I am a women DYIer and concrete work has been intimidating subject for me. Thank you to you sir, I am less afraid to try different concrete projects! In the world where the currency is $, your teachings are priceless and we need more of you, a teacher, to make this world a better place. I appreciate you, Mike.
Same! I had some concerns about my 100 year old foundation, but if the same cracks are there as when I moved in 22 years ago..."no big deal", haha. I keep watching and finding myself more willing to take the repairs on!
I love Mike's videos because he fixes old houses that look like mine. I live in Chicago in a house with a stone foundation that was built in the 1890's. I have been terrified of it for two years. I love when he gets in there and starts digging and scraping. "It's just a crack!" And I think to myself, "I can do that!" Thanks, Mike! I'm making repairs this week!
Mike is great; an honest man, simple, straight forward, no gauging. Reminds me of a time when people shared info to help their neighbors. I wish I could fly him to Cali and have him do my foundation repairs - over 50 woman simply trying to keep my home.
That old school bonding agent is just one of the great tips I've learned from you, Mike. The work you did on this house improved the appearance of the foundation, 100 percent at a reasonable price. With the way it looked at the beginning I can just imagine what a lot of contractors would have told the homeowners and made it into a totally unnecessary big production. Instead, No Big Deal scores another victory for the good guys. Thanks for sharing your experience and skills. Before watching your channel I would have never attempted the things I do now.
Gotta say thank you for this one. I bought a house this year and cracks in the foundation are scary. The inspector said something similar and it's good to be reminded again. Concrete cracks are normal and my home isn't about to collapse.
Wow! Looks like a joined the right club. I have been in my 1903 house since 1975. At 7I started a lawn business this last year. I bought a fleet of tractors and the flood gates opened as far as customers. Word of mouth and attention to detail. The season is over so it’s inside I go. I dug my basement out and poured a new floor. Added a sump pump and replumbed the two headed shower area with a toilet and sink. That was 2017. This year I felt a cold breeze blowing between the foundation and the beam the house rests on. Long story short I was searching for the right combination of sand, type-s mortar and Portland cement. I found Mike on the You Tube channel and have watched his video’s (very helpful, but, “No Big Deal”) I am in the process of cleaning, reticle pointing and coating my walls. Thank you, Mike!
Sure, until you realize a year later that the crack he covered up is back, if not worse... I guess for the sake of enjoying this video, we can just pretend that those cracks were due to simple aging and settling, but the big crack under the window in that cellar isn't something that should be "patched." (At least, not in my opinion but this assumes that no structural engineer was consulted beforehand, too.)
@@22_floW Also take into account $40 K job, sell the house ............... or $400 maybe 9-10 years later we'll have another look...... end is, if you've got the money, then yes engineers report , house under pinning and double the cost or even a new house rebuild.. Its very rare to find a builder not wanting a arm and a leg.
@@tonycat721 yeah, that patch job will last for years. Concrete and mortar all break down over the years, gotta fix it up as it ages, no need to tear down this entire structure yet.
@@22_floW I have yet to see a house fall apart because of cracks in foundation. Sure it can happen and a house can sag some, if the foundation is crumbling. But it has to be very rare.
@@hanslund308, and in all honesty, I doubt this house will fall down anytime soon, too, but the problem is that when they go, they go--especially for older homes that suffer from hydro-static pressure that isn't properly dealt with. It doesn't take much rain for soil to swell... You rarely get notice beyond the things like bowing walls or the stair step cracks and I'd bet everything I have that this house's little basement / cellar area leaks like a son-of-a-bitch when it rains. In fact, I'd bet it floods, and that moister leads to problems when it evaporates, too. Is it enough to make anything collapse? Who knows? We'd have to see it in action to determine that. But judging from those cracks, I wouldn't be someone who would want to risk it, especially considering how most home owner insurance plans do everything they can to avoid covering foundation / basement issues like collapsed walls. That crack in the video under the window in the basement / cellar? Sure, it will probably be okay for a long time as that looked like the worst of it with nothing else in the video really contributing to anything else worth worrying too much about, and especially considering what I'm assuming must be no less than 8" worth of base for that wall thickness to enjoy in the event anything does start moving around (so even if it shifts, there's plenty of space to allow for time to attack it if it ever shows movement), but I'm not the type of person who patches things or tempts fate, either. If that were my house, I'd find a contractor to redo the entire thing and remove it from the equation once and for all. That way, you wouldn't need to depend on the comforts expressed by UA-cam strangers who say things like, "I have yet to see a house fall apart because of cracks in foundation [sic]." It wouldn't cost that much to do, too, at least not compared to bigger examples: that wall with the long diagonal crack appeared to be approximately 7-8', which would likely cost between $10k-15k to rebuild ($15k being the high-end, with it possibly being less than $10k depending on the respective contractor, inherent experience he or she has, and whether the project would include external waterproofing, drainage solutions, etc.). For that house, it'd be a pretty simple affair, actually: you'd prop the home up on metal columns to support the structure, demo and haul off the old material, then pour new footings reinforced with rebar and rebuild the wall using up-to-code CMU blocks with the installation of some drainage. You'd shimmy the sill plate to match height of the older remaining walls. I don't even think a void-fill would be required unless you just want to avoid messing with drainage, sumps, etc. (which wouldn't necessarily assure penetration, but some do that to prevent it and reinforce structure). I get that not everyone wants to take things that far, and I'm not trying to make a $10-15k bill something to scoff at... It's just that I've just gone through this with my own home where I spent about $35-40k rebuilding 2 entire sides of my basement for an older home whose basement walls were built using vitrified clay block. The project included the installation of sump-based footer drain lines outside the new walls to relieve water pressures, which are now pumped out. It also included waterproofing compound being applied on the outside (i.e. - black tar). Sure, I hated spending that amount of money on it, but I'm happy I did for simple peace-of-mind. I'll probably never get that money back--or at least, not all of it--but I can at least rest easy knowing my house isn't going to fall down now because I had everything you see in the nightmare videos where you see bowing walls, water shooting out of old block, etc. Thing is, I wasn't going to be one of those people you see during a heavy rain whose walls finally blow... I doubt that would happen with the wall you see in this video, but again, I'm not someone who risks it. More power to the guy if he can get away with patching things. I know I wouldn't buy it even after he patched it, but this comes from someone who's had a different journey with these kinds of things, too.
Thanks for creating and sharing your videos Mike. Your old-school knowledge and extensive experience are really priceless for us DIYers. I tackled a fairly big retaining wall & foundation job today on my house thanks to all your very helpful advice in all your videos, and guess what? It was no big deal. You're a great teacher Mike, thanks again!
No fancy talk and no fancy fix. “No big deal” mike. Thank you sir. I’m a young mason making a name for myself in philly. Thank you for your videos and know how
Love watching your videos. I'm a novice with an old house, and I find myself using concrete a lot. Thanks for demystifying it for me. I love working with this stuff and see myself doing more and more with it and for other people as side jobs. "No big deal!"
I’ve never felt more prepared to do something I am totally unqualified to do on my home than I did after watching this video. The “no big deal” and the launching of the concrete at the wall got my adrenaline pumpin. This video is ***chefs kiss*** perfect. Thanks Mike, you’re the man!
God bless you Mike. I was finally able to use your advice when repairing a part of my brick foundation a few weeks ago. Water wasn't flashed away and the mortar had all crumbled. It was satisfying work to build back up what had broken down.
I'm a P.Eng. and I just found your videos a few days ago but I am watching and learning from you every night. I love that you talk to us while you work. It's so engaging. Thanks Mike.
You’re like the Bob Ross of foundation repair, but most importantly, you do an amazing job with incredible knowledge in the field. Wish we had one of you here in Los Angeles.
God Bless you sir. Thank you for not only being honest, but also showing people who cant afford contractors, how we can do it ourself. And you saying it no big deal, gives us confidence. Thank you
Thank you Mr. Mike Haduck, I live in Glendale, California, i will plan to repair my crack foundation, this coming summer time. i learned a lot from you, now i can fix my crack foundation. God bless Mr. Mike!
That's so nice of you to to repair this without breaking the homeowner's bank. Yet again, I find myself doing another job and need your experience for guidance. I discovered a crack in my mom's foundation and she's on a fixed income. Luckily for her I really enjoy this type of work, it's so cathartic. Her problem is less severe than the home you're working on and honestly, I was a bit unnerved when I discovered the crack in the foundation. She had a window in the basement that was never caulked and the 1/8 to 1/4 crack extends from the corner of the window nearly down to the floor. I'll start with the window repair and move onto the crack. I can't thank you enough Mike! You've saved my family money and provided me with another skillset. Blessings!
Mike, thanks to you I was able to level my A/C on the side of my house using your teachings. It took about 100 lbs of cement to fill in under 1 side, and in the end, it looks like a single new monolithic block! I'm so happy.
I love Mike’s attitude he doesn’t say omg tear this foundation out, no good,but instead he did find a way to repair the foundation sturdy as new! A great attitude! No big deal!!
That "No big deal" saying really made me comfortable doing masonry work... Because of you, I just get up and just do it. I was glad I did. Now I'm not afraid to take on these types of projects! Thank you Mr. Haduck! 💪🏾
Yep, the foundation is going to give a little through the years. Most of the time it's no big deal!! Keeping water drained away is the big deal. Great info, Mike.
Nice job Mike....good for another 75 years. I was in the same line of work as you. Retired now. I used to get a lot of customers that were told they needed their chimney torn down and rebuilt for big $$$. In most cases they just needed a few bricks replaced and tuckpointing. I got more referrals from being honest with people. Best wishes to ya brother. 👍
Glad I found this channel. Going to work on parging my foundation in a few week. I might even put in a new basement window after watching our videos. You have a new subscriber from Archbald, PA!!
Could use Mike at my house. After buying all the supplies I will need , and trying to get the stuff to my house , it would probably be best for me to leave this to Mike or a guy he could recommend. He makes it look so easy, but he has so much experience knowing what's normal setting and what's not , how deep to knock down, etc. I live in West Hazleton , Pa.
No big deal!!! This kinda thing was super intimidating but after watching a few of your videos I found out how easy this can be with the proper instruction It’s a very enjoyable thing to do to unlike something like say drywall for example Thanks mike
I'm a bit older than Mike and I do my research. Tim Carter has been my go-to guy for years, but Mike knows what he is doing. I love how he throws that mortar and it lands exactly where he wants it. Pleased to be a new subscriber!
Mesmerized by the skill and confidence of a True Craftsman!! I have the issue going into my Cold Cellar from outside... Century home in Ontario.. Thanks Mike... 🦜🦜🦚🦚Luv your Apprentice
Mike, I immensely enjoyed your video. I sincerely appreciate how calmly you teach and EXPLAIN why and what your doing. I wish you could teach me everything I need to know about home repair.
Mike, thanks for making these videos and sharing your God given and life experience. Sharing learned wisdom is a God Honoring thing to do. Much appreciated!
Mike, as always, thanks for sharing, much appreciated! I have a question... whenever I have repaired a through-crack/split in a poured concrete foundation from 1960s wall in my house in New York in similar fashion you do in this video, the crack always develops a hairline crack which opens in the winter when the foundation shrinks and closes in the summer when the foundation expands. Is there a fix for this to make the repair not show a hairline crack in the winter? Have you experienced similar issue in your area? is it the type of cement/lime mix I'm using? I know the walls contracts and expands with seasons, so not sure what to do. BTW, you mention this in the end of the video (the shrinkage/expansion).
Hi biker,,, that sounds normal, even on solid foundations I see that, I use a silicone caulking with expansion qualities and paint over it, I seen new foundations with same problem, thanks mike
Great video Mike. I'm glad I found it. You remind me of my father who learned his old school style bricklaying and masonry from his uncle John O'Brien out on Long Island back in the '40's and 50's. I learned some of it as a helper on side jobs my dad would do for neighbors and friends. I'd be hauling brick and hand mixing cement while dad laid each course. That was 60 years ago in my teens so I've forgotten some of it. And I admit I was a bit intimidated about taking on a repair myself. Watching you mix and throw that mud, and mix the different applications has refreshed my memory. But it was a line you said that convinced me to do it. You said, "It's no big deal. The house ain't going to fall down." You're right. I'll start the job tomorrow. Thanks.
Mike: Your videos are GREAT - my daughter & son-in-law are buying an older house (1902) with the same issues in their stone foundation as many of your (other) videos. I knew it will have to be pointed and filled, etc., and now I know the RIGHT WAY to do it for them with his help. I watch a LOT of "how to" videos (tractor work, etc), but I must say, your's are the most informative AND interesting! THANKS!
For the age of the house and the structural integrity of the foundation, this was the proper remedy to cost value. If anyone going to spend tens of thousands repairing this type of foundation, then it’s better off to level the home and rebuild it from ground up! I can see the years of mason work that you have experienced in the short video you presented and thank you because I have learned something from it. There’s a lot learn here from it although the younger generation may have missed it completely ( including my kid). I immediately picked it up when you made the dentist visit reference. I like older tradesmen because words of wisdom means so much and thanks again!
You saved someone a ton of money! I’ve seen people get taken advantage of and have bad results when a contractor wants to replace part of the foundation. Your repair makes sense!
Love this guy! NO BIG DEAL!! I'm going to attempt this myself and I appreciate the "old school" way - thanks for taking the time to help out - looks great!
I know, I know, it’s no big deal. But it is to me. Thank you so much for taking the time to teach and show how to take care of this issue. I just bought a home in South Dakota built in 1914. I will be putting this instruction to the test soonest. Again, thank you.
Mike, i really like your videos.your teaching us right,and making total sence. Really like your down to earth directions ,no big deal,just simple. Thank you.
Love it. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Quality baby. Some people nowadays don't understand that. God blessed a lot of those guys in the old days w/wisdom to know how to do a quality job
Mike - My brother and I have an extra wooden garage built in 1926. I notice (2) small 1/4 inch cracks in the foundation but, the floor is o.k. in the garage. Living in Michigan with bad weather would in be o.k. to clean out and use concrete mix with sand as a filler after wetting. Thanks for your expertise - It's NO Big Deal as long as Mike is involved. You have some great videos! Take care!
Hi Tony, I can only show what I did in each video and what I used, I would think something in the playlist would be similar, usually it's not a big deal. Thanks Mike
@@MikeHaduck Mike, I got those small foundation cracks all filled like you showed. Also, after wetting - I used my trowels to push in the cracks - I kept thinking and saying out loud that Mike would say get it in there - No Big Deal - looked great too! Not sure if anyone heard me either! Thank you for your videos and help! Take care!
Great video Mike. I have an H shaped crack in my crawl space foundation inside and outside and am doing some research on how to go about fixing it. Very informative and straight forward video. I appreciate you making it.
Looks mint! Been f’g around tuckpointing my field stone for years. Bane of my existence. I realize watching you I am probably working too hard to remove everything. Problem this year is the south side has been heaving in, so I remove very little every week and fill the voids and wait until they harden before moving on. Probably needed you over my shoulder goin “no big deal!”
Am dealing with a house built during WW2. Cement was expensive and rare then. Plenty of cracks but not as many as if they'd use more cement. The mortar is more elastic. We get months of rain and years of drought. The result is exactly what you described. The house settles as the soil expands and contracts. To quote you... NO BIG DEAL. every 10 years, when the house is due for a paint-over, get in there and cover up the cracks. In a few days and after a fresh coat of all weather gloss paint. It looks new! It's the newer houses built by shoddy builders that have more problems. The oldies are here to stay. Top job!
Lime mortar (the old fashioned stuff) is more flexible than portland cement based mortar. Probably why good foundations are a lot more important nowadays. If a house was built using lime mortar it needs to repaired with the same stuff.
Thank You Mike You have inspired me ! i have done cement work with confidence. Now i have been asked to repair and barn foundation with all problems present, rocks missing, cracks looking forward to the task
@@MikeHaduck Keep up the videos please i have done my work starting from very next to no experience check your video and off i go so i thank you. One question can i Use mortar mix to put barn walls together there is lots of lime on the walls or do i have to get involved with lime
Love this guy. I had a quote on my concrete porch stoop that needs a repair and a step that needs repair the other week. They said be prepared to pay $20,000. 20 grand! I fix the stair myself and working the stoop right now. Probably gonna cost me $500 or so and my time. And now I have some more skills. No big deal!
I have a 81 year old bunker type garage with poured concrete walls. The walls are pitting terribly on the exterior and entire chunks are missing. The previous owner covered the structure in wood, which quickly rotted. I plan to patch and skim coat. Your video is perfect for my project and will save me thousands! Thanks for doing what you do!
Great fun watching you work. You give excellent lessons about our trade, our culture, and whats important and whats not. Like you, I started started the mud trades in '71, and the materials have changed but not the physics. Still: "One over two, two over one" and gravity either is working FOR you or AGAINST you, forever and always. Glad to see your still well and working.
Hi Mike, my name is PJ. I’m a second generation mason in my early 30s. From northern NJ. I thought I would do something else, but it’s always been about the stone. I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your videos. I really like the “no big deal” approach. I say that all the time now, especially when I see people making a huge thing out something that really is no big deal. I agree with almost everything in your videos. Only difference is for us, retaining walls are our favorite thing to do. Only if stone. We don’t do segmental walls. Thanks again for your videos. I plan on getting a no bid deal mug soon!
It's great to watch someone who actually knows what they are talking about. I have a hairline crack in old concrete basement floor (house is over 100 but not sure of basement age. Floor surface quite smooth but in areas that have been repeatedly wet can tell lots of gravel. 1. How to repair fine hairline crack that seeped water due to very wet summer and high-water table (Alberta, Canada) 2. How to raise/level other floor areas that have ponded water when basement has leaked at wall/floor joints a couple of times in 20years. Looks like it must have leaked a lot of times over the years prior to my fixing gutters, soil sloping wrong direction, etc. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for the great videos.
Wow, I'm a transplant form NY to the south, me and my wife have found our house that was built in 1929 and is in need of pointing. Now that I've seen your video, I'm feeling confidant that I can do it myself. Thanks for a great straight forward and clear video.
Nicely done and very satisfying to watch! Thanks for the added explanations at the end. Didn't realize paint served a dual purpose! I had parged my interior basement foundation wall a couple years back only to see blistering and erosion come back again. Guessing there's water seeping through the wall. Will be applying this method in summer.
Thanks for your great videos. I have a house in upstate N.Y. that needs stone and masonry repair which I am trying to do myself and am finding your videos and technique's very helpful.
Another great video with a nice flow of camera work, example and explanations. I have a garage foundation with similar issues I've wanted to fix for years and tripped on this video. I recognized the name Mike Haduck Masonry and knew it would be good and was. Thanks Mike.
I am a women DYIer and concrete work has been intimidating subject for me. Thank you to you sir, I am less afraid to try different concrete projects! In the world where the currency is $, your teachings are priceless and we need more of you, a teacher, to make this world a better place. I appreciate you, Mike.
Thanks Kim, I appreciate hearing that, Mike
Same! I had some concerns about my 100 year old foundation, but if the same cracks are there as when I moved in 22 years ago..."no big deal", haha. I keep watching and finding myself more willing to take the repairs on!
I love Mike's videos because he fixes old houses that look like mine. I live in Chicago in a house with a stone foundation that was built in the 1890's. I have been terrified of it for two years. I love when he gets in there and starts digging and scraping. "It's just a crack!" And I think to myself, "I can do that!" Thanks, Mike! I'm making repairs this week!
Thanks Chris, that's great, Mike
Absolutely, you can do it! That's why Mike's videos are available.
🤗🙂😆
exactly.
How about an update. How did it go?
I fix some cracks yesterday inside the foundation. I painted the rocks and all the while in my head I was saying it's no big deal.
Mike is great; an honest man, simple, straight forward, no gauging. Reminds me of a time when people shared info to help their neighbors. I wish I could fly him to Cali and have him do my foundation repairs - over 50 woman simply trying to keep my home.
Thanks MB, Mike
Mike is great, we need a list of contractors like mike for every city.
Thanks Brian, mike
@@MikeHaduck mike, please Start writing Mike with big M
I was going to comment the same thing! I have a stupid amount of concrete at my fixer upper - a lot of it needing repairs.
Rrrr
That old school bonding agent is just one of the great tips I've learned from you, Mike. The work you did on this house improved the appearance of the foundation, 100 percent at a reasonable price. With the way it looked at the beginning I can just imagine what a lot of contractors would have told the homeowners and made it into a totally unnecessary big production. Instead, No Big Deal scores another victory for the good guys. Thanks for sharing your experience and skills. Before watching your channel I would have never attempted the things I do now.
Thanks Bill, I appreciate hearing that, it means I am on the right track, Mike
Very good job. This is the best video I’ve ever seen
Gotta say thank you for this one. I bought a house this year and cracks in the foundation are scary. The inspector said something similar and it's good to be reminded again. Concrete cracks are normal and my home isn't about to collapse.
Thanks gedelgo,,,Mike
You're amazing. Mike. Straightforward and to the point. No glitz and glamour, like the old timers. Love it!
Thanks, Mike
Wow! Looks like a joined the right club. I have been in my 1903 house since 1975.
At 7I started a lawn business this last year. I bought a fleet of tractors and the flood gates opened as far as
customers. Word of mouth and attention to detail.
The season is over so it’s inside I go. I dug my basement out and poured a new floor. Added a sump pump and replumbed the two headed shower area with a toilet and sink. That was 2017.
This year I felt a cold breeze blowing between the foundation and the beam the house rests on.
Long story short I was searching for the right combination of sand, type-s mortar and Portland cement.
I found Mike on the You Tube channel and have watched his video’s (very helpful, but, “No Big Deal”) I am in the process of cleaning, reticle pointing and coating my walls.
Thank you, Mike!
Thanks Craig, I appreciate hearing that, Mike
Mike you’re a kind soul. If only half of contractors were as honest. TY
Thanks Robert, Mike
I love the way you work Mike, no big deal. The home owner must be so happy! Keep up the good work Mike!! 👍👍👍😎🇨🇱
Thanks Rico, Mike
$400 job fixing a crack vs. a $40K job - “let’s rip it all out and start fresh!”. I love a “no big deal’ contractor like you...rare find😀
Sure, until you realize a year later that the crack he covered up is back, if not worse... I guess for the sake of enjoying this video, we can just pretend that those cracks were due to simple aging and settling, but the big crack under the window in that cellar isn't something that should be "patched." (At least, not in my opinion but this assumes that no structural engineer was consulted beforehand, too.)
@@22_floW Also take into account $40 K job, sell the house ............... or $400 maybe 9-10 years later we'll have another look...... end is, if you've got the money, then yes engineers report , house under pinning and double the cost or even a new house rebuild..
Its very rare to find a builder not wanting a arm and a leg.
@@tonycat721 yeah, that patch job will last for years. Concrete and mortar all break down over the years, gotta fix it up as it ages, no need to tear down this entire structure yet.
@@22_floW I have yet to see a house fall apart because of cracks in foundation. Sure it can happen and a house can sag some, if the foundation is crumbling. But it has to be very rare.
@@hanslund308, and in all honesty, I doubt this house will fall down anytime soon, too, but the problem is that when they go, they go--especially for older homes that suffer from hydro-static pressure that isn't properly dealt with. It doesn't take much rain for soil to swell... You rarely get notice beyond the things like bowing walls or the stair step cracks and I'd bet everything I have that this house's little basement / cellar area leaks like a son-of-a-bitch when it rains. In fact, I'd bet it floods, and that moister leads to problems when it evaporates, too. Is it enough to make anything collapse? Who knows? We'd have to see it in action to determine that. But judging from those cracks, I wouldn't be someone who would want to risk it, especially considering how most home owner insurance plans do everything they can to avoid covering foundation / basement issues like collapsed walls. That crack in the video under the window in the basement / cellar? Sure, it will probably be okay for a long time as that looked like the worst of it with nothing else in the video really contributing to anything else worth worrying too much about, and especially considering what I'm assuming must be no less than 8" worth of base for that wall thickness to enjoy in the event anything does start moving around (so even if it shifts, there's plenty of space to allow for time to attack it if it ever shows movement), but I'm not the type of person who patches things or tempts fate, either. If that were my house, I'd find a contractor to redo the entire thing and remove it from the equation once and for all. That way, you wouldn't need to depend on the comforts expressed by UA-cam strangers who say things like, "I have yet to see a house fall apart because of cracks in foundation [sic]." It wouldn't cost that much to do, too, at least not compared to bigger examples: that wall with the long diagonal crack appeared to be approximately 7-8', which would likely cost between $10k-15k to rebuild ($15k being the high-end, with it possibly being less than $10k depending on the respective contractor, inherent experience he or she has, and whether the project would include external waterproofing, drainage solutions, etc.). For that house, it'd be a pretty simple affair, actually: you'd prop the home up on metal columns to support the structure, demo and haul off the old material, then pour new footings reinforced with rebar and rebuild the wall using up-to-code CMU blocks with the installation of some drainage. You'd shimmy the sill plate to match height of the older remaining walls. I don't even think a void-fill would be required unless you just want to avoid messing with drainage, sumps, etc. (which wouldn't necessarily assure penetration, but some do that to prevent it and reinforce structure).
I get that not everyone wants to take things that far, and I'm not trying to make a $10-15k bill something to scoff at... It's just that I've just gone through this with my own home where I spent about $35-40k rebuilding 2 entire sides of my basement for an older home whose basement walls were built using vitrified clay block. The project included the installation of sump-based footer drain lines outside the new walls to relieve water pressures, which are now pumped out. It also included waterproofing compound being applied on the outside (i.e. - black tar). Sure, I hated spending that amount of money on it, but I'm happy I did for simple peace-of-mind. I'll probably never get that money back--or at least, not all of it--but I can at least rest easy knowing my house isn't going to fall down now because I had everything you see in the nightmare videos where you see bowing walls, water shooting out of old block, etc. Thing is, I wasn't going to be one of those people you see during a heavy rain whose walls finally blow... I doubt that would happen with the wall you see in this video, but again, I'm not someone who risks it. More power to the guy if he can get away with patching things. I know I wouldn't buy it even after he patched it, but this comes from someone who's had a different journey with these kinds of things, too.
Thanks for creating and sharing your videos Mike. Your old-school knowledge and extensive experience are really priceless for us DIYers. I tackled a fairly big retaining wall & foundation job today on my house thanks to all your very helpful advice in all your videos, and guess what? It was no big deal. You're a great teacher Mike, thanks again!
Thank you Dan, I appreciate it, mike
Nice transformation, Mike. This was sitcom length and much appreciated.
Thanks Brian, mike
No fancy talk and no fancy fix. “No big deal” mike. Thank you sir. I’m a young mason making a name for myself in philly. Thank you for your videos and know how
Thanks Josh, I appreciate it Mike
Love watching your videos. I'm a novice with an old house, and I find myself using concrete a lot. Thanks for demystifying it for me. I love working with this stuff and see myself doing more and more with it and for other people as side jobs. "No big deal!"
Thanks Erick, mike
You have no idea how much your videos have helped me with my foundation repairs. Thank you so much!
Thank you Todd, Mike
I have finished my concrete job for over a week now , and I'm still watching your videos , great stuff. Thanks Mike.
Thanks Tomas, Mike
I’ve never felt more prepared to do something I am totally unqualified to do on my home than I did after watching this video. The “no big deal” and the launching of the concrete at the wall got my adrenaline pumpin. This video is ***chefs kiss*** perfect. Thanks Mike, you’re the man!
Thanks, take your time. You will get it, practice on the part no one sees first, mike
God bless you Mike. I was finally able to use your advice when repairing a part of my brick foundation a few weeks ago. Water wasn't flashed away and the mortar had all crumbled. It was satisfying work to build back up what had broken down.
Thanks Ida, I appreciate it, mike
I'm a P.Eng. and I just found your videos a few days ago but I am watching and learning from you every night. I love that you talk to us while you work. It's so engaging. Thanks Mike.
Thanks Jerry, Mike
I love your videos. After watching then I feel like "it's no big deal!" I have learned a lot. Thank you Mike!
Thanks clever, mike
Mikes No Big Deal Cement repairs. Thank you for doing the video.
Thanks Metal, Mike
Wow!! what a difference!! sure looked a lot better when you were done. great video.
Thanks Sue, mike
You’re so refreshing! So many people today see cracks and freak out. I see character. Old building settled in nicely. Patch n go. Awesomeness.
Thanks, Mike
Thanks Mike! I'm going to repoint my 120 year old stack stone foundation this year, thanks to you and your videos.
Thanks David, I am sure it will come out well, ain't no big deal, and you will save a ton of money, mike
Mike you are the hardest working masonry man for sure. You know how to swing a hammer for sure.
Thanks victory, Mike
You’re like the Bob Ross of foundation repair, but most importantly, you do an amazing job with incredible knowledge in the field. Wish we had one of you here in Los Angeles.
Thanks Raven, Mike
Lol, I thought the same thing!! Bob Ross of masonry. Lol
God Bless you sir. Thank you for not only being honest, but also showing people who cant afford contractors, how we can do it ourself. And you saying it no big deal, gives us confidence. Thank you
Thanks Laurie, Mike
some of the best videos on youtube, I have that exact coal/cement foundation on my garage, in Scranton, Pa.
Thanks John, mike
Thank you Mr. Mike Haduck, I live in Glendale, California, i will plan to repair my crack foundation, this coming summer time. i learned a lot from you, now i can fix my crack foundation. God bless Mr. Mike!
Thanks, God bless, Mike
This was beautiful! You made me feel so confident to attack the project I need to do! Thank you Sir! #NoBigDeal
Thanks, you should do fine, .Mike
That's so nice of you to to repair this without breaking the homeowner's bank. Yet again, I find myself doing another job and need your experience for guidance. I discovered a crack in my mom's foundation and she's on a fixed income. Luckily for her I really enjoy this type of work, it's so cathartic. Her problem is less severe than the home you're working on and honestly, I was a bit unnerved when I discovered the crack in the foundation. She had a window in the basement that was never caulked and the 1/8 to 1/4 crack extends from the corner of the window nearly down to the floor. I'll start with the window repair and move onto the crack. I can't thank you enough Mike! You've saved my family money and provided me with another skillset. Blessings!
Thanks girl, I am sure you will do fine, Blessings also, Mike
Mike, thanks to you I was able to level my A/C on the side of my house using your teachings. It took about 100 lbs of cement to fill in under 1 side, and in the end, it looks like a single new monolithic block! I'm so happy.
I love Mike’s attitude he doesn’t say omg tear this foundation out, no good,but instead he did find a way to repair the foundation sturdy as new! A great attitude! No big deal!!
Thanks Margery, Mike
"You go like this and it sticks.... It will go." lol I love this guy! Glad I found your channel!
Thanks Megan, mike
That "No big deal" saying really made me comfortable doing masonry work... Because of you, I just get up and just do it. I was glad I did. Now I'm not afraid to take on these types of projects! Thank you Mr. Haduck! 💪🏾
Thanks Will, Mike
Yep, the foundation is going to give a little through the years. Most of the time it's no big deal!! Keeping water drained away is the big deal. Great info, Mike.
Thanks yopa, Mike
Love this guy ...no nonsense, no drama " just fix what has to be fixed"
Thanks again , Mike
NO BIG DEAL 😁 SAYS MIKE 🤗 LOVE IT AND WANT SOME MORE OF IT💯
Thanks Donny, Mike
Mike's got a great approach...no big deal, simple, no big deal...we could all take a note and approach life the same way...no big deal, simple!
Thanks, I appreciate it, Mike
Nice job Mike....good for another 75 years. I was in the same line of work as you. Retired now. I used to get a lot of customers that were told they needed their chimney torn down and rebuilt for big $$$. In most cases they just needed a few bricks replaced and tuckpointing. I got more referrals from being honest with people. Best wishes to ya brother. 👍
Thanks Thomas, I agree, mike
Glad I found this channel. Going to work on parging my foundation in a few week. I might even put in a new basement window after watching our videos. You have a new subscriber from Archbald, PA!!
Thanks Thomas, nice to hear from Archbald. Mike
Could use Mike at my house. After buying all the supplies I will need , and trying to get the stuff to my house , it would probably be best for me to leave this to Mike or a guy he could recommend. He makes it look so easy, but he has so much experience knowing what's normal setting and what's not , how deep to knock down, etc. I live in West Hazleton , Pa.
No big deal!!!
This kinda thing was super intimidating but after watching a few of your videos I found out how easy this can be with the proper instruction
It’s a very enjoyable thing to do to unlike something like say drywall for example
Thanks mike
Thanks Farmer, Mike
"just like a Dentist", Keep up the commentary Mike. Thanks for the explanations.
Thanks paul, mike
You have saved me many thousands of dollars by using your techniques and "no big deal" thought process. Thank you.
Thanks Gerald, Mike
Good job, Mike. I was waiting for your axe to come out.
Thanks Tim, mike
I'm a bit older than Mike and I do my research. Tim Carter has been my go-to guy for years, but Mike knows what he is doing. I love how he throws that mortar and it lands exactly where he wants it. Pleased to be a new subscriber!
Thanks Daniel, mike
Another great video Mike! Both insightful and entertaining. Your aim with trowin' cement is amazing! All my attempts would have missed the cracks 😄
Thanks again, mike
Mesmerized by the skill and confidence of a True Craftsman!! I have the issue going into my Cold Cellar from outside... Century home in Ontario.. Thanks Mike... 🦜🦜🦚🦚Luv your Apprentice
Thanks gdb, Mike
New drinking game, when Mike says "no big deal" take a shot. Might not last long. Great stuff as always!!
Great stuff👍
Thanks Pat, Mike
That's a lot of shots
or gotta make it wet
@@cpoul haha that's right 😃😃
Mike, I immensely enjoyed your video. I sincerely appreciate how calmly you teach and EXPLAIN why and what your doing. I wish you could teach me everything I need to know about home repair.
Thanks timothy, I appreciate the kind words, Mike
A little paint really makes a difference !
Much like make up on a woman ;-)
Great video mike
Greetings from Denmark.
Thanks , very true, lol, mike
Unless you're happy with the face you were born with 😁
@@Susann1984 something no women have ever said...
@@mja8433 You've not been around all women though, have you? 😂
@@Susann1984 one can never know :D
Mike, thanks for making these videos and sharing your God given and life experience. Sharing learned wisdom is a God Honoring thing to do. Much appreciated!
Thanks Brian, Mike
Mike, as always, thanks for sharing, much appreciated! I have a question... whenever I have repaired a through-crack/split in a poured concrete foundation from 1960s wall in my house in New York in similar fashion you do in this video, the crack always develops a hairline crack which opens in the winter when the foundation shrinks and closes in the summer when the foundation expands. Is there a fix for this to make the repair not show a hairline crack in the winter? Have you experienced similar issue in your area? is it the type of cement/lime mix I'm using? I know the walls contracts and expands with seasons, so not sure what to do. BTW, you mention this in the end of the video (the shrinkage/expansion).
Hi biker,,, that sounds normal, even on solid foundations I see that, I use a silicone caulking with expansion qualities and paint over it, I seen new foundations with same problem, thanks mike
Great video Mike. I'm glad I found it. You remind me of my father who learned his old school style bricklaying and masonry from his uncle John O'Brien out on Long Island back in the '40's and 50's. I learned some of it as a helper on side jobs my dad would do for neighbors and friends. I'd be hauling brick and hand mixing cement while dad laid each course.
That was 60 years ago in my teens so I've forgotten some of it. And I admit I was a bit intimidated about taking on a repair myself. Watching you mix and throw that mud, and mix the different applications has refreshed my memory. But it was a line you said that convinced me to do it. You said, "It's no big deal. The house ain't going to fall down." You're right. I'll start the job tomorrow. Thanks.
Thanks Rich, I hear a lot of stories like that. Nobody is going in the masonry trades anymore Mike
4:05
Big Deal Contractor: I'll do it for $40,000
Mike: I'll do it for $400
"Ain't no big deal"
Thanks, again very true, mike
Mike: Your videos are GREAT - my daughter & son-in-law are buying an older house (1902) with the same issues in their stone foundation as many of your (other) videos. I knew it will have to be pointed and filled, etc., and now I know the RIGHT WAY to do it for them with his help. I watch a LOT of "how to" videos (tractor work, etc), but I must say, your's are the most informative AND interesting! THANKS!
Thanks Bill, I appreciate it, Mike
Mike is old school, learned from the best.. Nothing more to say except he's the best..
Thanks Joseph, I am just passing along what I learned from the old timers, I appreciate it, mike
For the age of the house and the structural integrity of the foundation, this was the proper remedy to cost value. If anyone going to spend tens of thousands repairing this type of foundation, then it’s better off to level the home and rebuild it from ground up! I can see the years of mason work that you have experienced in the short video you presented and thank you because I have learned something from it. There’s a lot learn here from it although the younger generation may have missed it completely ( including my kid). I immediately picked it up when you made the dentist visit reference. I like older tradesmen because words of wisdom means so much and thanks again!
Thanks, I appreciate it, mike
You saved someone a ton of money! I’ve seen people get taken advantage of and have bad results when a contractor wants to replace part of the foundation. Your repair makes sense!
Thanks Jim, Mike
63 year old woman in pandemic needing to fix lots of stuff and "No big deal" has helped me so much to stop trying to do a "perfect" job. Thanks Mike.
Thanks again Karen, mike
You are great Person and helping out. I learned a lot from your videos. God Bless You always.
Thanks Shah, God bless also, Mike
@@MikeHaduck Thanks Mike.
Mike for President ! Platform of “ no big deal , just get it in there , it’ll work “. Thank you Mike, great 👍 optimism & hard work ethics.
Thanks Dan, mike
Love this guy! NO BIG DEAL!! I'm going to attempt this myself and I appreciate the "old school" way - thanks for taking the time to help out - looks great!
Thanks, Mike
I’m starting on my cinder block building pointing all the cracks. You been an invaluable source for me as I start the project. Thanks Mike
Thanks Monty, Mike
I know, I know, it’s no big deal. But it is to me. Thank you so much for taking the time to teach and show how to take care of this issue. I just bought a home in South Dakota built in 1914. I will be putting this instruction to the test soonest. Again, thank you.
Thanks Herman, Mike
Your a dream come true. An old soul from the true school of life God bless you forever. I appreciate your work truly.
Thanks C, Mike
Mike, i really like your videos.your teaching us right,and making total sence. Really like your down to earth directions ,no big deal,just simple. Thank you.
Thanks Elizabeth, Mike
I love love love you and all of your videos Mike. Watching them is like therapy for me. You are an absolute treasure. I love you! 🏠❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Thanks Jamie, I appreciate the kind words, Mike
Love it. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Quality baby. Some people nowadays don't understand that. God blessed a lot of those guys in the old days w/wisdom to know how to do a quality job
Thanks Roberta, Mike
Mike - My brother and I have an extra wooden garage built in 1926. I notice (2) small 1/4 inch cracks in the foundation but, the floor is o.k. in the garage. Living in Michigan with bad weather would in be o.k. to clean out and use concrete mix with sand as a filler after wetting. Thanks for your expertise - It's NO Big Deal as long as Mike is involved. You have some great videos! Take care!
Hi Tony, I can only show what I did in each video and what I used, I would think something in the playlist would be similar, usually it's not a big deal. Thanks Mike
@@MikeHaduck Mike, thank you for your response and will check your other videos for I thought I saw one similiar to our foundation crack. Take care!
@@MikeHaduck Mike, I got those small foundation cracks all filled like you showed. Also, after wetting - I used my trowels to push in the cracks - I kept thinking and saying out loud that Mike would say get it in there - No Big Deal - looked great too! Not sure if anyone heard me either! Thank you for your videos and help! Take care!
Thanks Tony, Mike
Great video Mike. I have an H shaped crack in my crawl space foundation inside and outside and am doing some research on how to go about fixing it. Very informative and straight forward video. I appreciate you making it.
Thanks Tommy, Mike
Looks mint! Been f’g around tuckpointing my field stone for years. Bane of my existence. I realize watching you I am probably working too hard to remove everything. Problem this year is the south side has been heaving in, so I remove very little every week and fill the voids and wait until they harden before moving on. Probably needed you over my shoulder goin “no big deal!”
Thanks Brian, I am sure you do fine, thanks Mike
You are an absolute legend Mike. Thank you sir!
Thanks Mick, I appreciate the kind words, Mike
Am dealing with a house built during WW2. Cement was expensive and rare then. Plenty of cracks but not as many as if they'd use more cement. The mortar is more elastic. We get months of rain and years of drought. The result is exactly what you described. The house settles as the soil expands and contracts. To quote you... NO BIG DEAL. every 10 years, when the house is due for a paint-over, get in there and cover up the cracks. In a few days and after a fresh coat of all weather gloss paint. It looks new! It's the newer houses built by shoddy builders that have more problems. The oldies are here to stay. Top job!
Thanks, Mike
Lime mortar (the old fashioned stuff) is more flexible than portland cement based mortar. Probably why good foundations are a lot more important nowadays. If a house was built using lime mortar it needs to repaired with the same stuff.
this guy is the Bob Ross of masonry work
Thanks Mike, Mike
Mike is like the Bob Ross of masonry. Love it. Makes me a lot less nervous to repair and seal my foundation.
Thanks Blake, Mike
Every vid is perfect .. this one just popped up that i missed. Hope your week has been delightful and the weekend brings you a song to sing and play
Thanks Thor, Mike
Thanks for your reassuring tone. It can get very stressful when you have foundation problems as a home owner.
Thanks, Mike
Thank You Mike You have inspired me ! i have done cement work with confidence. Now i have been asked to repair and barn foundation with all problems present, rocks missing, cracks looking forward to the task
Thanks Jim, I am sure you will do fine, mike
@@MikeHaduck Keep up the videos please i have done my work starting from very next to no experience check your video and off i go so i thank you. One question can i Use mortar mix to put barn walls together there is lots of lime on the walls or do i have to get involved with lime
Of course i will use motar mix from rona will do it
Mike, thank you for sharing your years of experience and May God Bless.
Thanks M, God bless also, Mike
So many things are no big deal. It's all no big deal if you just start working the issue. Thanks, Mike.
Thanks Richard, mike
This is so helpful. I have a 100 yr old house with various concrete issues, but most seem repairable after binge watching your videos.
Hi Joanie, I am sue you will do fine, thanks Mike
Love ya Mike. Thanks for another great video. I swear you are the Bob Ross of Masonry!
Thanks, I appreciate it, Mike
Mike is the Bob Ross of masonry. Thank you!
Thanks Rick, mike
NE Pa is my old stomping grounds. Good to hear that Pennsylvania Dutch accent again.
Thanks Colin, Mike
EXCELLENT tutorial. I've got cracks and now I know not to worry and do it myself.
Thanks, Mike
Being an old timer myselt (84) I appreciate the "WIDOM OF THE AGES. ", Thanks . . . . .KISS: KEEP IT SIMPLE, SMART!
Thanks George, I appreciate hearing that, thanks Mike
You are the Bob Ross of cement work. You just have to add a couple of "happy trees". Excellent video !
Thanks McNight, I appreciate it, Mike
Love this guy.
I had a quote on my concrete porch stoop that needs a repair and a step that needs repair the other week. They said be prepared to pay $20,000. 20 grand! I fix the stair myself and working the stoop right now. Probably gonna cost me $500 or so and my time. And now I have some more skills. No big deal!
Thanks Luke, Mike
I have a 81 year old bunker type garage with poured concrete walls. The walls are pitting terribly on the exterior and entire chunks are missing. The previous owner covered the structure in wood, which quickly rotted. I plan to patch and skim coat. Your video is perfect for my project and will save me thousands! Thanks for doing what you do!
Thanks, mike
Nice to see some integrity. Not rippen people off .. good stuff!
That's exactly what I thought. Most guys want to jack up and rebuild the whole foundation.
Thanks, Mike
Great fun watching you work. You give excellent lessons about our trade, our culture, and whats important and whats not. Like you, I started started the mud trades in '71, and the materials have changed but not the physics. Still: "One over two, two over one" and gravity either is working FOR you or AGAINST you, forever and always. Glad to see your still well and working.
Thanks Tom, I appreciate hearing that from a professional, Mike
Hi Mike, my name is PJ. I’m a second generation mason in my early 30s. From northern NJ. I thought I would do something else, but it’s always been about the stone. I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your videos. I really like the “no big deal” approach. I say that all the time now, especially when I see people making a huge thing out something that really is no big deal. I agree with almost everything in your videos. Only difference is for us, retaining walls are our favorite thing to do. Only if stone. We don’t do segmental walls. Thanks again for your videos. I plan on getting a no bid deal mug soon!
Thanks, I appreciate hearing that from a professional, Your right, many times it's not a big deal as they make it, mike
It's great to watch someone who actually knows what they are talking about. I have a hairline crack in old concrete basement floor (house is over 100 but not sure of basement age. Floor surface quite smooth but in areas that have been repeatedly wet can tell lots of gravel. 1. How to repair fine hairline crack that seeped water due to very wet summer and high-water table (Alberta, Canada) 2. How to raise/level other floor areas that have ponded water when basement has leaked at wall/floor joints a couple of times in 20years. Looks like it must have leaked a lot of times over the years prior to my fixing gutters, soil sloping wrong direction, etc. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for the great videos.
Hi E, throughout my foundation repair videos I address those issues, I hope it helps, mike
@@MikeHaduck Thanks for the reply. I will look back through your videos to find the relevant one
Wow, I'm a transplant form NY to the south, me and my wife have found our house that was built in 1929 and is in need of pointing. Now that I've seen your video, I'm feeling confidant that I can do it myself. Thanks for a great straight forward and clear video.
Thanks Charlie, do a little practicing on something first to get the feel. And you can do it for sure, mike
Nicely done and very satisfying to watch! Thanks for the added explanations at the end. Didn't realize paint served a dual purpose! I had parged my interior basement foundation wall a couple years back only to see blistering and erosion come back again. Guessing there's water seeping through the wall. Will be applying this method in summer.
Thanks Daniel, Mike
Thanks for your great videos. I have a house in upstate N.Y. that needs stone and masonry repair which I am trying to do myself and am finding your videos and technique's very helpful.
Thanks Bob, I am sure you will do fine, thanks Mike
I love your word " No Big Deal " , every time I called for service they all say "we have problem"
Thanks steven, Mike
Another great video with a nice flow of camera work, example and explanations. I have a garage foundation with similar issues I've wanted to fix for years and tripped on this video. I recognized the name Mike Haduck Masonry and knew it would be good and was. Thanks Mike.
Thanks David, mike