Loose block behind sand cement render

Hiya

I've started removing blown plaster from the wall in the bedroom, it was very thick about 1inch, so think the wall may have been rendered prior to skimming.

Problem I have is the thermolite blocks are all loose when I knock off the plaster, area is about 6ft by 6ft

What would be the best way to rectify this? Repoint the blocks. Re lay the blocks or render over the wall?

The wall is on the gable end first floor.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Martin

Depends how loose they are. You might be able to tighten them up a bit with just repointing. Are they loose because you really hammered at the render?
Normally cement render does not blow easily unless it gets really damp, so it might be worth looking at why.

Stewart

I took a stud wall down that joined onto it, initially I think I did hit slightly too hard, but some are loose where I didn't use the hammer,just a scraper.

I've knocked it off now to a point where the surrounding block seems fairly secure and the cement render seems well adhered to the block

In terms of looseness, I'd say at worst on the worst block it's a mm or so's movement.

I'm wondering if repointing in sections might be the way to go.

Martin

The top course looks the worst. Try repointing. If you render with sand/cement as well it will add strength.