Repair Stone Foundation Walls

Updated:2014-02-18 11:02:24

Stone foundation walls are common on many older homes. Although they can look very attractive, the mortar joints are prone to weakening or cracking over time. This causes water leaks that lead to further decay of the mortar. Eventually, you can be left with loose and missing stones, or bulging and collapsing foundation walls. Follow these regular repair and maintenance routines to avoid expensive structural damages.

Instructions as follows:

                                                          

Firstly, shovel approximately one foot down along the entire length of the exterior sandstone foundation needing repair. Place noticeable caution tape or flags to indicate the area is being worked on.
Secondly, inspect the foundation for loose and missing stones or mortar joints. Pull the loose stones from the foundation wall and use a wire brush to clean debris from the hole. Loose debris will adversely affect the new mortar from bonding with the old mortar.
Thirdly, mix the amount of mortar needed according to the package instructions. Use a trowel to place a layer of fresh mortar into the openings that held the loose stones. Replace the peculiar stones and smooth out the mortar joints with the trowel. Areas with missing stones will need to be completely filled with mortar.
Fourthly, fill any areas with missing mortar joints by troweling in the cement mixture. Allow three or days to dry and then replace the dirt around the foundation wall.
Fifthly, check the entire interior stone wall for loose or missing stones and cracked or missing mortar. Sweep areas out with a wire brush. Mix the needed amount of mortar for the job following the package instructions. It's always better to be conservative by initially mix too little, rather than too much. More can be made if needed.

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