Masonry Cement
I want to patch up one of my basement stone walls. The stones are starting to powder after 100yrs. What is the best type of masonry cement to use? thx
I want to patch up one of my basement stone walls.
The stones are starting to powder after 100yrs.
What is the best type of masonry cement to use?
thx
What do you mean by “powdering”? What kind of stone is it? Some stones like limestone and marble can start to “sugar” or crumble, but I agree that it’s probably the mortar between the stones that’s eroded after 100 years. Or, if you’re seeing white powder, it’s could be efflorescence which means there’s a water problem to deal with, and repointing would do you better than just coating the wall with something.
Pig Three: That’s a great link!
Please make sure when removing the mortar and repoint with new mortar, you do it carfully, in small sections at a time and have area walls supported. You don’t want to have sections of stones to fall loose. Then you will have more problems. Good Luck.
I did ThoroSeal about 20 years ago & it’s still holding up.
I used a bonding cement, Type “E” and covered the stones with about an inch of cement. It worked out just fine and kept the water out too.
I do not think cement will stick to the stone wall easily. You can try one of the thoroseal cement thingy. It is applied with the brush.
http://www.oldlouisville.com/circa1900/brick-structures.htm
Read the link above first. Most likely the mortar is what is turning to dust, not the stone. If water is involved, you need to fix that first then repoint with the appropriate mix for your wall.
Portland Cement i guess. but you should try searching on the masonry stores around and ask them what would it be best for stones.