Dry Stacking

[Eddie4]

Hi,

When drystacking, is it imperative that the joints be absolutely flush with one another?

Im figuring its ok because im using rebar and filling every other core when done then covering the base in stucco when done.

Any help would be great, im starting the 2nd coarse when I found that some of my cinder blocks weren't fitting tightly (maybe about 1/4" in between some of them)

Thanks,
Ed

[Jaronimo]

Re: Dry Stacking

Mine were close but not perfect. I used rebar and filled the cores. Filling the cores really adds strenght. My walls are not gonna move.

[Tscarborough]

Re: Dry Stacking

They can never be perfect, the tolerance on CMU is generous.

[Les]

Re: Dry Stacking

(maybe about 1/4" in between some of them)

What are you, a machinist? You will be golden...

[Eddie4]

Re: Dry Stacking

Thanks guys, i figured as much.
I appreciate the help now i can sleep at night!

[david s]

Re: Dry Stacking

I find some of the blocks often have some bits protruding from the bottom. These should be removed or ground off so the fit is better.

[Eddie4]

Re: Dry Stacking

my spacing issue is not top to bottom, it is where the cinder blocks meet left to right.
Im still thinking ill be fine, just pack with stucco on the finishing end.......right?

[Jaronimo]

Re: Dry Stacking

You are over-thinking this. 4 feet of block, with cores filled, that will be holding up hundreds of pounds of concrete slab and a firebrick dome is not going to move at all. If you are worried about the gaps you can use a surface bonding mortar/stucco that has fibers in it to keep it from cracking.

You will be fine.

[Eddie4]

Re: Dry Stacking

Thanks Jaronimo.
I am overthinking it you're right.
Moving forward.

Thanks man.