What this covers
Stone masonry repair covers fieldstone foundations, stone walls, steps, columns and veneer. The mason removes loose or failed mortar, resets stones that have shifted, replaces any that have split, and repoints with a mortar matched to the stone and the age of the building. On older walls that means a lime-based mortar softer than the stone, so moisture can escape through the joints rather than through the stone. The mason also looks at what moved the wall in the first place: water from a downspout, frost, tree roots or a failed footing. Interior foundation walls are often repointed from inside the basement, and the work is paced so the wall stays stable.
When to call
- Stones loose or missing from a foundation, wall or steps.
- Mortar turning to sand and washing out of the joints.
- A damp basement wall with white deposits or crumbling joints.
- A stone wall bulging or leaning after a wet season or an earthquake.
What to expect
- InspectThe wall is checked for movement, water paths and the extent of failed mortar.
- Clean outLoose mortar and debris are removed from the joints without damaging the stone.
- Reset and repointStones are reset, replacements fitted, and joints packed with a compatible mortar.
- Cure and finishJoints are tooled and kept damp while they cure, and water sources are corrected.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Why lime mortar instead of cement?
Old stone and brick were laid in soft lime mortar. Hard cement mortar traps moisture and forces it through the stone, which spalls. A compatible mortar takes the wear instead.
Can a leaning stone wall be saved?
A slight lean with sound stone can often be stabilized. A wall that has bulged past its base is taken down and relaid on a corrected footing.
Can the work be done from inside a basement?
Yes. Fieldstone foundation walls are commonly repointed from inside, where the joints are exposed and the moisture problems show.
Related: Brick repair · Retaining walls · Foundation repair · All concrete and masonry
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.