Stone Foundations
While stone foundations are quite durable, resistant to fire, and visually attractive, they do tend to produce issues over time.
Stone Foundations
While stone foundations are quite durable, resistant to fire, and visually attractive, they do tend to produce issues over time.
Reinforce Your Foundation
If you have a stone foundation in an older home, it is likely that at some point in time repairs will be required to reinforce the foundation and ensure water issues do not occur.
The weak point for stone foundations over time is usually found in the mortar connecting the stones. The joints connecting the stones may need repair to restore the strength of the bond and ensure stability.
Common Problems found with Stone Foundations
Dislodging & Loose Stones
Over time, stones that are at the corners of your foundation, and along the ground, can become less secure due to age, weather, and shifting. This can lead to entry points for water.
To prevent this, ensure that water is properly draining away from your foundation and not towards or over top of your foundation. Water is the enemy and it should be directed away from the home with downspouts and grading on the property.
Bulging Foundation
Weather affects all foundation types. Bulging can appear in stone foundations due to frost, the seasonal melting cycle, and water damage.
Depending on the severity of the temperature changes, and the settling process of the ground around the foundation, you may notice bulging in your stone foundation that would require attention and re-placement or repair.
Cracks
Cracks are obviously bad news for any type of foundation. Through the effects of water or physical force, you may see cracks in your stone foundation. This often appears in the mortar and can be seen in crack patterns that continue in a horizontal or another identifiable pattern.
Water Leakage
As with all foundations, water will find its way into your home if there are cracks or damage to your foundation. If you have water in your basement, inspect your stone foundation for entry possible points.
Repairing Stone Foundations
With age, stone foundations will require some repair work to ensure cosmetic appeal, waterproofing and structural integrity.
Our foundation contractors will work to bring your stone foundation back to full functionality and attractiveness in a few important steps.
First, the stones must be exposed so that the technicians can assess the damage and develop a plan to repair what needs to be addressed.
Some items that will be inspected include:
- Water entry
- Dislodged stones
- Dust and eroding stones
- The status of the mortar
- Cracking along the mortar or the stones
- Shifting patterns or movement in the wall itself
- Quality of the joints
- Water issues on the property, including grading, downspouts & drainage
- Loose mortar or mortar particles indicating crumbling or erosion
Look for Patterns in any Cracks
If there are noticeable crack patterns in your stone foundation, an effort must be made to determine the cause (water damage, shifting, age, impact) and assess the probability of future damage. Our experts will discuss effective options for remedying the underlying cause of damage to the foundation.
Fill Any Cracks
Crack filling can repair any cracks in the walls. Hydraulic cement is usually used for this purpose because this specialized grout has waterproofing properties. This is an effective way to restore stability and strength to your stone foundation walls and bring them back to full strength.
Replace Old Stones
Stone replacement is completed as required. New stones will be used to match the existing materials (i.e. rubble, sandstone, limestone). The type of mortar is selected according to the type of stone that is being used because certain mortar types work best with specific stones depending on the softness of the stone. This helps to avoid future cracking and ensures proper structural integrity of the stone foundation.
Mortar Repair
When it comes to mortar joint repair, our team will look for any mortar that has become ineffective (through deterioration, shrinking, or other damage) and will replace it. The old mortar will be removed and a new application will be used according to the type of stone you have in your foundation.
Finally, in terms of waterproofing, our team will take a look at any water issues you are experiencing and suggest possible fixes to reinforce your foundation.