Somerville MA
Somerville, MA Stone Foundation Repairs & Waterproofing
Many homes in Somerville, MA were built over 100 years ago and rely on stone or fieldstone foundations. These foundations require specialized repair methods to remain strong, dry, and structurally sound. Improper repairs—especially using modern cement—can trap moisture and cause long-term damage.
At Thompson Crowley, we specialize in traditional stone foundation restoration and waterproofing, using proven techniques designed specifically for historic New England homes.
Stone Foundation Repair in Somerville
Stone foundations naturally shift, breathe, and age over time. Our repair process focuses on restoring strength without compromising the integrity of the original structure.
Contact us today for free in person written estimate
617-633-1896 or thompsonandcrowley@gmail.com
Expert Building Restoration and Repair
Aged foundation
waterproof sealant
Aged foundation
Somerville MA stone foundation showing signs of mortar failure. Incorrect failing foundation sealant causing damage to soft bricks, sedimentary stone and trapping moisture causing mold.
masonry repairs
waterproof sealant
Aged foundation
Somerville MA stone foundation masonry repairs. With brick repairs, stone repairs and breathable fortified base coat wall rendering.
waterproof sealant
waterproof sealant
waterproof sealant
Somerville MA stone foundation full stone foundation restoration and waterproofing. Breathable lime based sealant for lasting restoration.
Somerville Foundation Stones
In Somerville, Massachusetts, the local bedrock and geology include several notable types of stone and minerals that have been documented in the area:
Common Rocks & Stones In Somerville Foundation Construction
1. Slate (Somerville Slate / Bluestone)
- The deep bedrock beneath Somerville consists largely of slate, often referred to historically as Somerville bluestone.
- This slate is very old (hundreds of millions of years) and was once quarried locally, used for building foundations, walls, sidewalks, and roofing. It’s found throughout the city and in older structuresWe specialize in complete building restoration services. Our team of experts at Thompson Crowley will ensure that every aspect of your building is restored to its original beauty.
Somerville Foundation Stone repair PROCESS
Repairing Somerville bluestone foundations (the local slate/bluestone used in many older homes) needs a traditional masonry approach, not modern concrete-only fixes. Here’s a clear, practical guide used by Thompson Crowley Masonry
Repairing stone foundations with bluestone
Somerville bluestone is a layered slate-like stone:
- Flat, thin courses
- Mortared with lime-based mortar, not Portland cement
- Common in homes built 1800s–early 1900s
Using the wrong materials can cause cracking, spalling, and moisture damage
- Use hand chisels only (no grinders)
- Remove mortar to 1.5–2× the joint depth
- Do not pry stones apart
- Hand brush out dust
This preserves the fragile edges of the bluestone and soft bricks
- Bluestone is softer than modern mortar
- Lime mortar allows movement and moisture evaporation
- Cement mortar traps water and cracks the stone