How to talk intelligently to the masonry contractor?

[Nette]

The foundation of our little house is composed of an assortment of concrete block, bricks, and plain ol’ big rocks. It ain’t pretty, but it’s functional. I want to get a masonry contractor to fill in any holes and make the foundation wall look like one even surface. Isn’t this called “pointing up” or “repointing”? I don’t want to sound dumb when I call the contractor. I’d like it to look sort of like stucco, and I thought I’d paint it dark gray. (Our ranch-style house has white aluminum siding and black shutters.) Or would it be better to tint the cement and not paint it? Any suggestions about this process would be appreciated.

[The Paw]

I am no expert, but I think "re-pointing" is the term for replacing failing mortar between bricks (without taking the whole thing apart).

I believe the term for covering the stone/brickwork with a plaster or stucco like substance is "parching".

[tiogacounty]

Different names in different places, around here the term would be stuccoing or parging. The biggest concern I would have is that any loose material is removed, or repaired, and that the wall is prepped as well as possible. A poorly done job, or a poorly prepared surface, will soon fall apart. There is a liquid bonding agent that can be brushed on to the old wall like a paint, prior to applying the new stucco. It will make a huge difference. I do know of cases where nothing will stick to the old wall for very long because the block work simply decays below the new stucco surface. A good mason should be able to tell you if it's worth the effort. Good luck.

[agmantoo]

Here is what I would use. I have applied this product numerous times and have never been disappointed. Just scroll down and look near the bottom to see the results. This stuff is rather user friendly and could be applied by anyone. You can color it to meet your preference.
http://www.bonsal.com/customers/1020...e/MORTARLE.HTM

[Nette]

Thanks, Agmantoo! That wall looks nice. I might be able to do this myself...

[FolioMark]

What you want to do is called Parging around here and its not at all hard to do.
In fact, when I bought my first house, it was the first job I did on my own. It wasnt difficult and I just took my time and worked my way around the house staying in the shade. That was more than 15 years ago and it still looks like new. If I can do it sitting in a wheelchair, anyone can do it. Good Luck with it.

[Wildwood Flower]

SAVING...that stucco stuff looks great agmantoo. Is it expensive?

Good for you Mark! You did it in a wheelchair? Amazing!

[agmantoo]

The price per bag is a bit high but since it is a DIY task and bypasses the mason the overall job is much cheaper. I never mentioned how strong the end results are but I built an animal containment building for hogs using the process. Later the building was demolished when I sold the property. The cinder block on the animal building were harder to teardown than the brick veneer on my home. In the application above it will only be necessary to apply the product to one side. When doing new construction it is best to coat both sides. I make wellhouses using only the one coat method, however. It is a great product.

[Beeman]

Save the grief and do it yourself.

[brickbat]

Nette what part of NC do you live I am a brickmason or you can PM me I live near Charlotte