Solving Mortar Problems in Your Stone Foundation

Stone Foundations are common in older buildings even though they are rarely seen on new properties. They have a special appearance to them which makes them very special. Learning how to solve stone foundation mortar problems will help to protect the health of your property.

Any damage such as weak mortar joints, cracked or loose stones can result in further damage. Any cracks in the foundations allow water to penetrate further into the foundation, which can wash away mortar and shift stones as it freezes in cold weather. Replacing lost mortar and protecting against water penetration will protect your foundation against long term damage.

Inspections

The first thing that you must do is inspect the quality and the condition of the exposed portions of your stone foundation. Try to spot any damage as early as possible. The earlier you catch the damage, the easier it will be to repair. Keep an eye out for any broken stones, loose stones, or mortar problems. Inspection of the walls in the basement will often give you a good idea of your foundation health.

If the mortar is cracked, damaged or missing then something will need to be done about it.

Loose Stones

If there are any loose stones in the foundation, carefully slide them out from the hole in preparation for repairs. It's a good idea to leave them close to where they are from because you don't want to have to worry about doing a huge jigsaw and figuring out where all the stones go. A wire brush can be used to brush away any debris from inside the holes and on top of the individual stones. Use some water to clean the entire hole.

Removing Old Mortar

The old mortar needs to be removed by using a chisel and a hammer. Go about this carefully so that you don't cause any further damage to the wall. Carefully chip away at the mortar and start scraping it out. The old mortar should come out very easily if it is already cracked or damaged.

At a crack, remove the mortar around the crack with the chisel and hammer, creating a path 1/2 inch wide along the visible length of the crack.

Mixing Mortar

Once you've prepared the wall you will need to mix a new batch of mortar. To do this follow the instructions on the packet to create a strong mix. Put the mortar into the gaps which you have just chipped out and also around the holes where you have taken the missing stones from. Apply a layer of mortar to the loose stones and then slide them back into the hole. A trowel can then be used on both sides to remove any extra mortar.

If there are any small stones which have been removed from the wall then this whole section can be filled using mortar if desired. To do this use the flat edge of your trowel to ensure that it's level with the wall.

Protection

Once you've finished your repairs it's a good idea to spray the repairs with concrete sealant. This will protect the mortar from future water damage and various other problems.

Regular maintenance to your stone foundations can make it much easier to keep them in good condition. Try and get into the habit of regularly checking and maintaining the stone wall before serious problems are allowed to happen.