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Another mortar question
Well I have been using the pre mix lime based mortar and I am about to do some repoint work. But I wanted to ask about the foundation stones. The area of the foundation that you can see from the street is all nice cut sandstone (I think). The foundation area around the house past the parts of the house that jut out (and you can't really see if you drive by the house on the street) are made of all kinds of stones, or scrap stones I guess. I am not sure if it is slate, or river stones or what. But I was wondering if it would be OK to use regular cement, or newer masonry cement on these stones?
In the basement, the foundation looks to be made of the same kind of "scrap stones". I will take a picture and post it here in a few days. I am asking since the pre mix lime mortar is pretty expensive for a 32 lb bag...I could buy 5 bags of newer mortar with potland cement for 1 bag of the lime base stuff. I wouldn't use newer mortar on my soft bricks, because I know what the outcome would be :), and it wouldn't be good in the long run.
So any info would be helpful. I want to get working on the foundation asap, since a LOT of it needs repointed. Over the years, missing downspouts have washed away a LOT of the mortar on parts of the foundation, and I want to fix it.
But if it is necessary to use lime based stuff, then thats ok too. I will just suck it up and drive on. I wish I could make my own stuff, but I haven't found anyplace around here in Ohio that sells hydrated lime. Thanks in advance!
* Picture 1 is an example of my "nice cut stones"
* Picture 2 is an example of my "scrap" stones, that have some kind of newer mortar smeared all over the front of them. I think that was done maybe 20 years ago or so.
Views: 103
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Permalink Reply by Sean Maher on -
I've heard that too. "you won't be here when it fails" comment. The line between people who love old houses and those who don't becomes pretty clear at a time like that. It takes all kinds. Some will do anything to save money, others to save labor, and very few, to save a house.
I understand making a decision based on economics of labor. Knowing a choice you know will be disastrous for the building and doing it anyway, that I don't get.
Here is that picture that didn't load last time. Amazing how the improper repointing change the appearance of the wall. - Attachments:
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Permalink Reply by Martin on -
I think I need to add some gravel to my mixture. I was looking closer at the mortar in the foundation and I saw that there is quite a bit of small gravel in it. I think it was added as a kind of filler so the mortar would go further. I also realized the foundation was only painted once, and recently. I think while I am repointing I can use a soft brass brush, and the paint will come off..I was able to just brush some off with my hand..so we will see how this goes.
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