foundation repairs

  Do you work with lime based foundations ?  

Yes we use period correct masonry cements with restorations. Lime foundation restoration and fortified cements with polymers. We offer lime European whitewashing , sealants or structural skins. 

How do fix failing stone foundations ? 

If the stones are loose we reset them by carefully removing the stones and failing mortar. Once the stone beds are clean and ready for new masonry cement we reset the stone and fill all voids or masonry joints.  

​My interior basement walls have soft flakey white powder in between the stones can this be fixed ? 

Yes this is very common of early New England homes that used a masons mix which is hydrated lime and coarse sand. The lime initially acts as a great bonding agent and waterproofer.  Over time the below grade portion of the foundation due to water saturation behind the walls become dry and flakey. The soft, powdery masonry joints between the stones cause the rocks to be loose and shift. The shifting stones in the foundation base causes settling and results in above grade cracks and shifting . The above grade portion of your foundation or the free standing section is reliant upon the foundation base being structurally sound. The dried out joints also cause leaks and flooding.  

How do you repair this ? ​

We can restore your foundation by removing the loose flakey joint and reporting the stones. We use a type n masonry cement specifically designed for restoration purposes. If there is excessive water issues we can use fortified Portland cement based products to add a greater barrier that essentially waterproofs your stone foundation.  Do you use sealant on the interior? Yes upon completion of all masonry repairs we use lime based sealants for European white washing. We also use polymer based sealants for foundations with high water volumes. Structural skins ( fortified Portland cement with fibers ) can be added to particular problem areas.  ​We never add any sealants before thoroughly repairing the foundation. Adding of a masonry sealant is not the solution to foundation repairs . Repointing all damaged joints and setting loose stones and making all required masonry repairs is the only true answer. If this vital step is not in place the sealants will not last and fail. Upon completion of all repairs we can confidently add waterproofing sealants with the assurance of a complete restoration.  

Do you repair exterior foundations ?

Yes we can repair any aspect of your stone foundation. Exterior cracks, washed out joints at ground level, grade issues and complete wall failure.  Our foundation walls are bowing and ready to collapse can you fix this? Yes we offer structural rebuilds of failed foundation sections. We use existing stone with additional stone if needed. We have decades of experience building and rebuilding stone foundations.  

Do you offer foundation repairs on historic homes ? 

Yes we've worked on historic homes through out Massachusetts from Small cottages to sprawling mansions in Peabody, Salem, Danvers , Beverly, Arlington, Medford, Melrose, Andover, Newton,  Belmont, and Concord area. We use period correct masonry cement and materials. All our work is professionally executed for seamless repairs and accurate restorations.  

 ​Do you offer brick and stone foundation rebuilding ? 

Yes we work with all masonry foundations. If it's cracked, leaning or failing we can fix it. 

 What is the best way to repair my bowing foundation wall ?

 ​First we secure the foundation by putting in temporary steal post. As a back up which is tradition we also secure the foundation walls with 6x6 timbers for additional security before dismantling. We then carefully dismantle the failing section. Also we remove any adjacent back pressure to allow for new construction of foundation walls. We dispose of excess debris and bring in additional stone or new brick if needed.  Before we rebuild foundation walls we install a spread footing or steal reinforced footings.  The foundation base is then built up to grade height. We are careful to waterproof the exterior side 3ft below grade to help with ground water infiltration . At grade height we then tie in brick or stone work as required with close attention to matching brick, mortar and bond of brick or stone. Upon completion of foundation rebuilds we regrade the exterior if possible so water sheds away from the foundation.  Waterproof coating can be added if desired.  

What are structural foundation repairs ? 

Structural foundation repairs in Massachusetts includes every component of a sound and stable foundation. Loose stones and bricks affect the stability of your home. Loose foundation stones leads to cracks, sinking and movement. Foundation walls that are bowing or leaning are at risk of collapsing and sinking even further. We can repair all aspect of structural foundation problems and restore your foundation to better than new.