deteriorated masonry blocks - why

huangyhg

deteriorated masonry blocks - why?
saw a home this afternoon.  contained masonry block foundation (actually appeared to be closer to the older cinderblock).  home was constructed circa 1965 by what i have found out was a contractor of limited credentials.  in the visible areas of the basement, every block, in the top row, was deteriorated, with numerous cracks and crumbling and powdering of the subcomponents.  this damage was only limited to the top row.  on the outside, the grade line was about 1/2 up this top row (another problem, but i digress).  anyway, my thought is that the damage was due to moisture and thermal stresses - does anyone have an opinion on this?  in addition, does anyone know a low-cost, but workable repair?  the blocks have yet to show any extensive crushing, though there are likely some localized areas, since the sills and floor framing are bearing down.  
thanks!
"spalling", this is caused by water freezing in the pores of the block, expanding and more or less reducing to block to powder or granular material.
is the block grouted solid? if so, it should not cause much of a structural problem unless the wall was of minimum strength to begin with. if all else is ok, suggest getting a qualified mason to offer an oppinion.
removing the source of moisture should be a priority, as this can lead to future problems.
if the top course of block is not grouted solid, then it should be.  but, finding an easy way to do so is the kicker.  many times the cores of the block are accessible from the inside, assuming this is a basement wall where you could get access.  then it is a "simple" matter of stuffing some filler material into the core to below the first course and then filling the core up with grout.  if the cores are not accessible, the job is less "simple".
thanks for the input.  it was what i was thinking - sometimes one needs affirmation.  enjoy the long weekend.