yours!

[@jgg204]

use bonding agent, and could have hand troweled it on in 15 mins. building a form for something like this doesn't make any sense.

[@JK-vr8ko]

Way to go, you know what your doin !

[@FamilyFriendlyDIY]

Thanks!

[@andrebankston4343]

Nice cuts 👍👍

[@FamilyFriendlyDIY]

Thanks 👍

[@bookstan]

Hardly? Gnna start chipping on the corners. It already has big chips on it

[@gsc01972]

No bonding agent?

[@FamilyFriendlyDIY]

No bonding agent ... but that wouldn't be a bad idea. I was just working with what we had already at the house.

[@simmy3076]

I see the experts are in the comment section getting stressed yet again. If it works, who cares how they got there.

[@bookstan]

How many times do u have to bang on it?

[@johnnymensi1865]

Over kill on the nails

[@antoniosmall4413]

How long does it take to get decent at laying block?

[@FamilyFriendlyDIY]

Antonio, this garage was actually the first time I'd ever laid block. I never even practiced it before. I did watch a ton of youtubes by Stu Crompton, Rob Songer, and Rodian Builds before I attempted it though. In the first 10 blocks or so, there were a lot of do-overs, but I was laying pretty fast by the end. I believe if you start with a good knowledge of the theory side, the actual laying comes pretty quickly. Soak up those youtubes and you' be itching to lay. Thanks for the comment.

[@antoniosmall4413]

Dave Voskos DIY I’ve watched tons of videos. Never heard of anyone you’ve mentioned. I’ll check them out. I blocked in two doorways. I found the toughest thing was cutting the blocks and keeping them from cracking on you. Also, I was wondering when you’re leveling a block does the bubble have to be in the dead center or can it be close to a line or touch a line. Thanks for the response.

[@ken5360]

@@antoniosmall4413 dead centre is best

[@pls1911]

Watching this hurts my head... so much unnecessary work. Take all the broken pieces and fill the void in the block. Mix some Rapid Set Mortar, then throw it onto wetted fill to create a rough surface contour. It will set by the time you mix a second batch and apply a finish coat to fill and smooth remain surface . Wait 3 minutes and sponge float. This provides a stucco finish and a corner repair much stronger than the original block. Start to finish is MAYBE 30 minutes if you're really slow. No framing wrestling, hammering forms, nursing cement though little cracks, or coming back to remove forms and finish the surface irregularities.... Easy , easy, easy, ....strong and FAST

[@FamilyFriendlyDIY]

Thanks for the input, but mortar isn't as strong as concrete, correct?

[@JRJS6802]

Two guys for a 5 minute job, totally over engineered

[@bonanzatime]

Lol! Oh Boy😅😅😅😅😅

[@matthewturner89]

how not do it lol A for effort