If i tell you i'm good, probably you will say i'm boasting. But if i tell you i'm no good, you know i was lying!

What is a masonry foundation ?  A masonry foundation is a foundation constructed out of bonded masonry units. Bricks, blocks and stones that are mortared together to form a below grade retaining wall. Then a free standing double sided wall above grade to create a masonry foundation. Clearly the best choice to repair a masonry structure would be a mason. 

 At   Thompson Crowley Masonry we have generations of experience in stone masonry and brick laying. Having years of experience constructing actual masonry including stone foundations, stone retaining walls, concrete block foundations and brick construction. We have professional experience in stone foundation construction, bearing points in foundations, battering of foundation base construction, live load retaining wall foundation construction, implementing plans and historic restoration.  All while focussing on waterproofing and dry basements. Working closely with property owners, contractors and historic society's.

Best foundation brick repairs by brick masons. You can pretend to be a stone mason but not a brick layer. What may look simple requires years of training and professional experience. "The brick don't lie"

Best stone foundation repairs are completed by stone masons. With experience in building stone masonry. Backing up stone walls, facing stones and mortaring stones. How to lay stones ? Three over one, two over one, polygonal masonry, dimensional stone, fieldstone , ledge ? It al makes a difference in down force and back pressure beyond visual appearance.

Stone foundations in Massachusetts from 1600's to early 1900's all use different forms of lime products often void of Portland cement. In the early 1900's local builders would use clay mixed with lime mortar. These clay mixes are generally in worse shape than the older sand and lime mixes. Due to clay not being as breathable as sand and lime. Causing back pressure and foundation cracks. 

 Foundations with high water volume that has washed out all the bonding agents in the lime would require removal of failing aged mortar. We generally repoint entire basements from floor to sill. For a lasting restoration. Being professional masons its second nature.

 We provide full foundation mortar repairs. Removal of aged mortar for complete restorations and effective basement waterproofing. 

 Mortar preservation with matching like materials. We have never completed a historic foundation restoration where the first order of business is removing all the lime in the house.

 Lime is lasting material which can be rehydrated and preserved with repairs, rendering and white washing treatments. If contaminated by ground silts and chemically reduced to sand by water pressure. Then the mortar must be replaced.

 We remove dump truck loads of aged mortar, concrete and stone weekly from stone foundations that we bring to a local recycling yard that processes it into crusher run for various uses.

Stone foundation waterproofing is achieved by first setting up temporary jacks and cross ties for safety to support structure during foundation repairs. Wrapping all mechanical appliances and set up air mitigation for dust control.  Then complete inspection of foundation by owner and Licensed Construction Supervisor. Followed by removal of failing mortar. Replacement of missing masonry. Rebuilding of compromised masonry sections. We wash down all walls to remove dust, old lime and ground silts. All existing latex and rubberized sealants must be removed before any repairs. Having walls clean and free from failing mortar, we then hydrate all walls with acrylic and lime mix two times. Once walls prepped we then repoint all voids and cracks with new mortar and granite rip rap shards for large voids. We replace all wall shims to allow stone to sit on its own and not rely on mortar. 

 Once all masonry is repointed and secure we then work on wall coatings and waterproof sealants.

 Waterproofing historic foundations is accomplished by creating a masonry barrier greater than the water volume. This must be done using only breathable materials not to trap moisture in the walls and create back pressure that leads to cracks, voids and sealant failure.