thompson ☘️ crowley foundation repairs

 At Thompson Crowley Masonry we have been repairing stone foundations for decades. We are actual stone and brick masons who professionally install stone and bricks. We offer structural stone foundation repairs with the ability to completely restore your foundation. 

 Our foundation repairs go beyond covering walls with panels, plastics , spray insulation and sealants. There is no sealant or system in the world that can relieve the back pressure of a bowing foundation wall.  (Rodents stuck in spray foam or crawling behind plastic panels and weeping plastic panels not always attractive to property owners.)

Being stone masons who have been building and repairing stone walls and foundations for three generations in Massachusetts we know what causes cracks in foundation walls, bowing, sinking, leaks and foundation failure.   ​  

 Foundation problems typically start below grade with settling of the foundation base. Most Massachusetts homes have a 7ft foundation walls with 4ft below grade and 3ft. free standing. The four ft. below grade is essentially a stone retaining wall that acts as a footing for the 3ft of above grade. Over time ground silts and weaken the masonry joints in the often lime based foundation walls and cause leaks, cracks and shifting. Foundation base shifts below grade cause the above grade portion to crack, sink or shift which is are all signs of foundation failure. 

 The below grade foundation bases become dry and flaky over time and loose strength and bonding ability this causes the masonry cement to fail and stones loosen. Stone shims that were holding building stones in place will fall out and cause joint stress resulting in cracks and loose stone.   

 By carefully repairing your foundation we can repair and preserve your foundation for years to come.

All work is "Price lock  Guaranteed" with written estimate  / contracted  price. 

"We never raise the price of the job".

Foundation Restoration  

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 When restoring your foundation we remove all aged loose mortars and replace it with lime based or Portland cement depending on type of stone, brick and water volume. We have the professional ability to make structural repairs including rebuilding failing wall sections. Often foundation repairs require below and above grade masonry repairs. Having the skill set to match materials and install new brick, block or stone is vital in masonry restoration.   

When rebuilding exterior foundation walls it takes care and masonry precision to tie in brick and stone courses  for a seamless match. Knowing load weights, bearing points, lateral load weight and carrying compacity in foundation construction is also essential in rebuilding foundation walls.​      

Spalling Bricks   

 Spalling bricks can be repaired or replaced with new bricks. Spalling bricks occur when soft bricks retain moisture and sections of bricks fall off or spall. The spalling brick in foundations is caused by ground water at the grade base of the exterior.   Over the years the bricks due to excessive moisture softens the clay and bricks can crumble.   Massachusetts foundations were built with stone bases and brick above grade foundations for a more pleasing look . Brick laying allowed for more accuracy in layout of architectural plans. When repairing damaged bricks that have spalled, we remove all loose or deteriorated clay. If a brick is beyond repair we can easily add bricks. Spalling brick sections can be cleaned and treated with fortified masonry cement. We can add protective layers of cement coating to repair the structure of the brick wall and an effective barrier to moisture and future damage. 

Exterior Foundation Repairs  

 Exterior foundation repairs services including crack repairs, pointing and stone setting are professionally offered. Brick foundation corners and wall sections can be rebuilt with new or existing materials. Waterproofing foundations and structural repairs often start with making exterior foundation repairs. Ground level where the foundation base meets the free standing wall sections of a foundation is a common problem area we commonly repair.  Ground water causes damage and deterioration of foundation masonry joints. The loose joints cause shifts, cracks and leaks. 

  Below Grade Repairs​ Below grade ground water and silts dry out and soften the mortar or lime used to construct the foundation. Throughout the life time of your foundation mortars become soft and flakey and loose their bond and waterproofing ability resulting in leaks and structural concerns.   We provide interior stone foundation pointing and structural crack repairs. Complete foundation pointing services available.​    

Foundation Waterproofing ​ 

Upon completion of all structural foundation repairs waterproof coatings and sealants can be applied if desired.  We use traditional lime for European white washing and fortified Portland cement based products for sealants. Structural skins and elastomeric masonry products can be used on specified projects.   Exterior waterproofing and water shields sealants that help preserve your foundation and prohibit water saturation of masonry walls is another way we can reduce and stop water damage to preserve your foundation.​