STONE FOUNDATION REPAIRS

 Stone foundations in Massachusetts from the 1600's, 1700's and 1800's all relied on one thing, Masonry stone and bricks. Early period homes used natural stone some with dry laid foot prints others with full basements as construction progressed in the late 1600's and 1700's. In the late 1600's elaborate home construction was underway . Massachusetts was one of if not the first manufacturer of kilned bricks in Salem. Medford in the mid 1600's was well know for its manufacturing of hard, water struck bricks which was used in fine home construction. With elaborate building plans being borrowed from European homes and estates. The first period building boom was underway.  Homes built in Salem Village now Danvers, Beverly area took advantage of natural stone and manufactured local bricks. Along with estate building the one or two room plan home took shape. Early settlements in the 1700's often used the Tudor or late Gothic styles. Native traditions of English and Dutch which our early craftsmen brought hither.

  These home styles from elegant to rudimentary lean to used masonry for foundations. In the wooden houses the sill or ground sill was laid upon the underpinning. The sleepers which the earlier constructed homes carried the boards of the floor were laid in the stone and the sill was placed on them. Later with basement construction the joist were framed into the sill. The stone foundation needed strength and stability. Clay was used with washed sand and lime. This mix in different ratios was used in for most of the houses plastering and basement waterproofing. Lime with hay and hoarse hair was commonly used to insulate walls. 

 Stone foundations over time deteriorate and need maintenance. White washing or lime plastering of the basements was very common In Europe and early local masons who immigrated were familiar with stone foundation restoration and up keep. This tradition was somewhat lost and not entirely practiced as society progressed and people as a whole became less hands on. 

 Luckily our Grandfather was trained professionally in England with the use of lime mortar and white washing sealant still used today as basement upkeep or restoration in and around Boston area. 

He had his own business in London which repaired sewers and basements as a service. Sewer drains and basements foundations all used masonry and had to be waterproof. Upon arrival to Massachusetts in the 1960's his skills were of great need in Salem, Swampscott, Marblehead,  Danvers, Beverly and Boston area with great demand of foundation repairs to early homes. As a child I remember slapping lime in basement walls with heavy brushes and then refining the lime with slurry mixes and sponges. I didn't fully understand the significance of what I was doing it was just what my family did. Summers came and went with more masonry responsibility and experience. Our father also worked with our grandfather and really took to the repair side of masonry. With extensive family experience we were fortunate to learn first hand the ins and outs of stone foundation repair and basement waterproofing in Massachusetts. 

 Today our company specializes in stone foundation restoration and basement waterproofing. We have been fortunate to work on some of the first constructed homes in Massachusetts. With decades of experience with lime mortar, Lime putty, Portland cement and native historical building materials we know exactly how to restore your foundation and waterproof your basement.

  We are qualified to meet all your stone foundation needs. Along with stone foundation experience and family heritage  we have constructed elaborate stone masonry and brick work for decades which truly gives us expert experience in stone foundations.

                 Call direct  617-633-1896  or message us here for free estimate.