@Stephen Keller Hi Syrphen, we are not brain surgeons, it's just block work, any grade school graduate could do it. But if you got a video out let me know, maybe I can learn from you, with respect mike
Mike, I came to look at a footer pour, and 3 hours later I am ready to build block walls! I love the way you explain it and you are very good at explaining the process! Keep it up my friend.
Hey Mike, your videos have helped me build a rock wall, a stone veneer wall, and now I'm taking on a kidney-shape patio on a slope. Thanks so much for making these vids! Amazing to me how I'm all the way across the country in the SF Bay Area in CA and you are about as far away as can be from me (in the US anyway), and the instruction is like it's right here in my back yard. Your vids are very informative and you have a great style in how you talk them out. All the best to you and your family.
Mike, you seem like a top bloke! Love the way you teach your craft. You remind me of my Dad and another bloke I used to work with when I was much younger who had the same style as you. Down to earth, say it like it is, able to improvise, adapt and overcome! Thanks for all your vids.
Mike I really enjoy learning from you and you are a great teacher. I am also so glad that you only use ACME 258 professional sponges and not some stuff cut out of seat cushions Ha Ha Ha. Your trade is a very hard trade on the body but I pray you will have many more years to enjoy your gift and the creations you make for people. Thank You.
My 3 hardest years in school was second grade... lmao the best laugh i’ve ever had Thats one of the reason i love your channel not only cause of ur amezing work and knoledge but for ur humor
love the garage block work. I'm looking for a piece of ground as we speak to put a decent side garage for my classic cars. I'll probably need something like 60x60 cause I have a diesel truck with a car trailer too. your the best at what you do i wish you could help me build a dream garage for myself.
Great block laying happening here. Most building codes don’t require the mason to fill the gap between the ears on the head joints of 12 inch block with mortar like Mike does, but it should be standard because it’s stronger and that void is gonna be a magnet for moisture to get it. And for 8 inch block that will be grouted (the cells filled with concrete later) most don’t require that you spread mortar on the beds of the cross members of the block, but you should do that too, if not you’re leaving out a third of the contact from the blocks above and below.
Of course Mike is a hell of a mason but nobody fills in all the end joints like that and hits all the cross webs like that you just hit the cross webs to isolate the rod it's just too slow
The only block work I have done is just for stone to where no one sees the block. Never done any like this and not sure if I could. It takes a real pro to master this. You make it look so easy Mike.
Hi Scott, I don't know, a lot of times I figure it out as I go, and I use to have a lot of the old timers around to verify it, I appreciate it, thanks mike
Very I have an outdoor fireplace that I’m about to go visit the guy and give him an estimate first one I will ever do hopefully it’s not my last but as a mason everything that you have explained makes sense I have a pretty good understanding of how to grow up with the firebox and everything else thank you
Hi Gabriel, whatever happens tell him don’t build a big fire fast, because the masonry will crack with the heat and cold, build small fires First, and then build up, that’s always the problem with an outdoor fireplace, I hope it helps thanks Mike
Another great video Mike. You always make it look easy and fun. By the way I heard the guy in the background saying, 'Mike, Mike, Mike! Guess what day it is?'. Haha I forgot all about that commercial. He almost screwed up your video ! Haha.
I can still hear my Dad! "Did you broom the Wall?!" I just recently build an Interior Brick Fireplace. Look forward to sharing with you soon. Thanks Mike
I love it, "My 3 hardest years in skool was the second grade" mine to and when I did pass into the 3rd grade, my father was there and I didn't want to be in class with him so I quit.
Hi Jose, I did a video on “ brick spacing rul & brick layout “ where I explain about brick. Block work all depends on where you want to end up also, but yes I use the tape, thanks mike
Hi Cesar, if you would have the luxury to do that on a lot of "fill as you go" block jobs that would be fine, I think these inspectors should give a complete inspection report with a certificate of liability, but all they do is take the money, thanks Mike
Ive been watching all your videos and trying to learn all I can. If you were building a block basement with a small room in the basement added to the front so you have a small basement under a porch, would you weave the small room block into the main basement wall or just butt the porch basement up to the main one and attach it with durawall or rebar.
Hi James, anything like that you got to deal with inspectors anymore,, it is impossible to comment over the internet with something like that,I would also get some opinions from the local guys,,, I hope it helps, thanks mike
I took not that you said to keep the slab from binding to the external block walls. Is this true of concrete slab in a home? I will be using a concrete footer with cement blocks making a stem wall. I was then going to pour the slab right over those blocks, but should I put the plastic vapor barrier over the stem wall too? Any thoughts? Thanks. I have watched most every video you have. Thanks for your effort and work putting them up.
Hi David it’s impossible for me to say over the Internet and you have to ask the inspector in your area what you could do it what you can’t do, I hope it helps, it’s just the way it is, thanks Mike
I should have made the point that I am in Africa. So the building codes are really kind of like the wild west. The normal way of pouring a slab and foundation are very poor. Most homes are built without any inspection at all. We never freeze and temps range from 40F- 100F, with most months running between 60-80F. So the basic question is do I need an isolation joint between the slab and foundation? Just wondering what you would do. More of a theoretical question than anything. Reliable information here is very hard to come by, which is why I am super thankful for your videos. I have learned SO much watching them. Any info you can provide about the importance of isolation joints would be great. Thanks Mike.
Mike do you fill the concrete blocks with mortar or concrete in the holes? I’m building voluminous with brick and using cedar blocks and wanted to know what you feel works best. Fill them with mortar or concrete? Please let me know
@@MikeHaduck here’s the backstory Mike I live in Northern New Jersey gets very cold just like your area I’m building a 30 inch wall made of bricks with two brick columns next to it about 4 feet high with limestone on top inside those brick columns should I install concrete in them or leave them hollow? Or put something else in them? Please let me know
Dear Mike, How deep is the iron pin/bar which into the ground the one your bending @3:48. is this an iron pin or bar for attaching foundation better into the ground or something? :O
Hi Beetje, it is rebar,, good for about 35 years ( they don’t tell you that), but you got to ask the inspector what he wants before you take the job, Thanks mike
The easy way to figure how many block per course is . 20 feet ×.75 =15 block. Masonry contractor for 32 years retired now. Lots of different ways worked 8 states in my career .Keep up the video's
Mike, Please help me out with my question: Im about to mason a brick pillar with bricks (130cm high, and 3x3 bricks wide (a square). the foundation will be reinforced-mat (im not sure if that's the correct english word for it) with cement, and on top of that ill mason the bricks. The thing is: i want to prevent it from sinking into the sea-clay ground which i live on (i live close to the see, north of the Netherlands). So my question is: will it be enough if i build the brickpillar's foundation 60cm into the ground? or do i need to do something extra? I don't want the pillar to be oblique in the future. I think it's clay till 20meter deep here btw Oh yea, sometimes there's an earthquake here too, they're drilling oil here. No idea if that's something to consider?
Nice video Mike. As always. I always try to wet my blocks a bit before i use them. Do you do that too? They seem rather dry to me. I would love if you could make videos with Light weight blocks. They have better insulation properties.... and that is really important where i live. Also, if you could do a video with vertical stamping that would be nice.
Hi Einar, I guess it all depends on what your doing, but around here it is uncommon to wet the blocks first, (block work or brick work) repairing is a whole other story, I never got into vertical stamping, though i did work with it, the weather is hard on it here, thanks mike
What are some things you do differently when laying block in, say, the dog days of August when it's 90+ and no shade? Do you ever wet the blocks in that case?
Hi Matt, the way I look at is "not" on regular block or brick work, gravity is what holds them down, you use water when you want them to "stick"like stucco,,, on block & brick the pressure is down, I hope it helps , thanks mike
I've never laid block in my life, but you're inspiring me Mike! I'm seriously thinking about doing my own foundation. I watch you follow your string line to maintain level rows but how do you know you're level side to side, I never see you check it.
Thanks Mike, look forward to the videos. I've done all aspects of building a house except block so when you say you just have to adjust and make it work I know exactly what you mean!
Hi Mike, great videos. Couple of questions: Was this a solid grouted wall? Does everybody fill in the head joints like you when the walls are going to be grouted?
Hi Kenton, In California they got all kind of rules because of the earthquakes around here they want rebar every 4 feet going up and down, sometimes they fill the whole wall in solid, over wire I like to do the head joints but some guys don;t do it at all, I guess the answer is, It all depends on who is inspecting it and what they require, thanks mike
Hi Kenton, In California they got all kind of rules because of the earthquakes around here they want rebar every 4 feet going up and down, sometimes they fill the whole wall in solid, over wire I like to do the head joints but some guys don;t do it at all, I guess the answer is, It all depends on who is inspecting it and what they require, thanks mike
I'm a young trowel Mike.. I'm watching this now on the way to do a foundation.. any advice for someone new to the game? I'm over a year in, apprenticing.
Hi Neil, I think everything pays off(In all labor is profit) but with masonry and the winters etc, I would have my hand in a few different trades, I was always in a lot of different things, masonry has a lot of ups and downs, especially this day and age, I wish you well, God bless mike
I've been watching your videos on block wall construction because I'm building a short cement block retained for the backyard. And there's somehting I haven't been able to master and thought you might be able to tell me what I'm doing wrong..... The problem I have.... is "striking" a bead of mortar on the vertical ends of the block. I can lay a decent bead on the block below, but when I try to "butter" the ends, the mortar doesn't stick. I'm using Mason's mix mortar from Home Depot. Could it be the mortar isn't "sticky" enough to grip the cement block ends? Should I wet the block first before I "strike" the mortar onto the block ends? SHould I stand the block up on end so the ends are horizontal when I strike the bead?
Hi Peter, I would stand the block up and the strike the heads, also I am not a fan of retaining walls using block, especially in NE Pennsylvania, I make sure I use a lot of gravel behind the wall,or the frost knocks them over very quickly, I actually stay away from retain walls, check out my video "How I build a stone wall, part 3 and 4 you will see what I am talking about, ,,, I hope it helps, thanks mike
well, I figured a cement block wall (it's going to be all of four courses high, three courses above grade) would be cheaper than a poured concrete wall. It's LOADED with 1/2" steel, Vertical "pins every 24" cemented into the footing, and a bond beam at two course intervals going up. I'll fill at least all the cavities where the pins are, and maybe a few more. I'll probably parge the faces with stucco over expanded lath when the wall's done. I was just wondering how you got the mortar to stick to the block ends so well. I thought maybe it's Home Depot's Type S Mason's mix that's the culprit.
I do not think so , I have used their s mortar before, no problems, I would just stand the block up and do it that way, also if you plaster it on first then it will stick every time, I hope it helps thanks mike
Hi David, on that job I was using (2 parts sand to 1 part "S" mortar) every job is different, (different mixes for different jobs) and everybody has a different opinion, so I would ask the locals in your area what they use. thanks mike
Hey Mike I've probably watched this video 10 times because I like watching the work...question to satisfy my curiosity. The short stack of blocks that you layed out around the inner perimeter of the block walls in order to prevent the floor from sinking ...they're going to pour the cement pad right on top of the those? How far above will the poured cement be? Thanks Mike for your videos.
Mike, I appreciate you taking the time to make these videos. Questions: Why the double blocks? Are all blocks the same? Your comments about "adjusting"... does this mean that the length of the block doesn't matter because you are adjusting to make them work?
I had to build a wide bottom for the 12 inch block plus the brick ledge, and I guess my other answer would be although blocks are basicly the same, yes I do what I got to do to make it work, I hope it helps, thanks mike
Hi Justin, I will use the pre mix for small jobs and never had a problem, it depends on where you are in what part of the country but around here I usually use 2 sand to 1 s mortar, every situation is different, thanks mike
If you wanna know an easier way to find out how many block in a course say it's 20ft long so you cut that in half which is 10 then do it again which is 5, add 10+5=15. If you wanna know how many course in height you do the same thing by not twice so in 10 ft you cut it in half which is 5 add 10+5= 15 courses. welcome
Thanks for the very instructive set of videos Mike. I have a request, do you have any tips with regard to building a 5ft circle (inner radius), and finished height will be between 4-5ft. I'm building an outdoor wood-fire heated hot tub. The interior wall will be hollow blocks like in your vids and the external wall will be of natural 9in X 4in stone bricks. I intend to fill the hollow blocks and the 2-3in gap between the two walls with concrete and re-bars. My concerns are with regard to building in a circle. I'm not looking for perfection but do want it to be as good as I can reasonably make it as a novice. I'd be grateful for any tips you might have. Many thanks, Rob.
Have just checked out video and picked up two perfect tips; 1) How to us Pi to accurately calculate circumference, how many blocks will be required & size of mortar gaps 2) The use of the central rod and cut-length to facilitate accurate build to chosen diameter. Great stuff, thanks again Mike. Best regards, Rob
El maestro sabe de bloque pero es un bloque muy pesado es 12 × 16 la escuadra es decir siempre se pone bloque de 8 ×16 porque cuando el lleva por cuando tenga que poner 16 de altura se va a acordar de ese bloque
My problem is always putting the closure blocks in, the mud always falls off one end at least, a lot of times now I go back to the closure block later with a grout bag and fill the joints.
Excellent, thanks for showing us how to make a proper cmu foundation and wall. Your example is very much needed. I see so many people doing it wrong.
Thanks Alfred, Mike
I like the fact that you are so simple. And is iam sure all your work, walls, walks etc. Are sti standing. Enjoy your style. Thanks.
I'm gonna have to rewatch this series because you give out so much information. Thanks, Maestro!
Thanks R, I appreciate the kind words, Mike
the way you add that mud on the vertical block end is so quick and clean. Awesome
some say I am a bit sloppy, but as long as it works, I appreciate it. thanks mike
@Stephen Keller Hi Syrphen, we are not brain surgeons, it's just block work, any grade school graduate could do it. But if you got a video out let me know, maybe I can learn from you, with respect mike
Mike, I came to look at a footer pour, and 3 hours later I am ready to build block walls! I love the way you explain it and you are very good at explaining the process! Keep it up my friend.
Thanks Mattie, I appreciate that, it makes me feel I am on the right track, thanks mike
Great to see someone with common sense, your videos are the best
Thanks D K , I appreciate that, mike
Another great video with with plenty of helpful information that other videos don't touch on.
Hey Mike, your videos have helped me build a rock wall, a stone veneer wall, and now I'm taking on a kidney-shape patio on a slope. Thanks so much for making these vids! Amazing to me how I'm all the way across the country in the SF Bay Area in CA and you are about as far away as can be from me (in the US anyway), and the instruction is like it's right here in my back yard. Your vids are very informative and you have a great style in how you talk them out. All the best to you and your family.
Thanks Duckback, I appreciate it, mike
Man you da best. Appreciate the tips and tricks of the old timers
Thanks E.J. I appreciate it , mike
He's the man for sure XD
Mike, your videos are fantastic. Thanks man!
thanks, I appreciate it. mike
Love it " my 3 hardest years in school was 2 grade". You make it look so easy but it's dang hard. Thanks for the tips boss.
thanks Jimmy, I appreciate it. mike
Mikey your the best! Helped me so much on my little side jobs I’ve been doing! 👌👍Thanks & stay Blessed & see you on the next one!👍😂
Thanks Lenny, Mike
Growing up in the carpentry business, i always appreciated the masons, and their work, and yours too. Really nice video, thanks for posting/sharing
Thanks Len, mike
I watched most of your videos and you make everything look so easy... I will be trying your techniques later this month.
thanks Jada, I hope they helps, thanks mike
Mike is the best&he uses a lot of mud.Strong
thanks roy, I appreciate it. mike
Mike, you seem like a top bloke! Love the way you teach your craft. You remind me of my Dad and another bloke I used to work with when I was much younger who had the same style as you. Down to earth, say it like it is, able to improvise, adapt and overcome! Thanks for all your vids.
Hi John, I appreciate it., I wrote that down, improvise, adapt and overcome, what a great saying, thanks mike
Q¹
Mike I really enjoy learning from you and you are a great teacher. I am also so glad that you only use ACME 258 professional sponges and not some stuff cut out of seat cushions Ha Ha Ha. Your trade is a very hard trade on the body but I pray you will have many more years to enjoy your gift and the creations you make for people. Thank You.
I appreciate it, I am just passing along what I learned from other,, thanks mike
Please keep posting videos. I know it is time consuming. Thanks your the best
I am, I go three more coming from this block job, I appreciate it, thanks mike
My 3 hardest years in school was second grade... lmao the best laugh i’ve ever had
Thats one of the reason i love your channel not only cause of ur amezing work and knoledge but for ur humor
thanks again, michele, mike
love the garage block work. I'm looking for a piece of ground as we speak to put a decent side garage for my classic cars. I'll probably need something like 60x60 cause I have a diesel truck with a car trailer too. your the best at what you do i wish you could help me build a dream garage for myself.
Thanks Jacob, I wish you well, I got an old mustang myself, Mike
Great block laying happening here. Most building codes don’t require the mason to fill the gap between the ears on the head joints of 12 inch block with mortar like Mike does, but it should be standard because it’s stronger and that void is gonna be a magnet for moisture to get it. And for 8 inch block that will be grouted (the cells filled with concrete later) most don’t require that you spread mortar on the beds of the cross members of the block, but you should do that too, if not you’re leaving out a third of the contact from the blocks above and below.
Thanks, Mike
Of course Mike is a hell of a mason but nobody fills in all the end joints like that and hits all the cross webs like that you just hit the cross webs to isolate the rod it's just too slow
ok so when you butter your head joints it almost looks like a magic trick because you do it so fast. you have truly mastered this trade
He's very sloppy with his trowel.
The only block work I have done is just for stone to where no one sees the block. Never done any like this and not sure if I could. It takes a real pro to master this. You make it look so easy Mike.
Hi Scott, I don't know, a lot of times I figure it out as I go, and I use to have a lot of the old timers around to verify it, I appreciate it, thanks mike
Really enjoying your videos - much appreciated Mike.
Thanks David, Mike
Nice job Mike!
thanks sam, I appreciate it, mike
Mike Haduck o
What is that wire mesh in between rows? I think you're calling it "Door Wall", but can't find anything about it. Thanks!
Durawall, thanks mike
Great Job Mike!!
Thanks John, mike
Very I have an outdoor fireplace that I’m about to go visit the guy and give him an estimate first one I will ever do hopefully it’s not my last but as a mason everything that you have explained makes sense I have a pretty good understanding of how to grow up with the firebox and everything else thank you
Hi Gabriel, whatever happens tell him don’t build a big fire fast, because the masonry will crack with the heat and cold, build small fires First, and then build up, that’s always the problem with an outdoor fireplace, I hope it helps thanks Mike
Another great video Mike. You always make it look easy and fun. By the way I heard the guy in the background saying, 'Mike, Mike, Mike! Guess what day it is?'. Haha I forgot all about that commercial. He almost screwed up your video ! Haha.
Thanks Jesse, Mike
I can still hear my Dad! "Did you broom the Wall?!" I just recently build an Interior Brick Fireplace. Look forward to sharing with you soon. Thanks Mike
I got ya beat, my dad still yells at me even if he didn't see the job. LOL thanks Jaime, mike
Wow! Still yelling! lol I'm with You Bro!
Right :) !
your a master at that , great work
I am just passing along with I learned from the old timers, thanks mike
I love it, "My 3 hardest years in skool was the second grade" mine to and when I did pass into the 3rd grade, my father was there and I didn't want to be in class with him so I quit.
Thanks dave, I got to use that one, lol, Mike
That's a super heavy duty foundation wall, veeeeery nice!
....13
thanks, I knew I had to because of the height and I want to make sure a heavy wind does not take it down, I appreciate it. mike
Thanks for sharing your knowledge
thanks, I am just passing along what the old timers showed me, I appreciate it. Mike
Great video, Pleasure to watch!
I appreciate it, thanks mike
What they use to space the block in the brike they use the ruller but in the block just with the measuring tape or not
Hi Jose, I did a video on “ brick spacing rul & brick layout “ where I explain about brick. Block work all depends on where you want to end up also, but yes I use the tape, thanks mike
Hi Mike how do you get the muck to stick to the block please with out falling off
Hi Jack , you don't have to hurry, it comes with time and practice, thanks Mike
Splendid! What an artist!
Thanks Daniela, I appreciate it, Mike
Wow Really awesome work , great attention to detail 👍
thanks, I know I am on the right track then, I appreciate it. mike
Buen trabajo amigo yo también soy blockero saludos de tijuana
Thanks, Mike
Question: Why is the vertical rebar splice just drop in instead tied splice aus required by code?
Hi Cesar, if you would have the luxury to do that on a lot of "fill as you go" block jobs that would be fine, I think these inspectors should give a complete inspection report with a certificate of liability, but all they do is take the money, thanks Mike
Good video Mike . I would love to have a go at laying those lightweight block.looking forward to the brick.
thanks, a ways to go before that, but I think I will get to it, mike
love the shirt!! if you'll steal less you got my vote!! lol great video
Honest mike always keeps his promise, you got to look at my masonry truck video at the end, thanks mike
Luv this guy from the start I'm all eyes and ears
thanks Marcus, I appreciate it. mike
A true Pro !
Thanks Mike !
Thanks Robert, mike
Excellent teaching.
thanks john, I then shall think I am on the right track, I appreciate it. mike
Ive been watching all your videos and trying to learn all I can. If you were building a block basement with a small room in the basement added to the front so you have a small basement under a porch, would you weave the small room block into the main basement wall or just butt the porch basement up to the main one and attach it with durawall or rebar.
Hi James, anything like that you got to deal with inspectors anymore,, it is impossible to comment over the internet with something like that,I would also get some opinions from the local guys,,, I hope it helps, thanks mike
Thanks for the reply
I took not that you said to keep the slab from binding to the external block walls. Is this true of concrete slab in a home? I will be using a concrete footer with cement blocks making a stem wall. I was then going to pour the slab right over those blocks, but should I put the plastic vapor barrier over the stem wall too? Any thoughts? Thanks. I have watched most every video you have. Thanks for your effort and work putting them up.
Hi David it’s impossible for me to say over the Internet and you have to ask the inspector in your area what you could do it what you can’t do, I hope it helps, it’s just the way it is, thanks Mike
I should have made the point that I am in Africa. So the building codes are really kind of like the wild west. The normal way of pouring a slab and foundation are very poor. Most homes are built without any inspection at all. We never freeze and temps range from 40F- 100F, with most months running between 60-80F. So the basic question is do I need an isolation joint between the slab and foundation? Just wondering what you would do. More of a theoretical question than anything. Reliable information here is very hard to come by, which is why I am super thankful for your videos. I have learned SO much watching them. Any info you can provide about the importance of isolation joints would be great. Thanks Mike.
Mike do you fill the concrete blocks with mortar or concrete in the holes? I’m building voluminous with brick and using cedar blocks and wanted to know what you feel works best. Fill them with mortar or concrete? Please let me know
Hi Maddog, in that instance we ordered the truck and used pea gravel , but every situation is different, thanks Mike
@@MikeHaduck here’s the backstory Mike I live in Northern New Jersey gets very cold just like your area I’m building a 30 inch wall made of bricks with two brick columns next to it about 4 feet high with limestone on top inside those brick columns should I install concrete in them or leave them hollow? Or put something else in them? Please let me know
Dear Mike, How deep is the iron pin/bar which into the ground the one your bending @3:48. is this an iron pin or bar for attaching foundation better into the ground or something? :O
Hi Beetje, it is rebar,, good for about 35 years ( they don’t tell you that), but you got to ask the inspector what he wants before you take the job, Thanks mike
gracias mike no se nada de trabajar con cemento pero con tu ayuda he hecho trabajitos y me quedan muy bien
Thanks guilmar, I appreciate it. mike
Yo Mike, i'm from Bulgaria and you'r like god to bricklaying :) Very nice video you make here . Good job.
I know guys lots better, but I appreciate the comment, thanks mike
The easy way to figure how many block per course is . 20 feet ×.75 =15 block. Masonry contractor for 32 years retired now. Lots of different ways worked 8 states in my career .Keep up the video's
Thanks Marc, I appreciate it, mike
amazing video. you are my most favorite on youtube. i hope you show the bricks
might no be till next year, but it is suppose to happen, thanks I appreciate it. Mike
I wonder what the R value is with that style of wall.
Hi Josh, almost none, but it was insulated from the outside between the block and brick, Thanks mike
How much do you add for the mortar joint? 1/2 inch?
Hi, depends on if your trying to make height or loose height as average is around 3/8 joint, every job is different, thanks Mike
I like 👍 your work
Thanks, Mike
Mike, Please help me out with my question:
Im about to mason a brick pillar with bricks (130cm high, and 3x3 bricks wide (a square). the foundation will be reinforced-mat (im not sure if that's the correct english word for it) with cement, and on top of that ill mason the bricks.
The thing is: i want to prevent it from sinking into the sea-clay ground which i live on (i live close to the see, north of the Netherlands). So my question is: will it be enough if i build the brickpillar's foundation 60cm into the ground? or do i need to do something extra? I don't want the pillar to be oblique in the future.
I think it's clay till 20meter deep here btw
Oh yea, sometimes there's an earthquake here too, they're drilling oil here. No idea if that's something to consider?
Hi Beetje, you got to ask the inspectors or local masons in your area, the conditions could be quite different from ours, thanks, mike
Thank you Mike Haduck
Thanks George, I appreciate it. mike
Nice video Mike. As always.
I always try to wet my blocks a bit before i use them. Do you do that too? They seem rather dry to me.
I would love if you could make videos with Light weight blocks. They have better insulation properties.... and that is really important where i live.
Also, if you could do a video with vertical stamping that would be nice.
Hi Einar, I guess it all depends on what your doing, but around here it is uncommon to wet the blocks first, (block work or brick work) repairing is a whole other story, I never got into vertical stamping, though i did work with it, the weather is hard on it here, thanks mike
What are some things you do differently when laying block in, say, the dog days of August when it's 90+ and no shade? Do you ever wet the blocks in that case?
Hi Matt, the way I look at is "not" on regular block or brick work, gravity is what holds them down, you use water when you want them to "stick"like stucco,,, on block & brick the pressure is down, I hope it helps , thanks mike
i wet my blocks & brick but i lay block in 112 degree weather.
I've never laid block in my life, but you're inspiring me Mike! I'm seriously thinking about doing my own foundation. I watch you follow your string line to maintain level rows but how do you know you're level side to side, I never see you check it.
Hi code, it just lines up with the block below, no ledges, I am going to go a video on that, thanks, mike
Thanks Mike, look forward to the videos. I've done all aspects of building a house except block so when you say you just have to adjust and make it work I know exactly what you mean!
Hi Mike, great videos. Couple of questions: Was this a solid grouted wall? Does everybody fill in the head joints like you when the walls are going to be grouted?
Hi Kenton, In California they got all kind of rules because of the earthquakes around here they want rebar every 4 feet going up and down, sometimes they fill the whole wall in solid, over wire I like to do the head joints but some guys don;t do it at all, I guess the answer is, It all depends on who is inspecting it and what they require, thanks mike
Hi Kenton, In California they got all kind of rules because of the earthquakes around here they want rebar every 4 feet going up and down, sometimes they fill the whole wall in solid, over wire I like to do the head joints but some guys don;t do it at all, I guess the answer is, It all depends on who is inspecting it and what they require, thanks mike
Thanks, Mike! Big help.
Why did you double the thickness for the foundation?
Hi Dawson, I had to leave a brick ledge or I would have nothing to lay the brick on, thanks mike
How long did you take to built the whole garage
Hi Jorge, I don’t know I did all the brickwork and all the concrete work plus the block work so I was there a couple months, thanks Mike
I like your work and your videos thank you
I'm a young trowel Mike.. I'm watching this now on the way to do a foundation.. any advice for someone new to the game? I'm over a year in, apprenticing.
Hi Neil, I think everything pays off(In all labor is profit) but with masonry and the winters etc, I would have my hand in a few different trades, I was always in a lot of different things, masonry has a lot of ups and downs, especially this day and age, I wish you well, God bless mike
hey mike im doing my front stairs the rise is 55'' high and the with is 8 ft around 7 steps 1.5 in thick threads what size block you recommend i use ?
Hi MJ, check Oh my videos on “how I build stone or masonry steps,”I use a lot of different materials in there, I think it’ll help, thanks Mike
Thank you Mike God bless you
Thanks Leo, Good bless you tooo, mike
I've been watching your videos on block wall construction because I'm building a short cement block retained for the backyard. And there's somehting I haven't been able to master and thought you might be able to tell me what I'm doing wrong..... The problem I have.... is "striking" a bead of mortar on the vertical ends of the block. I can lay a decent bead on the block below, but when I try to "butter" the ends, the mortar doesn't stick. I'm using Mason's mix mortar from Home Depot. Could it be the mortar isn't "sticky" enough to grip the cement block ends? Should I wet the block first before I "strike" the mortar onto the block ends? SHould I stand the block up on end so the ends are horizontal when I strike the bead?
Hi Peter, I would stand the block up and the strike the heads, also I am not a fan of retaining walls using block, especially in NE Pennsylvania, I make sure I use a lot of gravel behind the wall,or the frost knocks them over very quickly, I actually stay away from retain walls, check out my video "How I build a stone wall, part 3 and 4 you will see what I am talking about, ,,, I hope it helps, thanks mike
well, I figured a cement block wall (it's going to be all of four courses high, three courses above grade) would be cheaper than a poured concrete wall. It's LOADED with 1/2" steel, Vertical "pins every 24" cemented into the footing, and a bond beam at two course intervals going up. I'll fill at least all the cavities where the pins are, and maybe a few more. I'll probably parge the faces with stucco over expanded lath when the wall's done. I was just wondering how you got the mortar to stick to the block ends so well. I thought maybe it's Home Depot's Type S Mason's mix that's the culprit.
I do not think so , I have used their s mortar before, no problems, I would just stand the block up and do it that way, also if you plaster it on first then it will stick every time, I hope it helps thanks mike
no... Thank YOU..... Pete
what is the mixture your using for your joints
Hi David, on that job I was using (2 parts sand to 1 part "S" mortar) every job is different, (different mixes for different jobs) and everybody has a different opinion, so I would ask the locals in your area what they use. thanks mike
Hey Mike I've probably watched this video 10 times because I like watching the work...question to satisfy my curiosity. The short stack of blocks that you layed out around the inner perimeter of the block walls in order to prevent the floor from sinking ...they're going to pour the cement pad right on top of the those? How far above will the poured cement be? Thanks Mike for your videos.
Hi Brian, they will be covered with sand or tar paper so the concrete won't stick and then right on top, thanks mike
great job
Mike, I appreciate you taking the time to make these videos. Questions: Why the double blocks? Are all blocks the same? Your comments about "adjusting"... does this mean that the length of the block doesn't matter because you are adjusting to make them work?
I had to build a wide bottom for the 12 inch block plus the brick ledge, and I guess my other answer would be although blocks are basicly the same, yes I do what I got to do to make it work, I hope it helps, thanks mike
Been doing construction 35yrs so not as long as you but 95% of construction is adjusting and adapting.....its problem solving constantly!
Hi Kirk, I agree, 100%, well said, thanks mike
Mike how many videos I got to watch for me to become an expert like you?, lol, nice video!
Hi Henry, I am still faking it, lol, mike
Mike, what is the mortar mix that you use? I'd like to mix my own like you do, as I typically use Sakrete Type S and I'm really unhappy with it.
Hi Justin, I will use the pre mix for small jobs and never had a problem, it depends on where you are in what part of the country but around here I usually use 2 sand to 1 s mortar, every situation is different, thanks mike
Mike Had
why are there 2 block walls parallel to each other ?
Hi MrBigtime, because we had to have a brick ledge beyond our 12 inch wall, thanks mike
Love your videos they're great. Could you though in a future video say "...yeah big whoop, wanna fight about it" :)
Thanks, I will have too, Mike
freal keep doing these honest vids
honest mike will appreciate that, lol, thanks mike
16" is also framing layout, coincidence or they did it on purpose?
Hi Kirk, I would say half and half, it goes back to the 1930s when they started making cinder block, thanks Mike
Great video thanks for sharing Mike :)
I appreciate it, thanks mike
Lol u gotta be from jersey from the accent. Nice work tho 💪
Thanks Larry, Pennsylvania. Mike
Thanks good stuff.
Thanks, Mike
Have learn a lot
thanks, I appreciate it, Mike
Where'd ya get that trowel at Wal-Mart???
Hi average, Home Depot, light on the wrist, thanks, Mike
You could also just divide 20 by 4 and multiply it x3
20÷4=5
3× 5 = 15
Divide bottom # and then
Multiply top #
Thank Kirk, anything that works, Mike
Where can I buy an honest Mike's shirt?
that is an old one, I think he wants to run for president now, LOL thanks mike
Honest Mike 2016. Make America Great!
Top bricky 👍🏾
thanks Jon, mike
Mike when do the rods ever fit ?! Good tip xd
Thanks Mike, mike
If you wanna know an easier way to find out how many block in a course say it's 20ft long so you cut that in half which is 10 then do it again which is 5, add 10+5=15. If you wanna know how many course in height you do the same thing by not twice so in 10 ft you cut it in half which is 5 add 10+5= 15 courses. welcome
thanks Luke, it is good to hear of different ways to do things like that, I appreciate it. mike
How can I purchase an Honest Mike T-Shirt?
Hi Jake, we haven't been doing anything with that, maybe down the road, but thanks anyway, mike
A lot of youtube guys use this company:
teespring.com/about
Maybe you can use the extra $$$ on one of those new fangled lasers.
thanks Jake, I appreciate it. mike
Did you ever end up making them, would love one
2:50 We love you Mike
thanks kuku, I love you too, mike
Thanks for the very instructive set of videos Mike. I have a request, do you have any tips with regard to building a 5ft circle (inner radius), and finished height will be between 4-5ft. I'm building an outdoor wood-fire heated hot tub. The interior wall will be hollow blocks like in your vids and the external wall will be of natural 9in X 4in stone bricks. I intend to fill the hollow blocks and the 2-3in gap between the two walls with concrete and re-bars. My concerns are with regard to building in a circle. I'm not looking for perfection but do want it to be as good as I can reasonably make it as a novice. I'd be grateful for any tips you might have. Many thanks, Rob.
check out my video "Stone cutting laying and making patterns with Jeff Haduck (Mike Haduck). It might give you some ideas,, thanks mike
Thanks Mike, I'll take a look. Best regards, Rob.
Have just checked out video and picked up two perfect tips;
1) How to us Pi to accurately calculate circumference, how many blocks will be required & size of mortar gaps
2) The use of the central rod and cut-length to facilitate accurate build to chosen diameter.
Great stuff, thanks again Mike.
Best regards, Rob
You gotta be more specific on compinstating for your joints while you cut the block
Thanks , Mike
Nice
Thanks cb, Mike
El maestro sabe de bloque pero es un bloque muy pesado es 12 × 16 la escuadra es decir siempre se pone bloque de 8 ×16 porque cuando el lleva por cuando tenga que poner 16 de altura se va a acordar de ese bloque
Hi Mike are you on face Book? Your videos would go really well on there including your Music Videos, cheers Paul David Cross.
Thanks Paul , no haven’t been happy with Facebook, but I appreciate it, Mike
fantastic
thanks , mike
My problem is always putting the closure blocks in, the mud always falls off one end at least, a lot of times now I go back to the closure block later with a grout bag and fill the joints.
I always say "anything that works," I am sure you will get it. just like playing an instrument, thanks mike
Hey thanks --)
great
Thanks, mike