Foundation Restoration by Peter Maguire Masonry:
Your Trusted Expert in Greater Boston Area
1. Refinishing and Waterproofing a Stone Foundation
Finished repointing work, with grey pigmented mortar to highlight the colors of the stones, blend in with the house.
When it comes to ensuring the structural integrity of your home or business, foundation issues can be a cause for concern. Whether you reside in the water-prone areas of Boston & Cambridge region, your property may be at risk of foundation damage due to moisture intrusion. That's where Peter Maguire Masonry steps in as your trusted foundation restoration expert.
Original state, with cracks and old patches
Old mortar removed
Repair and repointing of structural base below front porch
Exposing an eroded corner of the foundation, ready to stabilize
Dug out below ground
Dug out below front porch
Adding waterproofing
Expertly Foundation Restoration Plans
The success of any foundation restoration project lies in the precision of the overall plan and execution. Our moisture inspection is thorough and meticulous. Factors such as the age of your property, the type of foundation, basement usage, and external topography all play pivotal roles in crafting a customized foundation restoration plan.
In regions like eastern Massachusetts, where high water tables are common due to proximity to the ocean, streams, or rivers, basements and crawl spaces are particularly vulnerable to moisture intrusion. Neglected foundations, especially in these high-water table areas, can lead to costly repairs down the line. In the past decade, there has been a notable increase in extreme weather events, posing a significant challenge to property owners. This year the amount of rain we have witnessed has caused a lot of stress on foundations and so it’s important to get your foundation restored before its too late.
Sealed and repointed
Waterproofing added to divert drainage from basement
Repaired and stabilized below doorway
Dug out problem area below doorway
Structural column on front porch repaired
2. Fieldstone Foundation Repair and Repointing
Completed repointing job with sealant below ground
The Process: digging out
Completed repointing job, fieldstone foundation
The Process: Repointed above and below ground with waterproofing sealant applied below ground level to stop moisture
3. Repairing a Deteriorated Rubble Stone Foundation
Badly deteriorated foundation, dug out below ground to expose damage
Wall repointed and stuccoed, waterproofing sealant added below ground level
Finished repairs, with repointing, stucco for stabilization, and waterproofing
4. Dressed Stone Foundation- Repointing
This nice dressed stone foundation was in poor shape and needed a lot of help. But with good stones like this to work with, we could restore it to beautiful shape!
5. Sealing a Cement Foundation
Some of our most important work involves preserving foundations from water leaks and dampness.
To do this you need to manage drainage: Directing water away from the house is important, and in damp areas another good thing to do is seal the foundation.
To help this poured-concrete foundation, we excavated the soil and applied a moisture barrier to the outside, so any dampness in the soil won’t seep in.
6. Repointing a Cement Block Foundation
This cement block foundation not only needed repointing above ground, it had severe water drainage issues at ground level from runoff in the driveway and poor downspouts.
We excavated at the base to reveal the problem area, then filled it in with poured cement for a strong impervious base to our wall.
New cement and mortar combined with solving the drainage and downspout issues, will make for no more water in the basement and a longer life for the foundation!
Recognizing the Signs of Foundation Problems
Recognizing when you need foundation restoration is crucial to prevent further damage. Some common signs to look out for include:
Exterior and Interior Wall Cracks: Cracks on both exterior and interior walls can be telltale signs of foundation issues.
Bouncing Floors: Floors that feel uneven or bounce when you walk on them may indicate foundation problems.
Cabinets or Counters Separated from Walls: Gaps between cabinets or counters and walls could be a sign of foundation settling.
Mildew Smell: A musty odor in your basement or crawl space could signal moisture problems.
Warped or Cracked Siding: Siding that is warped or cracked can be an indication of underlying foundation issues.
Sinking Ground: Noticeable sinking or settling of the ground around your property is a clear sign of foundation trouble.
Sticking Doors: Doors that are difficult to open or close may be the result of a shifting foundation.
Drainage Issues: Poor drainage around your property can contribute to foundation problems.
The most common sign that you need foundation restoration is the appearance of cracking, crumbling, and peeling paint or sealant on your walls. This not only looks unsightly but can also lead to the deposition of masonry dust and debris on your floors. Other indicators of foundation issues include water penetration during precipitation events, yellow/brown surface staining, and efflorescence—a white, chalky substance that is often mistaken for mold. If you are noticing these issues then contact our foundation restoration expert Peter.
