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Cap block walls with either 50 mm (2 in.) of solid masonry or concrete, or with a mortar filling in the top block course. Where termites are not a problem, a preservative-treated wood plank 38 mm (2 in. nominal) thick and the same width as the wall may be used. Separate the block courses at grade to prevent convection currents in the cores of hollow masonry walls by filling the upper course with mortar, or using a solid masonry unit. Siding must overlap the foundation wall by at least 12 mm (1⁄2 in.) so that rainwater cannot enter the top of the foundation. Cap pilasters supporting beams with 200 mm (8 in.) of solid masonry.
Protect freshly laid block walls from below-freezing temperatures to prevent low adhesion, low strength and joint failures. Mortar mix proportions should conform to those shown in Table 6 (p. 266). Parge the outside face of concrete block walls with at least 6 mm (1⁄4 in.) of Portland cement plaster, forming a cove on the outside perimeter joint between the footings and the wall (Figure 45). Dampproof the wall by applying at least one heavy coat of bituminous material over the parging up to the proposed ground level. For added protection where large quantities of water accumulate in the soil, waterproof the wall by mopping on two layers
45 Concrete block wall
solid cap pilaster for support of beams sill concrete block blocking for window frame
parging dampproofing footing
cove