I’ve never laid brick or stone professionally in my life (OK maybe once when I fixed some brickwork on the porch where I used to live) but after watching your videos (I’ve nearly watched all of them) I have a new appreciation for masonry. Now whenever I go past a building - old or new - I spend a few minutes studying how they put the wall etc. together. This of course annoys my wife and children, who seem to be in a rush to get wherever. Many thanks :-)
Mike, I always enjoy the monologue as you’re building; the “banter”, as Tinker calls it, was especially delightful . I agree with him, have them on more often.
It's like standing around a hole and watching pros. do their thing. You look up and you've stayed looker than you'd planned. The planning and execution is hypnotic. Nice video - great work.
Those blocks are real bear on your back when you have to hold them out shoulder high. I could feel your pain on that one, ouch! Thank you for making these videos. I enjoy them all and learn something in every one.
If it is your last block job I'm grateful you recorded it for the world to see and learn from. On another note, every block job is my last block job! :D
Hi Mike I have watched all your videos time and again and love your work 💪. The only "Big Deal " is the quality of the instruction that you provide for us. Thank you so much.
It’s always a good idea to look ahead. If nobody’s going to see it, and no girls are going to be dancing looking at it then just do what works. Great improvising and a good imagination! Always looking out for the ladies. What a gentleman Mike. My mentor mason.
Hey Mike, i love watching your videos because your just old school, these other guys try to make it look too complicated and we lose interest, you make it very easy to understand, thanks buddy, keep up the great work...your a true mason!
Thanks mike for spending time to make your videos . I love when you say " in the real world " and if you want it to stick wet it " i have worked in a trade (not yours ) 30+ years and you are spot on . I really do appreciate the efforts and time to publish this content . Thanks again
Thanks Mike, I learn alot from your videos. I like your no nonsense approach. It helped me to hear you say, and to show, that there is no certain right way in masonry, but there is always a good way to get it done. No big deal. I needed to hear that, it gave me the confidence to try to lay some blocks. Creative freedom, as shown by you, is one of the best aspects of masonary.
Great video Mike! It takes me back to when I started in masonry doing residential work. Now I'm only doing commercial work. Really miss the residential work. In our area Lancaster county it's almost always poured walls.
Not that it should surprise me, but wow, you really showed exactly and completely how you worked around that tricky plumbing issue. Very interesting. That obstacle alone would have freaked me out with worry that i'd be causing a world of plumbing (and wall) grief down the line. Thanks!
Hello Mike, I clicked on one of your videos and ended up binge watching for days. Thanks, Now I want build a limestone fountain in the backyard. I learned a lot attending the MHSOHK U. Cheers
one local comment. a plumber i know says they add a larger 'sleeve" with double roof paper inside when a pipe passes through a wall. besides code compliance here, he figures that will tend to isolate the cement/mortar from the metal and allow an easier pipe change if a later repair or addition affects the through wall piping. he also commented that shifts in the foundation are buffered with a space around the pipes - like allowing room for steel beam expansion.
I think I would have tried some expanding foam around that pipe and cut the foam to fit my block and then work around it later . Your way works to . Whatever works …. Works
I was expecting you to drill and pin into the existing foundation and use a bonding agent. When/if do you need to do those steps? I see it often here in Minnesota. Love your vids btw.
Thanks, the foundation was made out of stone very irregular, with the old lime mortar you could hammer them in, also cement on long walls shrink, I dont use bonding agents much, check out my video should I wet it first, thanks Mike
Makes sense, though over pipe work you throw a lintle over to bridge allowing movement in the structure with out pipe fractures. I know its below dpc but be nice to see a better degree of filled out perp joints. Oh pipe you can fill out to waterproof but bridge it. Well allow 10mm joints as a measure and 4 plus 1 mix You can go 3 and 1 for a tougher mix but anyhow well done from the u.k P.s Use profiles on corners makes job easier.
Hi Anna, I usually fill around the rebar, about every four feet, but most the time no, It all depends on what is required in certain parts of the country, thanks, Mike
Love these videos Mike. Pretty slick how you use the hammer to trim the blocks - was thinking of getting one of those myself. Estwing has those brick hammers in 16, 20, and 24 oz - any opinion on which size to go with to be able to cut block like you did?
a question I live in massachussett and they wanted to make an expansion in my house and I want to know if I have to put sand in my footings before putting in concrete ???
Hey Mike, just wondering if you have any experience with using GFRP (Fiberglass) rebar or other non-steel based rebar on masonry jobs. Was looking into that option on a block job because steel corrosion concerns me.
Hi David, I don,t know if it is proven yet, and if code says you got to put it in, you got to put it in, if you can keep the water from getting to it that is a big deal, but unless you live to be an old man it probably will not be a worry, if that makes sense, thanks, mike
Hi KD9, usually most materials like block work works out to a common number like 8 inches in height, but the old timers always made story poles and figured it out before they ever started, you see in a lot of my videos I lay it out dry first, if that makes sense, thanks mike
I remember seeing you say to use cement you need to wet both surfaces to stick but I notice you use mortar on dry bricks..is it necessary and is there a reason the bricks aren't wet besides extra time ?
Hi Kaveman, I did a video called " should I wet it first" Mike haduck , I explain it best there, biggest reason is with brick or block is it makes a huge mess and leaves everthing dirty, thanks Mike
@@das250250 I would say technically speaking yea but I never seen any brick laying company wet them , it makes a big mess usually bricks are kept under cover before use to keep them dryer, Thanks mike
When you’re tying in with an existing foundation with a new block foundation, do you need to tie in with rebar? Or can you just butt up to it like you did with this one?
Hi Ryan, in my experience it all depends on the situation, two separate footers means your gonna get cracks, and depends on what your going against, rebar rots away with time, good for the short term, if that makes sense, I hope it helps thanks, mike
Regarding copper pipes through walls... I don't think I've seen sleeves in the hardware store. Seems like you could just wrap the section through the wall with plastic sandwich wrap. Maybe some Gorilla tape over that. I lived in an 1890s house and wanted to seal around some copper pipes coming through the floor. I wrapped the pipes in wax paper and sprayed polyurethane foam around them. No drafts and no corrosion 15 years later. As always, thanks for your videos!
If the pipe is already in place, I suppose you mean slit the plastic pipe lengthwise to get it over the smaller copper pipe. Or even cut the plastic lengthwise and place the two halves around the copper.
Hi Erwin, not really, sometimes you have to do what you Gotta do, depending on the job, and the weather situation, some people are pouring concrete while it’s snowing, Every situation is different, my opinion, Mike
If you tried to break our 8 inch block with a brick hammer like that mike they fall apart . Grinder or con saw cutting only apart from the ones that are meant to be cut in half. which have the double wall thing. Tidy job.
Hi Mammoth, if you run drainage pipe you have to have somewhere to run it, inspectors want to see daylight with drainage pipe, old. Buildings like this with the old stone foundations never had them.So if you put one in it have to have somewhere for the water to go, I hope that makes sense thanks Mike
Hi Francisco. , I know it works but I seen guys hold the tape wrong, I always like the corner to corner method and you can’t go wrong with 234 is a good check thanks Mike
Hi Justin, I don’t know how to answer that one but one thing I will say is that old stone foundation I was going against will last longer than anything they built in the last hundred years thanks for the comment like
You put that mortar in a very negligent way. For one expert as you are, it is somehow surprising. Disappointing... You spill cement everywhere, more on the ground than on the wall you are building. The client is happy...
1zang, I don’t know how to answer that, but I never have to look for work, people keep paying me, and I rarely if ever Had a dissatisfied customer, So no worries, God bless Mike
I’ve never laid brick or stone professionally in my life (OK maybe once when I fixed some brickwork on the porch where I used to live) but after watching your videos (I’ve nearly watched all of them) I have a new appreciation for masonry. Now whenever I go past a building - old or new - I spend a few minutes studying how they put the wall etc. together. This of course annoys my wife and children, who seem to be in a rush to get wherever. Many thanks :-)
Hi Wayne, thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it, Mike
I liked the banter with your "special" guests. You should have them on more often!
Thanks thinker, I’m keeping that in mind I appreciate it Mike
Mike, I always enjoy the monologue as you’re building; the “banter”, as Tinker calls it, was especially delightful . I agree with him, have them on more often.
Now that's a real mason! Mike your definitely an old school mason you remind me of my dad.
Thanks Matt, Mike
I love that cheerful and comical ending, but the block laying information was AWESOME, I learned so much in this 3 part video. THANKS!
Thanks Wayne, I learn a lot from you, Mike
“no girls are gonna be dancin down here lookin at this” LOL i spit my coffee out on that one! thanks Mike
Thanks oso,,, mike
It's like standing around a hole and watching pros. do their thing. You look up and you've stayed looker than you'd planned. The planning and execution is hypnotic. Nice video - great work.
Thanks Greg, I appreciate it, like
Those blocks are real bear on your back when you have to hold them out shoulder high. I could feel your pain on that one, ouch! Thank you for making these videos. I enjoy them all and learn something in every one.
thanks Gregory, your right, last block job for me. mike
If it is your last block job I'm grateful you recorded it for the world to see and learn from.
On another note, every block job is my last block job! :D
Hi Mike I have watched all your videos time and again and love your work 💪. The only "Big Deal " is the quality of the instruction that you provide for us. Thank you so much.
Thanks Alex, Mike
Bring back memories of butting up top old foundations
Thanks Jim, Mike
It’s always a good idea to look ahead. If nobody’s going to see it, and no girls are going to be dancing looking at it then just do what works. Great improvising and a good imagination! Always looking out for the ladies. What a gentleman Mike. My mentor mason.
That was good Mike. Jeez you are quick and accurate with that trowel! Very impressive. I just started and I’m slow.
Thanks, like anything you get better as you go, thanks Mike
Hey Mike, i love watching your videos because your just old school, these other guys try to make it look too complicated and we lose interest, you make it very easy to understand, thanks buddy, keep up the great work...your a true mason!
Thanks Iuis, Mike
love watching you work with a trowel Mike. You're so smooth and make it seem effortless
Thanks Mark, mike
And when troweling there's no motor mess or splashing on the block, Awesome Mike!
Hi Jamie, we hope, LOL, Mike
Thanks mike for spending time to make your videos . I love when you say " in the real world " and if you want it to stick wet it " i have worked in a trade (not yours ) 30+ years and you are spot on . I really do appreciate the efforts and time to publish this content . Thanks again
Thanks Robert, I appreciate it, Mike
Thanks Mike, I learn alot from your videos. I like your no nonsense approach. It helped me to hear you say, and to show, that there is no certain right way in masonry, but there is always a good way to get it done. No big deal. I needed to hear that, it gave me the confidence to try to lay some blocks. Creative freedom, as shown by you, is one of the best aspects of masonary.
Thanks Larry, I appreciate hearing that, mike
Great video Mike! It takes me back to when I started in masonry doing residential work. Now I'm only doing commercial work. Really miss the residential work. In our area Lancaster county it's almost always poured walls.
Hi Steve, I agree, block work is a dying thing, but a good thing to know, I appreciate it. mike
I know well the sounds of back strains and pains. Awesome job. Hang in there!
Hi Michael, funny but I started to notice those sound when I edit, I am trying to hang in there, the jobs are getting smaller, thanks, Mike
Not that it should surprise me, but wow, you really showed exactly and completely how you worked around that tricky plumbing issue. Very interesting. That obstacle alone would have freaked me out with worry that i'd be causing a world of plumbing (and wall) grief down the line. Thanks!
Thanks paul, mike
Great work . Waiting for part 3 . From Denmark
Thanks omerfar I appreciate it Mike
I love watching you work Mike reminds me of my father!!!!!
Hi Dave, His back must be broken, thanks mike
Very enjoyable to watch a master tradesman thanks Mike 🤠👍
thanks Ty, mike
Great work, Mike
Thanks Shawn, Mike
Pretty neat to see you at cross forks! Kettle creek was there once for the rattlesnake roundup myself on a motorcycle trip.
We were suppose to go up this year but now with the virus I don't know, small world, thanks mike
Excellent progress!
Looks like fun camping, I hope to see part three soon!
....13
thanks 13, I always appreciate it. mike
Nice Mike! Things the right way!
Thanks Jon I just finish that sailing video, Will have it out this week I think you’ll like it thanks Mike
Hello Mike, I clicked on one of your videos and ended up binge watching for days. Thanks, Now I want build a limestone fountain in the backyard. I learned a lot attending the MHSOHK U. Cheers
Thanks Starcarrier, I appreciate it, mike
Good job mike
Thanks Juan, mike
Awesome skills going around that pipe
Hi Michael, A bit crude but Efficient, I appreciate it, Mike
Thanks Mike lots of work, and i always learn a lot thanks!
Thanks Col, I appreciate it Mike
another good one, Mike. Thanks.
Thanks Steve I appreciate it Mike
Nice job Mike thanks for teaching us bless you
Thanks Leo, bless you too, mike
Really enjoy watching, learn allot , Thanks for posting.
Thanks Sean, I appreciate it, mike
Cool video!
thanks We, I appreciate it. mike
This guy is good.
Thanks Jam, Mike
I know these are old vedieos but I still watch them wish I was young enough to do this I believe I could after seeing how you do it
Thanks Kenneth, Mike
I wondered how you would work around the pipe. Interesting and makes sense.
Thanks so Mike
Sue P what other way could he have done it is what you could ask yourself since it makes since or?
one local comment.
a plumber i know says they add a larger 'sleeve" with double roof paper inside when a pipe passes through a wall. besides code compliance here, he figures that will tend to isolate the cement/mortar from the metal and allow an easier pipe change if a later repair or addition affects the through wall piping. he also commented that shifts in the foundation are buffered with a space around the pipes - like allowing room for steel beam expansion.
nice work! like a pro!
Thanks Beetje, mike
You are awesome keep on laying mike I look forward to your video,s
Thanks Zack, I appreciate it, Mike
Checking in from Central PA. I really enjoy watching your work, keep it up Mike!
Thanks Nicholas, I appreciate it, Mike
another good one mike!
Thanks John, I appreciate it, like
my house was built in 1957 and they used veneer bricks from house to fill in where black septic pipe went threw the block work like you did it.
Hi napping, as long as it works, thanks, mike
Good video! I used to hunt deer and bear in Cross Forks.
Hi Jim, yep we use to stay at a hunting cabin near the black forest, mike
My buddy had a camp on Hammersley Fork. Good hunting, but too rugged for me now.
I think I would have tried some expanding foam around that pipe and cut the foam to fit my block and then work around it later . Your way works to . Whatever works …. Works
Thanks Ryan, mike
Awesome!
Thank you, Mike
Hey Mike ,
Dave here from NJ. Love the videos, specially the tricks of the trade.
How do i become part of the club?
Thanks David, no club, just videos, happy new year ,Mike
Great video. How do you slope the deck/crawl space with block? Or is block always straight up and down?
Hi Scott, I hot videos with concrete porches, blocks are level and you pitch the concrete, thanks mike
I was expecting you to drill and pin into the existing foundation and use a bonding agent. When/if do you need to do those steps? I see it often here in Minnesota. Love your vids btw.
Thanks, the foundation was made out of stone very irregular, with the old lime mortar you could hammer them in, also cement on long walls shrink, I dont use bonding agents much, check out my video should I wet it first, thanks Mike
Makes sense, though over pipe work you throw a lintle over to bridge allowing movement in the structure with out pipe fractures.
I know its below dpc but be nice to see a better degree of filled out perp joints. Oh pipe you can fill out to waterproof but bridge it.
Well allow 10mm joints as a measure and 4 plus 1 mix
You can go 3 and 1 for a tougher mix but anyhow well done from the u.k
P.s
Use profiles on corners makes job easier.
Thanks Michael, mike
Hi Mike
Do you have video how to pure concrete after laying the concrete bricks on the gravel. The slap inside the house
Hi DM, I am not sure what you mean, thanks Mike
Hello Mike you dont anchor the block with the stone wall? So is this because of the rock fondation is rough enough?
Hi David, there are some rebar pins I put in there but just from experience I know it's not moving, it's too irregular, thanks Mike
Mike. Why did you need to plaster the backside of the wall prior to applying Tar?
Hi Mark, it seals up the holes better and smoother for tar to stick, thanks Mike
I have a question. Do you ever fill the center holes of the blocks with mortar? Thanks.
Hi Anna, I usually fill around the rebar, about every four feet, but most the time no, It all depends on what is required in certain parts of the country, thanks, Mike
Mike with that pipe isn't it better to leave a gap incase the building moves and puts pressure on that pipe ?
Hi, it's the way the plumber wanted it, not my choice, thanks Mike
Love these videos Mike. Pretty slick how you use the hammer to trim the blocks - was thinking of getting one of those myself. Estwing has those brick hammers in 16, 20, and 24 oz - any opinion on which size to go with to be able to cut block like you did?
Hi Chris, any one really, 16 for lighter work like brick and 24 for block or stone, thanks mike
I don't understand the need for that "Duro wall" stuff... Is it just like rebar? Providing some additional lateral rigidity?
Hi PC, It works good, and most code require it now for block work, Best to check with the inspector, thanks Mike
a question I live in massachussett and they wanted to make an expansion in my house and I want to know if I have to put sand in my footings before putting in concrete ???
Hi Ray, I cant say, I I would talk with the local guys, thanks mike
Hey Mike, just wondering if you have any experience with using GFRP (Fiberglass) rebar or other non-steel based rebar on masonry jobs. Was looking into that option on a block job because steel corrosion concerns me.
Hi David, I don,t know if it is proven yet, and if code says you got to put it in, you got to put it in, if you can keep the water from getting to it that is a big deal, but unless you live to be an old man it probably will not be a worry, if that makes sense, thanks, mike
Great video...how to mix a bag of cement with water?do you have any video thx
Hi Jairo, I actually have one in the works but I’m 20 videos behind but it’s coming thank you Mike
nice recap of previous video.
Thanks jonnken, I think I pick that up form watching television. Thanks Mike
When you measure for block length and height, do you allow for the mortar that’s in between them into that figure, and if so, how much?
Hi KD9, usually most materials like block work works out to a common number like 8 inches in height, but the old timers always made story poles and figured it out before they ever started, you see in a lot of my videos I lay it out dry first, if that makes sense, thanks mike
I remember seeing you say to use cement you need to wet both surfaces to stick but I notice you use mortar on dry bricks..is it necessary and is there a reason the bricks aren't wet besides extra time ?
Hi Kaveman, I did a video called " should I wet it first" Mike haduck , I explain it best there, biggest reason is with brick or block is it makes a huge mess and leaves everthing dirty, thanks Mike
@@MikeHaduck ok ,thanks for reply. So hypothetically speaking if the bricks were wetted it does make a better bond brick to brick ?
@@das250250 I would say technically speaking yea but I never seen any brick laying company wet them , it makes a big mess usually bricks are kept under cover before use to keep them dryer, Thanks mike
i think you would give those chinese masons a run for their money Mike.
Thanks for showing what Skilled Craft looks like
Thanks Brian for the kind words I appreciate it Mike
When you’re tying in with an existing foundation with a new block foundation, do you need to tie in with rebar? Or can you just butt up to it like you did with this one?
Hi Ryan, in my experience it all depends on the situation, two separate footers means your gonna get cracks, and depends on what your going against, rebar rots away with time, good for the short term, if that makes sense, I hope it helps thanks, mike
haha the plumber and brother XD
Thanks, mike
Hey mike what’s your favorite pair of gloves to wear?
Hi Eddy, anything really, dollar store, as long as they work, thanks mike
@@MikeHaduck aright! thanks mike
What kind of mortar are you using?
I use 2 mason sand to one part s mortar, thanks Mike
Regarding copper pipes through walls... I don't think I've seen sleeves in the hardware store. Seems like you could just wrap the section through the wall with plastic sandwich wrap. Maybe some Gorilla tape over that.
I lived in an 1890s house and wanted to seal around some copper pipes coming through the floor. I wrapped the pipes in wax paper and sprayed polyurethane foam around them. No drafts and no corrosion 15 years later.
As always, thanks for your videos!
thanks Brain, usually they put them through a plastic pipe and seal it, much like you are saying, I should do a demo on that in part 3. thanks mike
If the pipe is already in place, I suppose you mean slit the plastic pipe lengthwise to get it over the smaller copper pipe. Or even cut the plastic lengthwise and place the two halves around the copper.
So what happens with cement falling on the ground?
Usually scape it away, especially if you had to pour concrete, thanks mike
Should concrete work be put to a stop when raining?
Hi Erwin, not really, sometimes you have to do what you Gotta do, depending on the job, and the weather situation, some people are pouring concrete while it’s snowing, Every situation is different, my opinion, Mike
The wire goes in every course?
Hi Mark depending on the job, usually every second or third course, mike
If you tried to break our 8 inch block with a brick hammer like that mike they fall apart . Grinder or con saw cutting only apart from the ones that are meant to be cut in half. which have the double wall thing. Tidy job.
Hey Bric, I know, and I could’ve, but for a crawlspace I wasn’t too worried, thanks Mike
Did you run drainage pipe s on the in and out side of foooter ?
Hi Mammoth, if you run drainage pipe you have to have somewhere to run it, inspectors want to see daylight with drainage pipe, old. Buildings like this with the old stone foundations never had them.So if you put one in it have to have somewhere for the water to go, I hope that makes sense thanks Mike
Godda do what you godda do
Thank Mikel, I appreciate it Mike
Do they really hunt snakes out is it just a festival
No girls gonna be down here dancing , looking at this 👍🏼🙌🏻🤣😏
Thanks Fretwide, Very true, Mike
Slingin' mud.
thank ecb, I appreciate it. mike
Great ending there Mike maybe you can do a tutorial on women in future ..
Thanks ,good idea, lol, Mike
In the good ole days....
Why you don't like the 345 method, Mike?
Hi Francisco. , I know it works but I seen guys hold the tape wrong, I always like the corner to corner method and you can’t go wrong with 234 is a good check thanks Mike
At the end of the video they list six things that you always have trouble with. I would add a 7th: skylights. Those things always leak.
Thanks DJ, I agree, mike
I'm surprised they didn't want the footer or blocks doweled to the existing foundation. This wouldn't pass in my area (Northern VA).
Hi Justin, I don’t know how to answer that one but one thing I will say is that old stone foundation I was going against will last longer than anything they built in the last hundred years thanks for the comment like
جميل جدا رائع جدا عاشت الايادي
Thanks Mike
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Thanks, Mike
How does the snake hunt work lol
Hi Mikel, I am just a spectator, lol mikr
I would have put the women problem number 1 mike!!!! Hi from Ireland ..
hi Andy, lots of us guys would agree.lol. mike
I never met a dancing girl that knows good masonry when she sees it...I must be missing out!
Thanks J., I agree Mike
this trade is hard on your back eh
Yep, turned another one down yesterday, thanks, mike
I thought you were doing 3 4 5 because you'd left your plywood square at home. But i guess you were just taking a teaching moment there.
Thanks paul, mike
If they only came with warning labels. Women that is.
I like your oversize square.
Thanks Jon, Mike
I could tell by the way you carried your left arm you were in pain.
Thanks Ron, I ain't getting any younger, lol, mike
Mike, you ever feel like you’re building pyramids for the Pharaoh? I feel your pain.
Hi Danielint, Sometimes I do, I am almost sure I won’t be doing any more block work, thano’s, mike
You only have trouble with woman till the cement drys !!!!! lol
Thanks Don, Lol, I appreciate it, Mike
I wish they would go back to naming all hurricanes and tropical storms after women! How many men give you as much trouble! 😂
I love laying block to this day and I am 69
God bless you Jim, not many old masons around anymore, keep it up, Mike
I dont see any
Nope, inspector did not require it, And I got to go by those guys, Thanks, Mike
You put that mortar in a very negligent way. For one expert as you are, it is somehow surprising. Disappointing... You spill cement everywhere, more on the ground than on the wall you are building. The client is happy...
1zang, I don’t know how to answer that, but I never have to look for work, people keep paying me, and I rarely if ever Had a dissatisfied customer, So no worries, God bless Mike