Do you know why Parging fails?

What is Parging

Parging is a coating applied to masonry surfaces. It is made from a cement-based mortar and is used to protect the surface from weathering and water damage. It also helps to seal the masonry unit and prevent moisture from entering the unit. It can be used on concrete walls, floors, and ceilings. It is often used to cover up defects in the concrete surface or to prepare the surface for painting or other finishes.

Importance of Parging

This is generally done to protect the surface from weathering, to provide a finished appearance, or to fill minor surface irregularities. Parging is a very effective way to seal and insulate the wall. It creates a solid surface that can be painted or covered with wallpaper.

Reasons for Parging Failure

The most common reasons parging fails are improper installation, using the wrong type of parging material, and moisture infiltration.

Improper Installation

Improper installation can lead to parging failure. The incorrect application of parging mortar can cause it to crack and flake off the surface of the walls. In addition, if the substrate is not properly prepared before parging is applied, air pockets can form between the substrate and the parging mortar, which can also lead to failure.

Incorrect Material

The incorrect type of parging material can cause failure by not adhering to the substrate properly or by flaking off over time. If the material is not able to stick to the surface, it may fall off, creating an uneven appearance or exposing the substrate beneath. If the parging material flakes off, it can create a number of problems, such as allowing moisture penetration, which can lead to corrosion or rust.

Moisture Infiltration

Moisture infiltration is the main cause of parging failure. The water causes the mortar to erode and the bricks to deteriorate. This can eventually lead to the collapse of the wall.

How to Prevent Parging Failure?

There are a few ways to prevent parging failure. Let’s discuss them one by one:

Bonding Agents

Bonding agents are used in parging to prevent failure. The bonding agent helps the parging adhere to the surface, which prevents it from flaking or peeling off. By using a bonding agent, you can ensure that your parging will last for years.

Thicker Parge Coat

Thicker coats of parge can help to prevent parging failure by providing a more robust surface that is less likely to be damaged. Additionally, a thicker coat can help to disguise any underlying damage that may have occurred, helping to keep the parge in good condition for longer.

Clean and Dirt-Free Surface

A clean and dust-free surface is important for preventing parging failure because it prevents the build-up of debris that can clog the pores of the parge coat, preventing it from bonding properly to the substrate. It also allows for proper application of the parge coat, providing a smooth, even finish.

Dry Parge Coat

Parging failure can occur when the parge coat is not completely dry before the next layer is applied. This can cause the new layer to crack and peel away from the old layer. A completely dry parge coat will prevent this by ensuring that the binder in the parge coat will not be diluted by water and will form a strong bond with the underlying surface.

What to Do if Parging Fails?

If parging fails, it is often necessary to remove the old parge coat and reapply a new one. This can be a difficult and time-consuming process. If you are having trouble with your parging, it is best to consult a masonry repair contractor to help you get the job done right.

Hiring a professional like us to repair the parge on your home is a wise decision. This will allow us to assess the damage and make the necessary repairs to protect your home from further damage. By hiring Atlantic Brick and Stone, you can be sure that the job will be done correctly and that your home will be protected.