Filling in hole in block wall

16 years ago

I have a 4"x6" hole in my basement block wall where the previous owner had installed an electrical outlet.

What is the best way to fill and patch this hole?

I've had some water seeping through the walls in this area on rare occasions, so I am looking to make this a solid patch.

Here is a photo:

{{!gwi}}

Featured Answer

rjoh878646

16 years ago

just stuff some plastic bags or a piece of foam in the bottom and fill the rest with hydraulic cement.

Hydraulic Cement

Many homeowners don't realize that ordinary Portland cement shrinks when it dries. The shrinkage is very little, however it does shrink. This means that if you patch a crack or a hole, a very tiny leak may form after the cement dries.

Hydraulic cements do the opposite. They expand as they dry. In new construction I use them to fill the void areas in foundations around water pipes, electric wire sleeves, foundation form holes, etc. The stuff works! Often it has a short 'pot' life. This means that you should only mix up enough material that you can comfortably use in 10 to 15 minutes

quoted from the "ask the builder" website

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Comments (7)

ron6519
16 years ago
Put cement board in back and use hydraulic cement for the surface.
Ron
jb989
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks. What is cement board and where would I get that?
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beacher003
16 years ago
Or just get some ready mix concrete and mix up a small batch and fill in the hole. Trowel it smooth.
rjoh878646
16 years ago
cement board is available at Lowes or home depot. It comes in 3 by 5 ft sheets. Idon't really think you need it. Just fill it in with hydraulic cement. hydraulic cement expands when it cures and will cure even with water trying to penetrate it. The cement sets very fast so you have a short working time. Wear rubber gloves while working with it.
jb989
Original Author
16 years ago
Is there any structural benefit to filling in the entire block cavity with cement? Or should I just repair the hole? I could be over-thinking this...thanks.
beacher003
16 years ago
You are over thinking it but at least you are thinking. Cement is really the easiest way to fill it. Either stuff some batting of sorts into the bottom to prevent the mix from falling into the block cell below the opening or just mix up some small batches and fill the opening till it's packed full.