Mike, I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I like your video's. You're really good at what you do, and present things in a way that's extremely teachable. I was at Home Depot today trying to figure out what I needed for a small cinder block wall project and got stuck, due to a lack of experience in working with cinder blocks. I came home and found your video's on TH-cam, and now I feel completely confident in the task at hand. You're the best brother.... Thanks for taking the time to be so helpful to the TH-cam community.
great videos mike..im an irish mason living in australia and love watching guys from different parts of the world laying bricks or blocks and there different techniques keep up the good work
I am a 57 year old taking care of my mom,88. I left my job to care for her and have done numerous DIY projects, like electrical re wire with permit, and cinder block walls, stairs, I love it, lifting the bags of concrete, motar , and cement, help my posture, BUT WHAT HELPS ME ARE VIDEOS LIKE THIS, the teacher keeps it simple, good pointers, and a modest attitude, ( he knows his stuff ).
Mike, This is great information. I've built a lot of projects, framing...etc. Never done block work before. Was going to hire someone; after watching your videos...no need. You gave me the confidence and know how I need to handle this small job myself. Thanks for the education. Al
Hello Mike, just like Alex who commented recently, I have done a lot of different things DIY, but never worked with block walls. I was intimidated at first and had watched many TH-cam videos until I came across yours. I like your style and you have a gift for explaining the steps that explains the process, but most important, you point out the variables that would trip us up if we had not been forewarned. I am taking on a job for a friend tomorrow, replacing a 40 year old railroad tie based planter with cinder blocks. I now feel like I can move forward, and it is OK to encounter the unexpected, as you explained, it rarely goes as planned. Your advice of dry-placing the blocks first is pure genius as I had considered doing so but thought is might expose me as a rookie. Seeing a professional such as yourself perform that step confirms my suspicion that it was a good idea to avoid mistakes. I will keep you posted! Great job!,
Solar Tech DIY, Inc I appreciate it. yea I do lay most jobs out dry, and let the powers to be make the final decision. just a note, planters freeze in Pennsylvania and bust up in a couple years. and block walls are strong when they hold something up but not when holding something back, like dirt or fill. thanks mike
Hello Mike, I purchased the pallet of cinder blocks today along with the mortar and cement mix so I will be moving ahead with forming the base in the next couple days. I will keep you posted, and thanks for doing your TH-cam videos, it really helps those of us that don't do this sort of thing every day, or ever for that matter! Pat
Solar Tech DIY, Inc thanks for the compliment, I don't deserve it I am just passing on what I learned from others. and having fun with the videos, I am sure you will be passing things on to others as time goes by. I hope your project goes well. and remember some frustration is a part of every project. But it will all work out, thanks mike
I'm only putting up a tiny brick BBQ, which is daunting enough as it is! but your videos are absolutely fascinating and well worth watching for the extra insight on the decision process that you can only gain with a life time of experience.
I visited a job here in Wa State and everything being cut on the job needed to have a hepa vacuum attached to it. No dust allowed at all on the job. I learned about silica and what it does to you. Bad stuff. Love your videos
What do you think of a cinder block built house I grew up in one as a kid and it was plaster on outside and inside and you couldn't tell it was cinder block built home . I'm thinking it would save money building instead of wood framing and last a lot longer ?
you would have to jump through lot of hoops dealing with inspectors and such, big issue with insulation, wiring and plumbing, codes etc. in the old days you could do anything but not any more. the next house I buy is going to have wheels on it. lol mike
Thank you very much for sharing your skills and experience. I am hoping to be accepted to a three month cement and masonry training. I'm 35 years old and hope I'm not getting in over my head but what you've shared will definitely help. Thanks again.
Hi , I can't remember actually regrouting block work, maybe a joint or two but nothing significant, only brick work, check out my chimney repair video part 10, maybe that will help, thanks mike
Old school way is coming back breaking block with a hammer EPA is breaking down I'm cutting with saws and making dust that's great you're teaching this
Hi Mike,in general I think New School is neater but I say "old school all the way" ,we have a saying in the North of England, "it ain't no beauty contest" also I like to use for blockwork, " it's rough enough "😀😀stay safe
Thank you Mike. perfect information. My wife and I have built our own house over here in Portugal. We are now planning to come to the states and rebuild in the south of USA and our interest was how close to our method was it in usa these days? Wow we are so stoked to get going as we can do all the systems you've shared. Great stuff!! Thanks.
+Gary Hiatt dealing with permits and inspectors is usually a nightmare, mostly because of codes for hurricanes and such so I would ask a lot of questions when you get there,, just the way things are anymore, I hope it works out thanks mike
Mike I can understand that and I can tell you that is one thing we don't worry about over here only when you build over 50 grand. then it's a bit bureaucratic . But thank you so very much for all your info Our blocks are different shape and the way we buy sand and cement is so much different but hey I can addapt. Cheers, Gary
+KeyLimeLemon4U if it is a brick wall (up and down) I will use the same as the blocks, if it is laying flat on the ground (outside) I will just use Portland, I am usually disagreed with on using Portland with brick, but it all depends on the brick as far as I am concerned, everybody got their own recipe, I would check with the locals if you are in doubt, thanks mike
Fine work again as always! You are the very best! I like to know the foundation to carry it all, say a good height for a Garage or House. What concrete foundation would like to see, frost or like me no frost in Australia! Really look forwoard for a reply. I always missed that part!
Hi Richard, I did a video on pouring a concrete footer and the other block videos frome that, I hope it helps, good to hear from Australia, thanks mike
You are a Mate! I like it when You reply and give such good advice. I follow it all but am only a Handyman NOT Professional like You! Have a nice X-mas You deserve it!
Thanks for all your videos! They've really helped me to me less terrible at masonry. I have to pick up more block today, but it rained a lot last night. Is there any problem with using blocks that were rained on at the yard?
+Brian O. I would say wet blocks are better for curing but it makes a mess when they are wet. we cover them when we know It is going to rain. I have done a lot of block work in the rain, thanks mike
my father used to sprinkle cement like that too when I mixed soup for him lol he ll be 87 in march stopped workin with us 3 yrs ago he used to teach bricklayer school for union 2 nights a week I used to go when I was 13 play with trowel your techniques are all to familiar
Q: I see you didn't use any cement patch or epoxy when placing your rebar in the footer/slab. You just pounded it in place. Is that best practice or just old school?
Mike Haduck Understood. But, is that sufficient enough without epoxy or anything else but friction to secure it? I just poured a footer and need to move on to the next step myself.
Yeah here in Mississippi there isn't a big deal with dealing with inspectors and they can kiss my ass , I'm going to have another meter put in were I'm going to build my house and say it's for my RV and then build my house I have 33 acres I paid for not the dam city so they can kiss my ass on what I'm building I don't ever plan on selling so not worried . The one I grew up in was just cinder block walls that were filled with concrete and rebar and just the attic had insulation and like said we didn't have a problem cooling it and heating it wasn't high and it was around 2,500 square feet . I have seen in Florida they recommend cinder block because of hurricane . I have built a lot of furniture , cabinets , and a couple framed shops and done roofing , I even poured my own slab for my shop 30x28 and me and my son worked it and it looks dam good it was just hell pulling all that cement around and spreading it as it came off the cement truck and they were in a dang hurry . But we floated it and it is real nice . Anyway thanks for the videos .
I hear you. I always try and put the liability on the guy telling me what to do. I have written enough letters and complaint letters so they usually leave me alone, there is more corruption since they started this stuff than organized crime. God bless. mike
Hi Da, Old churches and cathedrals and castles never used them, But we are in a modern age with different types of buildings,, so my answer is,,,,,I guess it depends on what your building, Thanks Mike
In your videos you never wear a dust mask. As a mason who has been exposed to silica dusk on a daily basis, what are your opinions on this daily exposure. Your honesty is always valued.
Ive been wanting to do some projects around the house and watching other videos. Your videos definately helped especially when cutting the blocks. And your videos are interesting as well.
Thanks Mike I've been watching your videos for years now slowly but surely I'm getting I just want to say thank
Thanks Luciano, I appreciate it, mike
Mike,
I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I like your video's. You're really good at what you do, and present things in a way that's extremely teachable. I was at Home Depot today trying to figure out what I needed for a small cinder block wall project and got stuck, due to a lack of experience in working with cinder blocks. I came home and found your video's on TH-cam, and now I feel completely confident in the task at hand. You're the best brother.... Thanks for taking the time to be so helpful to the TH-cam community.
Its the feed back such as this that keeps me going, I am humbled. thanks mike
great videos mike..im an irish mason living in australia and love watching guys from different parts of the world laying bricks or blocks and there different techniques keep up the good work
thanks Al, I appreciate it. mike
I am a 57 year old taking care of my mom,88. I left my job to care for her and have done numerous DIY projects, like electrical re wire with permit, and cinder block walls, stairs, I love it, lifting the bags of concrete, motar , and cement, help my posture, BUT WHAT HELPS ME ARE VIDEOS LIKE THIS, the teacher keeps it simple, good pointers, and a modest attitude, ( he knows his stuff ).
I appreciate the comment, I try, thanks mike
ive watched alot of your Brick videos. youre a smart fella. your accent makes me smile
Thanks Joe, someone has to talk different, LOL, thanks Mike
Just wonderful! I,ve learned so many , useful things today! Thank you!
Hi Daniela, thanks, mike
Your detailed comments are so valuable. Thank you for taking the time to show the different techniques, and for telling why.
+www.FineFolly.com thank you. I am having fun making the videos . mike
Mike, This is great information. I've built a lot of projects, framing...etc. Never done block work before. Was going to hire someone; after watching your videos...no need. You gave me the confidence and know how I need to handle this small job myself. Thanks for the education. Al
Alex Czajkowski thanks, I hope it works out, Mike
Hello Mike, just like Alex who commented recently, I have done a lot of different things DIY, but never worked with block walls. I was intimidated at first and had watched many TH-cam videos until I came across yours. I like your style and you have a gift for explaining the steps that explains the process, but most important, you point out the variables that would trip us up if we had not been forewarned. I am taking on a job for a friend tomorrow, replacing a 40 year old railroad tie based planter with cinder blocks. I now feel like I can move forward, and it is OK to encounter the unexpected, as you explained, it rarely goes as planned. Your advice of dry-placing the blocks first is pure genius as I had considered doing so but thought is might expose me as a rookie. Seeing a professional such as yourself perform that step confirms my suspicion that it was a good idea to avoid mistakes. I will keep you posted! Great job!,
Solar Tech DIY, Inc I appreciate it. yea I do lay most jobs out dry, and let the powers to be make the final decision. just a note, planters freeze in Pennsylvania and bust up in a couple years. and block walls are strong when they hold something up but not when holding something back, like dirt or fill. thanks mike
Hello Mike, I purchased the pallet of cinder blocks today along with the mortar and cement mix so I will be moving ahead with forming the base in the next couple days. I will keep you posted, and thanks for doing your TH-cam videos, it really helps those of us that don't do this sort of thing every day, or ever for that matter!
Pat
Solar Tech DIY, Inc thanks for the compliment, I don't deserve it I am just passing on what I learned from others. and having fun with the videos, I am sure you will be passing things on to others as time goes by. I hope your project goes well. and remember some frustration is a part of every project. But it will all work out, thanks mike
Thanks for sharing the old school way of doing things. I have a much better understanding this way!
I appreciate it, thanks mike
Thank you Mike. I picked up a great tip from this video.
thanks Richard, I appreciate, mike
thank you once again... old school new school... its great to see both ways most appreciated
Great videos and good techniques mike you are a fountain of knowledge and have no idea the good that you do. !! thanks
I appreciate that and these comments is what keeps me doing them, thanks, mike
Thanks for putting the video up Mike. I was starting to wonder when you would do another one. Hope your staying warm.
Thanks, I am doing them as I find them appreciate the comment, mike
You just boosted up my confidence level several orders of magnitude... thanks!!
+lxmzhg thanks, I hope it works, mike
ok thank you Mike Haduck.... this is great news for me....
+John Casor I hope it helps, thanks mike
I'm only putting up a tiny brick BBQ, which is daunting enough as it is! but your videos are absolutely fascinating and well worth watching for the extra insight on the decision process that you can only gain with a life time of experience.
Thank gaw, I appreciate it , mike
I visited a job here in Wa State and everything being cut on the job needed to have a hepa vacuum attached to it. No dust allowed at all on the job. I learned about silica and what it does to you. Bad stuff. Love your videos
Thanks John, Mike
Really interesting- thankyou. Getting ready to build a 28’ x 28’ x 21’ two story garage, apartment
Thanks Mike
Original Craft-Man, Thanks Mike.
Thanks Dawson, I appreciate it. mike
I like old school, it takes talent which you have a lot of Mike..
+Joseph M I am just passing along what I learned from the old timers, I appreciate it. mike
Great Videos. Helped me a lot on my project. Thanks!!
Thanks Chernobleff, thanks, I appreciate it. mike
Best examples on yt. Awesome
thanks I appreciate it. mike
What do you think of a cinder block built house I grew up in one as a kid and it was plaster on outside and inside and you couldn't tell it was cinder block built home . I'm thinking it would save money building instead of wood framing and last a lot longer ?
you would have to jump through lot of hoops dealing with inspectors and such, big issue with insulation, wiring and plumbing, codes etc. in the old days you could do anything but not any more. the next house I buy is going to have wheels on it. lol mike
Thank you very much for sharing your skills and experience. I am hoping to be accepted to a three month cement and masonry training. I'm 35 years old and hope I'm not getting in over my head but what you've shared will definitely help. Thanks again.
+TitoComedy thanks, I wish you well. mike
At 2:19, the grinder came too close to your foot and power cord. The "New School" method also produces more dust and didn't reduce time.
It isn't that close to his foot. It's the perspective of a 2D image at an angle that makes it appear closer than it is.
How to fix/replace the block grout on a house.? Couldn’t find anything on the foundation videos🤗
Hi , I can't remember actually regrouting block work, maybe a joint or two but nothing significant, only brick work, check out my chimney repair video part 10, maybe that will help, thanks mike
Mike Haduck Masonry brick wall repair video I found it thx Mike.
Old school way is coming back breaking block with a hammer EPA is breaking down I'm cutting with saws and making dust that's great you're teaching this
Thanks Raymond, mike
Hi Mike,in general I think New School is neater but I say "old school all the way" ,we have a saying in the North of England, "it ain't no beauty contest" also I like to use for blockwork, " it's rough enough "😀😀stay safe
Thanks Ian, I appreciate hearing that from a pro, mike
do you need to epoxy the rebar in? Im doing something similar, putting a stem wall on an existing slab for an enclosed porch
Hi Patrick, depends on what the inspectors require, if there is any, thanks Mike
Good job
hi juan, I appreciate it. mike
no epoxy required when you drill the rebar into the slab and wall? thanks for all the great videos
Hi, I have never had too, thanks Mike
Hi Mike , just saw your video about rebar rust problems in concrete. Do you advocate for vertical rebar for block walls?
Hi JP, in the modern world you got to build like they want you to build, thanks mike
@@MikeHaduck I'm flying solo on my property for this one, so I just want to do what's logical.
Thank you Mike. perfect information. My wife and I have built our own house over here in Portugal. We are now planning to come to the states and rebuild in the south of USA and our interest was how close to our method was it in usa these days? Wow we are so stoked to get going as we can do all the systems you've shared. Great stuff!! Thanks.
+Gary Hiatt dealing with permits and inspectors is usually a nightmare, mostly because of codes for hurricanes and such so I would ask a lot of questions when you get there,, just the way things are anymore, I hope it works out thanks mike
Mike I can understand that and I can tell you that is one thing we don't worry about over here only when you build over 50 grand. then it's a bit bureaucratic . But thank you so very much for all your info Our blocks are different shape and the way we buy sand and cement is so much different but hey I can addapt. Cheers, Gary
+Gary Hiatt thanks mike
Thanks Mike Haduck, what kind of cement do i use for the bonding
+MrTeenwolf82 I don't know exactly what you mean by bonding, but for the actull block work I think I used S mortar, I hope it helps, thanks mike
Yes it does, that is exactly my question to another question i am laying it on dirt do you got any suggestion ?
+MrTeenwolf82 I'm sorry no answer for that, thanks mike
Howdy! great helpful information - your a great teacher. Have you ever done any dry stack block with surface bonding cement?
No. there would be no reason for me to use it, I am still old school. thanks mike
Thanks Mike. What kind of cement mix are you using exactly? Is the Portland cement/sand and a mortar mix interchangeable for block work?
+KeyLimeLemon4U as a rule of thumb I usually use ( 1 part "S" mortar to 2 parts masonry sand) every situation is different, thanks mike
Thank you. If the bricks will be outside or getting wet, do you use just Portland/sand?
+KeyLimeLemon4U if it is a brick wall (up and down) I will use the same as the blocks, if it is laying flat on the ground (outside) I will just use Portland, I am usually disagreed with on using Portland with brick, but it all depends on the brick as far as I am concerned, everybody got their own recipe, I would check with the locals if you are in doubt, thanks mike
Fine work again as always! You are the very best! I like to know the foundation to carry it all, say a good height for a Garage or House. What concrete foundation would like to see, frost or like me no frost in Australia! Really look forwoard for a reply. I always missed that part!
Hi Richard, I did a video on pouring a concrete footer and the other block videos frome that, I hope it helps, good to hear from Australia, thanks mike
You are a Mate! I like it when You reply and give such good advice. I follow it all but am only a Handyman NOT Professional like You! Have a nice X-mas You deserve it!
this guy is so dam amazing. real old school
Hi Cali, I am just passing along what I learned from the old guys, I appreciate it. mike
thanks sir. Mike Haduck ... we Swedish bricklayers following you and always watching your videos.
thanks Call love sweden, was in Denmark last month and did some old school brick wall video there, thanks , mike
How come you don't fill the block holes where the reabar is? Is it not needed?
Hi Al, I do, but mostly at the end of every couple courses to the top and then the anchor bolts, Mike
@@MikeHaduck ah ok thank you
Me: "Thank you Mike! Great videos!" Mike: "No big deal."
Thanks Geek, mike
Thanks for all your videos! They've really helped me to me less terrible at masonry. I have to pick up more block today, but it rained a lot last night. Is there any problem with using blocks that were rained on at the yard?
+Brian O. I would say wet blocks are better for curing but it makes a mess when they are wet. we cover them when we know It is going to rain. I have done a lot of block work in the rain, thanks mike
Can the mesh be skipped? is it just for strengthening purposes?
I would ask the powers to be, I appreciate it.. mike
my father used to sprinkle cement like that too when I mixed soup for him lol he ll be 87 in march stopped workin with us 3 yrs ago he used to teach bricklayer school for union 2 nights a week I used to go when I was 13 play with trowel your techniques are all to familiar
+Mario Dinovo Thanks Mario, my dad is 87 also, sounds like we grew up in same environment, Merry Christmas, mike
Q: I see you didn't use any cement patch or epoxy when placing your rebar in the footer/slab. You just pounded it in place. Is that best practice or just old school?
It always depends on what your doing but here we just pounded it in the floor. got to be carful of pipes and conduit thought. thanks mike
Mike Haduck Understood. But, is that sufficient enough without epoxy or anything else but friction to secure it? I just poured a footer and need to move on to the next step myself.
NO!
so u guys use Portland instead of mortar?
You dont glue the rebar to the ground? thanks luis
No it jams in there tight and its basically to keep it from moving side to side, I know it will not pick up, thanks mike
How does that wire stabize ?
, maybe you are talking about the Duro wall wire, it holds the wall together better , but everything depend on the job, Thanks, Mike
Yeah here in Mississippi there isn't a big deal with dealing with inspectors and they can kiss my ass , I'm going to have another meter put in were I'm going to build my house and say it's for my RV and then build my house I have 33 acres I paid for not the dam city so they can kiss my ass on what I'm building I don't ever plan on selling so not worried . The one I grew up in was just cinder block walls that were filled with concrete and rebar and just the attic had insulation and like said we didn't have a problem cooling it and heating it wasn't high and it was around 2,500 square feet . I have seen in Florida they recommend cinder block because of hurricane . I have built a lot of furniture , cabinets , and a couple framed shops and done roofing , I even poured my own slab for my shop 30x28 and me and my son worked it and it looks dam good it was just hell pulling all that cement around and spreading it as it came off the cement truck and they were in a dang hurry . But we floated it and it is real nice . Anyway thanks for the videos .
I hear you. I always try and put the liability on the guy telling me what to do. I have written enough letters and complaint letters so they usually leave me alone, there is more corruption since they started this stuff than organized crime. God bless. mike
I notice I don't see beams.... R they necessary?
Hi Da, Old churches and cathedrals and castles never used them, But we are in a modern age with different types of buildings,, so my answer is,,,,,I guess it depends on what your building, Thanks Mike
Sure do enjoy all the videos. Old School Rules! I am 76 and you are 99% on the mark, by my book!
JIM
thanks Jim, I appreciate it, mike
In your videos you never wear a dust mask. As a mason who has been exposed to silica dusk on a daily basis, what are your opinions on this daily exposure. Your honesty is always valued.
I do wear a mask, but not so much when I’m filming, but I should, thanks Mike
At 2:17. Should be titled "how to cut your foot off with an angle grinder".
Hi MrZ, no problems yet, thanks mike
why don't you spray water on blocks ??? i remember you love to do that. it makes everything stick a lot better.
+John Casor It does not apply to straight block or brick work, it would make a mess of things, I only show that on certain jobs thanks mike
OLD SCHOOL
+Marnstradomus Old School and a little common sense, thanks mike
New school would be to just buy 45's.
Thanks, mike
New School, aka working smarter, efficient, safe, cheaper, etc....
Hi Aaron, I appreciate it mike
old way new way best way
thank you once again... old school new school... its great to see both ways most appreciated
+frank hiebler I figured that that explains things better.and it seems to work. thanks mike
Ive been wanting to do some projects around the house and watching other videos. Your videos definately helped especially when cutting the blocks. And your videos are interesting as well.
+frank hiebler thanks, I appreciate it. mike