Marcus Chen
Fieldstone and limestone foundation walls are the most common foundations found in homes that are approximately 100 years old or older. Over time, the mortar used to bond the stones together deteriorates, causing the walls to lose strength and develop cracks. This is where the decision to parge and paint comes in. Parging is the process of coating walls with plaster or mortar, and while it can be done on fieldstone foundation walls, painting them is not recommended as it can trap water behind the paint, causing more damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting a fieldstone foundation wall | Traps water behind it, causing damage. |
| Repointing a fieldstone foundation | Strengthens the home's structure and helps prevent water damage. |
| Parging a fieldstone foundation | Can be done with hydraulic cement, but it is cost-prohibitive. |
| Parging and water damage | If water is infiltrating from the outside, the parging will separate and fail. |
| Parging and limewash | Can be used together for a smoother/cleaner texture. |
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What You'll Learn
Painting fieldstone foundations can cause damage
One way to address this issue is by repointing, which involves removing deteriorated mortar and replacing it with fresh material to seal gaps between the stones. This process strengthens the home's structure and helps prevent water damage. However, if water infiltration is an issue, exterior excavation and installation of a perimeter drainage system may be necessary.
Some people consider painting their fieldstone foundations to improve aesthetics or protect against water damage. While painting can enhance the appearance of the foundation, it can also trap water behind it, leading to potential damage. Fieldstone foundations are designed to allow moisture to pass through, and applying paint can interfere with this function.
Lime mortar and parge coating are often used as alternatives to paint on fieldstone foundations. Lime mortar allows water to pass through and flexes with any shifting of the structure. Parge coating, a watered-down lime mortar, can be applied to fill cracks and create a smoother texture before finishing with a lime wash to brighten the area.
It is important to note that attempting to waterproof a fieldstone foundation from the inside can be detrimental. Dry-locking or using latex waterproofing products will trap moisture within the walls, leading to unseen damage over time. Instead, proper water management strategies, such as improving gutter systems and exterior drainage, are crucial to protecting the foundation's integrity.
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$85
Repointing and water management can prevent further damage
Simple steps like creating proper drainage and maintaining your gutter system can make a big difference. Direct downspouts at least 3 feet away from the foundation. Improve soil grading and drainage by adding soil to sunken areas or using a perforated pipe to improve drainage and prevent soil erosion.
Repointing a fieldstone foundation strengthens your home's structure and helps prevent water damage. The process involves removing deteriorated mortar and replacing it with fresh material to seal gaps between the stones. Begin by dampening the area with a masonry brush dipped in water to control dust and prepare the surface for new mortar. Use a pickaxe or chisel to carefully remove the existing mortar between the stones, setting aside any small stones that fall out to use later. After removing the old mortar, use a wet masonry brush to clean all the joints thoroughly, helping the new mortar stick better and last longer.
Mix Type N mortar with water and a bonding agent in a separate bucket. Type N mortar is softer than Type S and allows for some movement within the foundation. The bonding agent helps the mortar stick to the stones. Use a cement finishing trowel to place some mortar on its blade, then use a margin trowel to push the mortar into the joints of the fieldstone foundation. Replace any small stones that came loose earlier, using them to fill larger gaps. Continue until you've filled all the joints with mortar and small stones. Smooth the joints by finishing with a small, wet paintbrush to expose the aggregate for a natural look.
After repointing, take proactive steps to prevent future damage and maintain your foundation's integrity. Check under the stones for any sagging between the mortar joints and stones, and use the paintbrush to adjust as needed.
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Parge coating and limewash can be used for a smoother texture
Parge coating and limewash can be used to achieve a smoother texture on a fieldstone foundation. Parge coating is a very thin plaster coat applied to a wall to seal it from an airflow perspective. It is usually a couple of millimetres thick and is often made with lime plaster and plastering sand.
Limewash is a breathable paint finish made from crushed limestone that has been burned and mixed with water to form a mineral paint. It is then coloured with natural pigments. When applied to walls, it reacts with carbon dioxide in the air to create calcium carbonate, resulting in a soft matte finish with depth and natural movement.
To achieve a smoother texture, you can apply a parge coat between repointing and limewashing. Parge coating is a watered-down lime mortar that allows the wall to breathe, and limewash acts as paint. Before applying the parge coat, use a masonry brush to brush off any dirt or residue, and spray with water to ensure adhesion.
After applying the parge coat, wait for two weeks for it to partially cure before applying the limewash. This will give your fieldstone foundation a soft, matte finish with depth and natural movement.
It is important to note that painting a fieldstone foundation with regular paint is not recommended as it can trap water behind it, leading to potential damage. Fieldstone foundations are designed to allow moisture to pass through, so using lime-based products like limewash is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the stone.
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Lime mortar can be used to fill in cracks and gaps
Parge coating and painting a fieldstone foundation can be a tricky process. The main concern is that paint will trap water behind it, which can lead to water damage. Fieldstone foundations are designed to allow water and moisture to pass through, so using the wrong materials can cause more harm than good.
To fill in cracks and gaps with lime mortar, first, chisel out any compromised mortar. Then, mix the lime mortar, being careful not to add too much water, as this can cause the mortar to shrink and crack. Once the mortar is ready, use a trowel to push it into the joints of the foundation. Smooth the joints with a small, wet paintbrush to expose the aggregate for a natural look.
For smaller gaps and cracks, a lime putty filler can be used. This is a mix of hydrated lime and fine aggregate that provides a smooth finish. The filler can be pressed into cracks with a filler knife and smoothed with a wet blade as it dries. It is important to spray dry surfaces with water to ensure proper adhesion.
After repairing with lime mortar, a lime wash can be applied to brighten the area or update the colour. This acts as a paint but allows the foundation to breathe, preventing water damage.
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A dehumidifier can help keep the area less moist
Parging and painting a fieldstone foundation can be a complicated process, and it is important to consider the potential impact on the structure. One key consideration is moisture management. Fieldstone foundations are designed to allow moisture to pass through, and trapping water behind paint or other coatings can cause damage.
- A dehumidifier can help reduce moisture levels in the basement or affected area, which is important as fieldstone foundations are prone to moisture issues.
- By removing excess moisture from the air, a dehumidifier can help prevent water damage to the foundation and the surrounding structure.
- Dehumidifiers can be particularly useful if the fieldstone foundation is in an area with high humidity or frequent moisture infiltration.
- It is important to address the root cause of moisture issues, such as exterior drainage problems or damaged mortar, in addition to using a dehumidifier for ongoing moisture management.
- Regular maintenance and upkeep of the foundation, including repointing and repairing mortar joints, are crucial to preventing water damage and reducing the need for extensive dehumidification.
- While a dehumidifier can help manage moisture levels, it should be used in conjunction with other moisture management strategies, such as proper ventilation and exterior waterproofing techniques.
In summary, a dehumidifier can be an effective tool for keeping the area around a fieldstone foundation less moist. However, it should be part of a comprehensive approach to moisture management that includes preventative measures and ongoing maintenance.
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Frequently asked questions
No, painting a fieldstone foundation can damage the wall. Instead, use lime mortar to fill in cracks, gaps, and any other surface you want to improve, and then use lime wash to update the colour.
Fieldstone foundations are designed to allow moisture to pass through. Paint will trap water behind it, which will cause unseen damage over time.
First, clean and scrape off all loose paint or parge coating. Then, use lime mortar to fill in any cracks and gaps. Finally, use lime wash to update the colour.
