If you are restoring an older home with a stone foundation, there are a lot of things that can be done to improve the structure. Foundation repairs can include things like repointing. You may also need to deal with settling, which can require more modern improvements with structural concrete support. Here are some tips to help you deal with the common problems you may have with your stone foundation:

1. Inspecting Stone For Loose Materials And Damage

Before you start doing any repairs to your foundation, you will want to inspect it for damage. Look for any loose stones in the walls and areas where mortar or soil materials are coming loose from the wall. Do not remove anything until you are ready to do repairs. You can use a crayon or chalk to mark areas that have damage and need to be repaired.

2. Addressing Issues With Structural Damage Due To Settling

There may also be issues with structural damage to your home. This can start with settling of the foundation. The problem can often be fixed by jacking up your home and repairing the foundation. This can include installing reinforced concrete piers with structural steel in them. If your home has a severe structural problem, this may be the best solution to stop settling and prevent further damage to your home.

3. Pointing The Stone To Hold It In Its Place And Prevent Damage

Pointing the stone is the work of putting mortar between the joints in the stone. If you have an historic home, the mortar used for pointing may be soil and clay materials that were available in your area at the time of construction. To repair this type of foundation, it is a good idea to have modern pointing done with a cement mortar to ensure that your home is structurally sound.

4. Creating Stone Or Veneer Face To Mask Structural Repairs In Rock Faces

With some of the repairs that are done to your foundation, there may be unsightly concrete and other visible repairs. These can be hidden by adding a stone veneer face to areas where extensive repairs have been done. The rock here can match other areas of your foundation to make it appear clean and uniform.

These are some tips to help you with deal with the common stone foundation problems. If you have a home with a stone foundation that is falling into disarray, contact a foundation repair contractor such as McNabb Construction to get the help you need with repairs.