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Historic North Shore Stone Foundations
Specializing In Historic Foundation Preservation And Restoration
At North Shore Foundations we have been restoring foundations in Salem, Danvers, Beverly and Peabody area since the 1960's. With three generations of masonry experience we have you covered with expert historic foundation restoration. Our family's masonry roots started in England where our grandfather was professionally trained to work on 1400's and 1500's homes. Much like our first period colonial homes from 1600's and 1700's the buildings in England used lime and sand for mortar. Being familiar with lime mortar and its many uses is essential in historic restoration.
Whats so important about lime mortar in foundations? Lime mortar used in the 1600's, 1700's, 1800's and early 1900's was completely free of Portland cement. Hydrated lime and quick lime used in early construction is breathable and works very well as a bonding agent, stucco, sealant and basement waterproofer. Working with aged lime mortar is a learned process on how to re-hydrate existing lime mortar. What masonry cement mix ratios work well with bonding to current lime in stone foundations.
Almost all stone and brick basements were coated with lime for waterproofing and preservation of masonry. This is commonly known as white washing a basement. The white sealed wall look is achieved by several coats of sealant and wall preparation. You simply cant make mortar without sand.
Its vital to the health of stone foundation walls not to use non lime based materials and trap moisture in the walls. Using modern Portland rich cements and Hydraulic cements can damage fieldstone, soft bricks and create mold. Non lime based sealants such as latex sealant or elastomeric rubberized sealants all trap moisture in lime foundation walls and cause the sealants to fail.
Failing sealant reduces the life span of restoration, causes masonry damage resulting in high project cost possible leaks and possible wall failure.
Take the risk out of historic stone foundation restoration and go with a trusted name in masonry for professional lasting results.
Historic stone foundation repairs and restoration 617-633-18
Failing Lime Wall Coatings
Failing Lime Wall Coatings
Failing Lime Wall Coatings
This historic stone foundation lime coating is failing below grade due to 200 years of ground moisture. The walls in this home were professionally rendered flat by early tradesman.
Historic Home
Failing Lime Wall Coatings
Failing Lime Wall Coatings
Historic North Shore home. We have had the privilege of working on hundreds of historic homes in the area from 1600' to early 1920's.
Lime Mortar Restoration
Failing Lime Wall Coatings
Stone Foundation Crumbling
Bricks repointed in Salem with NHL lime putty for accurate restoration. Often stone foundations have stone bases below grade and free standing brick for top section.
Stone Foundation Crumbling
Stone Foundation Crumbling
Stone Foundation Crumbling
Stone foundation with mortar joint failure. Loose wall stones in need of re-pointing and basement sealing.
Restored Lime Foundation
Stone Foundation Crumbling
Restored Lime Foundation
Fully restored stone and brick historic foundation In Danvers MA. Full brick re-pointing, new masonry cement used throughout the basement walls. Waterproof breathable sealant added in stages for bonding.
Foundation Waterproofing
Stone Foundation Crumbling
Restored Lime Foundation
Historic stone foundation preservation and restoration in Salem, Massachusetts. Lime based mortars used with professional restoration products.