Mortar deterioration on internal support wall
We have a circa 1875 brownstone. The exterior walls are in excellent condition inside and outside, but we have noticed that there is a marked deterioration of the mortar between bricks in the internal support wall in our basement. The basement is frequently damp, though not particularly wet, and not necessarily where the worst deterioration…
We have a circa 1875 brownstone. The exterior walls are in excellent condition inside and outside, but we have noticed that there is a marked deterioration of the mortar between bricks in the internal support wall in our basement. The basement is frequently damp, though not particularly wet, and not necessarily where the worst deterioration has occurred.
Should we be looking first for a structural engineer to make an assessment, or do people routinely just get a tuckpointing job done on these bricks? The faces of some of the bricks is deteriorating as well (they really look like they’ve been exposed to external weather conditions rather than just being in a basement for 130 years).
I have the same problem. If you wouldn’t mind emailing me or posting what you end up doing and hiring. I have been eyeing my basement walls for a while now.
Alisacolley@aol.com
Tuck pointing and parging is exactly what you do. The bricks are simply wicking up moisture from the earth. This has nothing to do with dampness or pooling of water in the basement. If the bricks deteriorate to the point they are no longer structural, you can replace them one at a time. A skilled mason can handle this type of work.
Hello,
I had/ have the same problem in our basement with our piers.
The previous owner had “lolly” columns put in next to the brick piers that are crumbling.
This involved pouring a footing ( below the surface of the basement floor) underneath the lollies.
Then you can ,fix the brick piers / or (with an engineer consultation) remove them and be dust free, kinda 🙂
Good Luck
Jn@Lp
Call Leo at 1-347-543-8879 (preferably with a Spanish speaking friend, unless his son answers.)
He can repair and “parch” all foundation walls into a condition that will outlive any of us.
You can say Bruce recommended him.