This weeks job has a few different spins to it. The first part of the job includes a improper slope in the landscaping towards the stone foundation of the house. The poor slope in the grade has been sending rain water into the stone foundation and has undermined the earth. This has caused a void around the stone and caused water to pentrate the stone. When this happens in the Northeast part of the country it will freeze and cause major expansion between the mortar joints that it penetrated. This expansion will cause stone mortar joints to crack and fall out. After the stone mortar joint falls out then the water comes in the basement. That’s not Good!! The crack itself has also traveled up the stone wall and has seprated quite large.

What to do? Cawley is on his way!!  We have to first get to the stone joint crack that is under ground. We will remove all nescessary earth to get to the stone crack. Clean the stone joints where the crack is ( no major debris in the joint) and mix a four to one mix of concrete sand and cement. Not to wet or dry. I like a sticky texture that will stick to my trowel but not too wet so it runs off the trowel. I also use concrete sand over bar sand because of it’s overall cured strength. Make sure you pack it out tight and don’t be afraid to go over the stone a little bit. The only time i’ll recommend going over a stone a little is when no one will see the stone joint or if it’s underground. Let the mortar joints dry and then apply a tar base waterproof agent to the areas. After the tar has become sticky enough to back fill then begin to back fill. Don’t throw all the earth back into the hole and then try and tamp it down. It won’t work, it may look good at first but the earth will settle down and you’ll be back to a reverse grade again. So with that said back fill your foundation in 4 to 6 inch layers. Throw some dirt, do some tamping. This way you’ll be sure to get good compaction in your trench. keep large stone or debris out of your hole. They can cause uneven compaction and cause voids under them.  When you get to the top of your grade, remember you have to add more earth for your proper slope away from the stone foundation. Don’t go to the store and buy top soil for regrading because top soil will absorb the water that falls on it and won’t be much help. If you have no other choice then try and mix it with some earth from around your property. I know this might not be possible but it will help. If you can get a truck then ask your local guy or gal about some compactable soil to be delivered. Good Luck and I hope this helps. John the stone mason